This program is a unique offering of foundational modern dance technique. Beginning at five years of age with Creative Dance and advancing to Modern Dance I, II & III with Horton-based technique, students are working with respected faculty who themselves are experienced teachers and performers. Students acquire strength, physicality, rhythm and proper body alignment as well as celebrating the expressivity of dance. Our Intermediate and Advanced Modern Ensemble students have the additional advantages of learning Cunningham and Graham technique in addition to a variety of repertory.
They also have performing opportunities with our Winter and Spring dance concerts, as well as participating in masterclasses throughout the year. Colburn Dance’s partnership with the Cunningham Trust enables our students to go beyond the technique and learn Merce Cunningham’s works directly from stagers who themselves worked with Merce. An incredible opportunity that expands the dancers understanding of the technique and furthers their artistic development. Colburn Dance is the only dance program on the West Coast offering these opportunities to middle school and high school aged students.
Our Creative Dance curriculum is designed for nurturing physical and cognitive growth, combining these goals with fundamental dance skills and joyful, creative expression. These classes can be a child’sfirst introduction to dance or a transition from Colburn’s Early Childhood Creative Arts Program.
Our creative dancers work with partners and small groups exploring key concepts – relationships, energy, space, time, and body awareness – learning to invent movement from within their own skills and movement history in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Auditions are not required. Classes recommended by age.
Our Creative Dance curriculum is designed for nurturing physical and cognitive growth, combining these goals with fundamental dance skills and joyful, creative expression. These classes can be a child’s first introduction to dance or a transition from Colburn’s Early Childhood Creative Arts Program.
Modern I introduces the dancer to the fundamentals of modern dance with an emphasis on developing body alignment and musicality. Focusing on creating physical and cognitive growth together with coordination, balance, and spatial awareness, the dancers experience the joy of physical, creative expression. All classes have a percussionist from our music faculty. Dancers will perform in the years culminating Spring Dance Concert.
Modern II continues building on the fundamentals of a Horton based technique, adding spinal articulation and continuing the development of their movement vocabulary. Phrases of movement across the space, with use of different levels are added to continue building physicality, musicality, andspatial awareness. All classes have a percussionist from our music faculty. Dancers will perform in the years culminating Spring Dance Concert.
Modern III continues developing the dancers’ modern fundamentals with additional focus on technique, alignment, strength and artistry. Ballet technique is added once a week, furthering their development and adding the necessary vocabulary. All classes have a percussionist from our music faculty. Dancers will perform in the years culminating Spring Dance Concert.
In addition to studying Horton and ballet technique at this level, students’ progress to training in the Cunningham technique which is unique in its core use of the torso, space and musicality. These classes continue to develop strength, physicality and artistry. Students will also have original dance works created on them, with performances.
At the most advanced level, students continue to study Cunningham, Horton and ballet technique, with the addition of a Graham technique class once a week. The focus in this level, while continuing to enhance general technique and strength, is the cultivation and development of personal artistry, learning repertory and playing an active part in creating works, culminating in performances.