Dance &

Movement

Days

Monthly movement workshops

celebrating embodiment, curiosity,

diversity and community.

Made possible with funding from the
St. Catharine’s Cultural Investment Program,
and the generosity of our venue partners.

Browse the workshops, get to know your instructors & pre-register below!

Register Now!

OCT

28

12-2pm

Improvisation and Instant Composition for Dancers with Vik Mudge

@ Robertson Theatre (FOPAC), 250 St. Paul St.

This workshop will guide dancers and movers through the basics of improvisation and movement research by exploring different exercises and prompts for movement. Each task will be a building block for the next exercise and participants will leave with a well-developed arsenal of improvisation skills. Once comfort with the basic improvisation skills is established, participants will break into groups and create fully fledged dance pieces using instant composition, aided by their new improvisation skills. The session will end with a “feestyle jam session” where we explore various (silly) prompts for our improvisation and instant composition alongside music that matches our prompts. This workshop is well suited towards movers who would consider themselves intermediate or advanced dancers as well as very brave beginners.

  • Vik Mudge (he/they) is a trans non-binary dance artist, choreographer and dance instructor from Niagara. Vik grew up surrounded by art and performance, having grown up dancing in a studio environment, as well as pursuing theatre performance as a teenager. From these experiences, Vik wants to create a landscape of performance and art that is safe for queer people and tells their stories in authentic and moving ways. As an adult, Vik works at several dance studios across Southern Ontario on top of pursuing his own creative endeavours such as a residency with Aeris Korper in 2022 and a co-mentorship with dance artist Sid Ryan Eilers in 2023. His most recent project was “The Body and The Brain”, an anthology dance show that was featured in the 2023 In The Soil Arts Festival. Vik is also currently working on a dance film for the St Catharines Cultural Innovation Project that they're hoping to premiere later in 2023.

NOV

25

12-2pm

Finding Flow: Somatic Movement and Floorwork with Dahlia Steinberg

@ Avenue Ballroom, 7 James St.

A somatic movement practice based on the element and qualities of water will gently guide participants towards experiencing fluidity and continuity of movement in relationship to their inner landscape, the floor and the space around them. Exercises based on Contact Improvisation principles for solo work and learned floorwork sequences will provide pathways for smooth transitions to and from the floor in improvisational explorations, supported by an inspiring mix of recorded music. Deep listening exercises help participants develop impulse awareness and authentic movement expression. An introduction to the action based language of laban movement analysis will provide further inspiration for movement creation in a safe and supportive environment.

All you need is a body, an open mind, comfortable clothes and a water bottle.
All levels of experience and movement backgrounds are welcome.

  • Dahlia teaches improvisation-based movement classes with a focus on healthy body mechanics and joyful, authentic self expression for all bodies who love to move. Her experience in contemporary/modern dance (professional training, choreography and performance 1994-2004), yoga and pilates teaching (2004-09) and the last 11 years as a Registered Massage Therapist is the foundation for her re-emergence as a movement artist, teacher and choreographer after early retirement in 2009 due to injury. She was the recipient of full subsistence and retraining grants from the Dancer's Transition Resource Centre (DTRC) in 2010 and Second Year Award in 2011, for which she's indebted to for her career as an RMT. After 30 years of experience including professional training at The School of Toronto Dance Theatre (1994-98), working as a guest artist/choreographer and movement coach for actors at Unionville Highschool Performing Arts Programs (dance and theatre departments), company member/collaborator with Motus 'O Dance Theatre 1999-2003, Independent Dance Artist/co choreographic collaborator/performer in "The Only Answer" with Valerie Calam at Ffida (2001), she gently returned to performance as a participant in Peggy Baker’s community project MOVE at the Hamilton Art Gallery in 2018. Shortly afterwards, Dahlia started offering Contact Improvisation workshops to St Catharines’ movement enthusiasts and just returned, post pandemic, to lead workshops again under the new name Experimental Dance and Performance Niagara (EDPN), which led to the inaugural performance opportunity for class participants with Femmes du Feu Creations, choreographed by her, alongside contemporary circus producer/performer and Artistic Director of FdFC, Holly Treddenick for the opening launch of this year’s 15th annual In The Soil Arts Festival and for "Belongings" at the Bank Art House in July, 2023.

