CriticalDance Forum

People are always asking me about summer intensives and summer schools for adults in the UK. I know they can be hard to find, so here are some brief details of four that I know are happening this year. If you know of others, add the details!

Although some of these include ballet classes, the focus is very much on contemporary dance. One of these days someone will pluck up the courage to put on a ballet summer intensive for adults. There is a long-established one in the US in Richmond, Virginia and I think there could be a demand here too. There’s a challenge for someone to take up!

OK, here’s the list...

The Place Summer Intensives
Monday 24 July-Friday 11 August

Three weeks of classes and workshops at The Place, near Euston Station in London. Each week features a programme of five day courses in contemporary dance and ballet technique, performance, repertory and complimentary training for all levels. Teachers include Rachel Krische, Lai-sheung Chan, Christina Comtesse, Kim Jones, Isabel Mortimer, Christine Tanner and many others.

The week 1 repertory workshop is with Rosemary Butcher, while those for week 2 are with the Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company and Kim Jones from the Martha Graham Company.

The whole of week 3 is a teaching residency from the Richard Alston Dance Company, with classes and repertory workshops by company teachers, members and Richard Alston himself.

Prices are from £55 for one class for five days.

More details from http://www.theplace.org.uk (under adult classes and courses, short courses).

Laban Summer School
Monday 17-Friday 28 July

A series of core technique classes in contemporary dance, ballet and jazz complimented by other movement practices including choreography, physical theatre, contact improvisation, yoga, tai-chi and capoeira. Teachers include Lyndsey McConville, Vicky Evans, Christine Tanner, Kathy Crick, Athina Vahla and many others.

Held at the Laban Centre, Deptford, London.

Participants must book for the full two weeks, with four classes per day Monday-Friday.

Course fee is £450. Accommodation can be arranged for £325.

More details from http://www.laban.org.

Rambert Dance Company Summer School
Monday 31 July-Friday 4 August

For dancers, teachers and students of intermediate/advanced level.

Each day consists of a technique class (4 days contemporary dance, 1 day ballet), repertory workshop, choreographic workshop, and a complimentary subject with members of the company.

£240 for the week (£210 concession).

The Summer School takes place at the Company’s studios in Chiswick High Road, London.

More details from http://www.rambert.org.uk (and go to Education).

Open Dance Group Summer Workshops
Thursday 24-Monday 28 August

I have a personal interest in this one as I am organising it this year!

A different format, with a different guest teacher on each of the five days. Each day begins with a contemporary technique class before moving on to repertory and/or creative work.

Aimed at all levels although generally attracts regular class attendees, secondary and college teachers and dance enthusiasts.

This year’s teachers are Ben Duke (Lost Dog, Thursday), Lin Ya-wen (Cloud Gate Dance Theatre, Friday), Mikaela Polley (Rambert Dance Co, Saturday), Anh Nguyen (Random Dance Co, Sunday) and Stephanie Schober (Stephanie Schober and Dance Co, Monday). Note that Mikaela and Anh will be using their own choreographies - they will not be doing company work.

Held at the Open University , Milton Keynes.

Fees are £22 per day.

There’s no website. Booking is not yet open, but to get a leaflet when it goes out, e-mail opendancegroup@yahoo.co.uk.

Thank you, David!

Yes, that's a super compendium of information, David.

If anyone has any other information about similar summer schools in the UK or Continental Europe, please put them here.

Laban Summer School 2006

LABAN
Creek side
London
SE8 3DZ
WWW.LABAN.ORG


Laban Summer School
17 – 28 July 2006
£450

Train intensively for two weeks with experienced teaching staff in Laban’s state of the art building. Laban’s summer course is ideal for absolute beginners, those who wish to refresh their skills, and those considering professional dance training. Choose from a range of technique classes including; Contemporary Dance, Classical Ballet and Jazz Dance. In addition to this, there are complementary classes in Choreography, Pilates, Yoga, Physical Theatre, Tai Chi, Capoeira and Contact Improvisation.

To apply, please contact Liz Atkin on 020 8691 8600 or email l.atkin@laban.org


Travel Information:

Laban is outside the congestion charge area and is located in travel Zone 2 midway between Greenwich and Deptford.

Mainline train stations: Deptford and Greenwich from London Bridge, travel time approximately 8 minutes. Docklands Light Railway (DLR): Greenwich, Cutty Sark and Deptford Bridge are a 10-minute walk from Laban. Underground: New Cross, New Cross Gate and North Greenwich underground stations are a short bus ride from Laban. Bus: Numbers 47, 53, 89, 177, 180, 188, 199, 225 and 453 followed by a short
walk.

Open Dance Group Summer Workshops 2007

The Open Dance Group are holding their usual summer workshops in Milton Keynes this year. Aimed at anyone 16 and over, the 2007 programme is:

Thursday 23rd August - Phil Hill (Proten Dance)
Friday 24th August - Hsieh Ming-fei (Cloud Gate)
Saturday 25th August - Rosie Kay (Rosie Kay Dance Co)
Sunday 26th August - Matthias Sperling (Random Dance Co)

Each day has a mix of technique class and creative work leading to a sharing.

Full details can be obtained by e-mailing opendancegroup@yahoo.co.uk.

Once again, David, thanks for posting this very helpful information. It can be so difficult to find information on workshops and intensives for adults.