Velocity Dance Center

Guest Artist Series Keith Johnson Choreographer
Keith Johnson / California
October 21st-28th

Technique Classes
Single Technique Class $13 / MainSpace
Advanced / Mon - Fri 9:30am - 11:30am / Sat 11:30am - 1:30 pm
Intermediate / 6pm - 7:30pm

Repertory Workshop
Tues - Fri 12pm - 3pm / Repertory Workshop Fee $120
Reperatory Showing / Sat 3pm / MainSpace
Pre-registration required for the workshop only, call 206.325.8773

Technique Class / Riding The Fall
As a teacher, choreographer, and performer, K eith is interested in momentum and how the ability to direct and re-direct it at any given time has a motional and emotional effect on both the performer and audience. This technique class will have an emphasis on alignment of the skeletal structure and the freedom this allows for expansive and dynamic movement. Class begins moving right away with simple weight shifts and directional changes that begin warming up the body. From there we move into a series of warm-up exercises that expand awareness of space and focus. Emphasis is placed on the movement and articulation of the torso and how material is threaded through the center of the body to the extremities. There is a lot of repetition of material and re-enforcement of conceptual ideas with a focus on breath, dynamics, and athleticism. The skeletal structure is not separated from the muscularity of the movement but both work together to generate the ability to ride momentum and falling as a means of traveling. Both center combinations and across the floor work will involve highly athletic material. Be prepared to move.

Repertory Workshop / Solo to Group / Collaborative Community
As a choreographer Keith is interested in material that is generated by individual dancers and blended with others to create a language rooted in collaboration. This workshop will begin with simple improvisational structures that build community and awareness of the group. Conceptual ideas are presented first in the development of solo material and then quickly used to build small group (duet, trio, and/or quartet) material. Structure and form are emphasized more than imagery. Partnering in non-traditional approaches will be a focus point in developing movement motifs. Material will also be generated from exercises emphasizing sound, environmental spaces, writings, and the body. This class is for anyone who wants to build material for future works. Intermediate/Advanced dancers and all dance makers are welcome. it is a class that spends more time physically investigating concepts as opposed to talking about them. The workshop will culminate in a showing on Saturday afternoon.

About the Artist:
Originally from Tempe, Arizona, Keith received his MFA from the University of Utah where he was awarded the Dee R. Winterton Award for Excellence in Dance. He has danced in the companies of Ririe-Woodbury, Creach/Company, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane and Doug Varone and Dancers. Keith Johnson/Dancers premiered in 1998 to favorable reviews in Los Angeles. Keith has been awarded the Choo San Goh Award for emerging choreographers as well as funding and support from the National Endowment for the Arts. keith is currently an Assistant Professor at California State University, Long Beach. In 2005, he was awarded the Most Valuable Professor in The College of the Arts at CSULB. He continues to freelance as a choreographer and teacher both nationally and abroad.

Last updated 9/12/06


			Guest Artist Series Keith Johnson / California October 21st-28th Technique Classes Single Technique Class $13 / MainSpace Advanced / Mon - Fri 9:30am - 11:30am / Sat 11:30am - 1:30 pm Intermediate / 6pm - 7:30pm Repertory Workshop Tues - Fri 12pm - 3pm / Repertory Workshop Fee $120 Reperatory Showing / Sat 3pm / MainSpace Pre-registration required for the workshop only, call 206.325.8773 Technique Class / Riding The Fall As a teacher, choreographer, and performer, K eith is interested in momentum and how the ability to direct and re-direct it at any given time has a motional and emotional effect on both the performer and audience. This technique class will have an emphasis on alignment of the skeletal structure and the freedom this allows for expansive and dynamic movement. Class begins moving right away with simple weight shifts and directional changes that begin warming up the body. From there we move into a series of warm-up exercises that expand awareness of space and focus. Emphasis is placed on the movement and articulation of the torso and how material is threaded through the center of the body to the extremities. There is a lot of repetition of material and re-enforcement of conceptual ideas with a focus on breath, dynamics, and athleticism. The skeletal structure is not separated from the muscularity of the movement but both work together to generate the ability to ride momentum and falling as a means of traveling. Both center combinations and across the floor work will involve highly athletic material. Be prepared to move. Repertory Workshop / Solo to Group / Collaborative Community As a choreographer Keith is interested in material that is generated by individual dancers and blended with others to create a language rooted in collaboration. This workshop will begin with simple improvisational structures that build community and awareness of the group. Conceptual ideas are presented first in the development of solo material and then quickly used to build small group (duet, trio, and/or quartet) material. Structure and form are emphasized more than imagery. Partnering in non-traditional approaches will be a focus point in developing movement motifs. Material will also be generated from exercises emphasizing sound, environmental spaces, writings, and the body. This class is for anyone who wants to build material for future works. Intermediate/Advanced dancers and all dance makers are welcome. it is a class that spends more time physically investigating concepts as opposed to talking about them. The workshop will culminate in a showing on Saturday afternoon. About the Artist: Originally from Tempe, Arizona, Keith received his MFA from the University of Utah where he was awarded the Dee R. Winterton Award for Excellence in Dance. He has danced in the companies of Ririe-Woodbury, Creach/Company, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane and Doug Varone and Dancers. Keith Johnson/Dancers premiered in 1998 to favorable reviews in Los Angeles. Keith has been awarded the Choo San Goh Award for emerging choreographers as well as funding and support from the National Endowment for the Arts. keith is currently an Assistant Professor at California State University, Long Beach. In 2005, he was awarded the Most Valuable Professor in The College of the Arts at CSULB. He continues to freelance as a choreographer and teacher both nationally and abroad. Last updated 9/12/06

			Velocity Dance Center \| 915 East Pine Street, Suite 200 Seattle, Washington 98122 \| 206-325-8773 © 2006 Velocity Dance Center. All rights reserved.