DEC

30

12-2pm

Sparking Joy: Exploring Collective Movement and Resonance with Sean McClleland

@ The Niagara Artists Centre, 354 St. Paul St.

Rooted in Sean’s training at École Internationale de Théatre Jacques Lecoq in Paris, this workshop for all levels is centered on exploring the synchronicity and joie de vivre we can experience in finding flow and shared movement with others. Through guided exercises, we will explore free movement, breath, deep listening, and connection to your unique inner musicality. With the use of inspiration from different mediums such as paintings, poetry and music, we will examine the dynamics of movement in a group setting, and help connect you to your intuitive creativity while forging creative connections with others.

  • Sean Aileen McClelland is a physical theatre creator, musician, and teaching artist from St. Catharines, Ontario. A graduate of Brock University’s Dramatic Arts Program and École Internationale de Théatre Jacques Lecoq in Paris, Sean has performed, created, and trained professionally with companies within Canada and abroad for the past 10 years. Since the pandemic Sean has dove headfirst into the world of songwriting and is interested in further exploring and connecting the worlds of improvised movement and sound. Sean strives to use her skills to bring more empathy, imagination, and embodied play into our ever-changing world and hopes to continue creating connected experiences within communities near and far.

JAN

27

12-2pm

Movement for Everyday Life with Shannon Kitchings

@ The Central Library Atrium, 54 Church St.

This workshop incorporates gentle movement and connection to rhythm to allow participants to explore what their body can do today. Through a series of guided activities, everyone will have a chance to move in ways that feel good to them. People who have never experienced intentional movement, people with mobility challenges, seasoned artists, beginners, anyone with a bit of curiosity about moving in new ways and feeling good in their body are welcome. This space is designed for you to play, discover, and connect at your own pace.

  • Shannon Kitchings is a multi-discipline artist working in performance, literary arts, and somatic practice. For the past seven years, Shannon has been facilitating the Conscious Bodies method, developed by Andrea Nann and Dreamwalker Dance Company, as an opportunity for community building. Her research in voice and trauma has inspired her to explore the ways everyone, regardless of artistic training or experience, can communicate complex subject matter through the arts. This exploration is founded in embodiment. Shannon is a dancer, singer, actor, and poet.

FEB

24

12-2pm

Intersections of Mind and Body with Mayumi Lashbrook

@ The Green (Suitcase in Point), 36 James St., 3rd Floor

Tune into the body and release the mind. In this 2-hour workshop we'll explore improvisational structures and meditative movement patterns. Inspired from the Japanese performing arts, Mayumi will guide exercises that release the idea of self and aim to transcend space/time. Let go of habitual patterning and planning to welcome new possibilities for expression. Expose your humanity in this mindful practice available to all movers.

  • Mayumi Lashbrook (she/her) is a Japanese Canadian settler in Tkaronto who seeks to expose, challenge, and rectify systems of oppression by creating innovative, introspective and inclusive dance theatre. She sees embodiment as at the crux of world making, providing alternatives to unconscious thought, consumerism and oppression. Her primary practices span performance, choreography, education and Artistic Direction. Mayumi is the Artistic Director of Hamilton based Aeris Körper, a mentee of Denise Fujiwara of Fujiwara Dance Inventions and practitioner of Dreamwalker Dances' Conscious Bodies methodology.

MAR

30

12-2pm

Embodiment and Choreographic Explorations
with Skye Rogers

@ Carousel Players AEC, 366 St Paul St., 4th Floor

This workshop is for dancers, movers, and “normal people” alike! In the first half of our session, we will play curiously and explore the ways in which we can facilitate movement in our own bodies, using all of our senses. In the second half of the workshop, we will work together to discover how we can use gestures and different choreographic elements to create a sequence of movements that we can dance together!

  • Skye Rogers (she/her) is a multi-disciplinary performing artist, choreographer, producer, and arts educator based in Hamilton and the Niagara Region. With roots in dance, theatre, and music, her creative practice is dearly devoted to cultivating connection in both personal and communal spheres. She is a graduate of the Randolph College for the Performing Arts (Triple Threat Diploma, 2019) and Brock University (Studies in Arts and Culture Certificate, 2022).

    Skye has participated in Artist Residencies with Expect Theatre, Theatre Oculus, Suitcase in Point, Studio Kim Odine, and Eucharist Church, where she has developed a wide range of her own works, both independently, and in collaboration with other artists. Currently, she is currently a part of the 2023/24 cohort of RBC Apprentices with Musical Stage Co., as Apprentice Choreographer.

    Skye is focused on collecting new techniques and practices through performing and taking classes abroad, most recently visiting New York City for a “Creative Process Workshop” with immersive theatre company, Third Rail Projects, and performing in a dance piece entitled “ANATOMALIA” in Berlin, Germany last Fall. Skye’s most recent performances include “The Body & The Brain,” “Ruby,” and the Launch Party at the 2023 In the Soil Festival. Additionally, Skye opened an interdisciplinary, performing arts- meets-visual arts exhibition in Hamilton entitled “Good Ritual” in the late Summer. She looks forward to continuing to flourish artistically as she applies her never-ending learning to her creative process, and sharing those lessons with her community.

Ready to Get Movin’?

Register HERE!

Prices & Pass Info

  • Pay-What-You-Can!
    We suggest anywhere from $10-20, but please donate whatever is comfortable for you.
    On the Eventbrite, you can either choose to register (at no cost), and make your donation at the door (cash or e-transfer), or you can make your donation by card, right there!

  • $30 (+ $3.28 in Fees)
    Secure your spot for three classes for only $10 a class!
    On the Eventbrite, Please purchase your pass for one of the workshops you plan to attend, then use the Free Single Class Registration option for the other two!
    If you would like a pass but prefer to e-transfer, please email skyeeliserogers@gmail.com

  • $50 (+ $4.58 in Fees)
    Secure your spot for six classes for only $8.50 a class!
    On the Eventbrite, please purchase your pass for one of the workshops you plan to attend, then use the Free Single Class Registration option for the other two!
    If you would like a pass but prefer to e-transfer, please email skyeeliserogers@gmail.com

  • The workshops are created for a range of levels, and most are open to all levels! If you are curious to try something new, and willing to be brave, you are welcome! Some instructors have specified recommended levels, please read workshop descriptions to get a sense if it is suitable for you.

  • Please come dressed in clothes you can move in, bring a water (and snack if needed), and your donation (if you've only registered, and are able to donate!). Most importantly, come with an open mind & brave heart :)

  • Please pay what you are able. The recommended donation amount spans between $10-$20 dollars, however any amount is encouraged and welcome. Your presence is most valuable, please don't let money be a barrier!

  • There are class passes available at low rates, if you would like to make a lump donation to the project and plan to attend up to 3 or 6 classes. Once a class pass is purchased, we will contact you to register you for specific classes!

  • Each workshop takes place in a different venue in the Downtown core of St. Catharines. On weekends, parking is free at various city lots and street parking spots. You are also encouraged to take the city bus to the Downtown terminal; each venue is walking distance from there!

Frequently Asked Questions

F

A

Q

Still have lingering questions? Please email Skye at skyeeliserogers@gmail.com with any inquiries!

Project Support

Dance & Movement Days is made possible by the Culture Builds Community Grant from the St. Catharine's Cultural Investment Program, and the generosity of our Venue Partners, including: The First Ontario Performing Arts Centre, Avenue Ballroom, The Niagara Artists Centre, The St. Catharine's Public Library, Suitcase in Point Multi-Arts Company, and Carousel Players.
We are so grateful for their resources and support!