Summer DanceLab 2024

Summer DanceLab 2 0 2 4 www.ngcfddt.org

Informational Guide

Mon Jun 17th, 2024 - Sat Jul 13th, 2024 Location: Univ of MD, Dance Dept Studios The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center University of Maryland, College Park, Md 20742-1625

Table of Content Mission, Vision, Goal - Pg. 1 Program - Pg. 2 History Facilities Schedule and Curriculum Dancer Division & Level - Pg. 4 Lower Division Level I Welcome to Summer DanceLab 2024!

Summer DanceLab is Dissonance Dance Theatre’s pre-professional dance program.

Summer DanceLab is an annual dance training and exposure program, that aids youth with aspirations for careers in dance performance and/or its supportive sectors.

Students have departed Summer DanceLab with pre-professional dance training experience, referrals for college and entry-level positions in our professional contemporary ballet company Dissonance Dance Theatre.

Since 2014, Summer DanceLab has been proud of its artistic and educational accomplishments assisting young dancers in their dancer pursuits.

We invite you to become a part of our growing success at becoming a leading dance organization in the Washington, DC area.

Yours in Dance, Shawn Short, MFA Founding Director Dissonance Dance Theatre Ngoma Center for Dance

Upper Division Level II Level III College Referral & Job Training Opportunities - Pg. 7 Trainee/Apprentice Auditions College/Secondary School Recommendations Tuition And Fees - Pg. 7 Lodging/Housing Options - Pg. 8 Faculty Bios - Pg. 9

*Dissonance Dance Theatre is the professional company of Ngoma (N-Go-Mah) Center for Dance.

Ngoma is the parent organization.

Ngoma Center for Dance (N-Go-mah) is a 501(c)3 arts organization whose mission is to provide a conduit between multicultural dance artists, and their enthusiasts, across generations and social classes, with a deeper understanding of the art of dance through intense community integration, inspirational performance, competitive training, and artist development.

Why Summer DanceLab? Many dance spaces provide dancers with physical enjoyment. At Ngoma Center for Dance we believe in moving with intelligence. Our master teachers enjoy dancers who are “rough around the edges” to refined dancers seeking a space to explore new direction in their dancing.

Concert Or Commercial Dance Industry?

Most summer intensive programs focus on concert dance (classical ballet, modern dance company repertoire), or commercial workshops (heels, hip hop, etc...). Summer DanceLab understands that the industry is not solely one or the other. Dancers need a fluid and diverse background to thrive in dance, period.

Who Should Come To Summer DanceLab? Dancers who are looking for answers to technique challenges, fresh perspectives in dance styles, and physical challenge ( you will sweat - smile).

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D

About Participation in a summer intensive program is an important investment in a young artist’s future. Starting in 2007, Dissonance Dance Theatre has been providing quality arts programming to aspiring and professional dancers. DDT’s parent organization - Ngoma Center for Dance - in 2012 continued and enhanced DDT’s capacity to serve communities at large.

Since 2014, Summer DanceLab provides an opportunity for aspiring - 7 year olds through young adult - dancers to train in a pre-professional dance environment: training eight hours a day, from one to four weeks of dance study during the summer. Students will be completely immersed in dance and will obtain invaluable dance training that enriches and complements their previous dance education.

World Class Facilities Come experience the Clarice! Since opening in 2001, the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center has become a cultural force in the metropolitan Washington, DC area, known for adventuresome programming in dance, theatre, music and interdisciplinary art. Six performance spaces, four dance studios, a performing arts library, rehearsal halls and meeting rooms make the Clarice a state of the art facility!

Schedule and Curriculum Named “One of the 11 small-but-mighty dance companies outside of LA and NYC” by Dance Spirit Magazine, Dissonance Dance Theatre staff and dancers, along with local and national guest teachers conduct five classes daily.

Students attend classes Monday through Friday. Weekday classes are scheduled between the hours of 8:30am and 5:10pm. The core curriculum includes ballet, modern/contemporary, and jazz dance techniques with masterclasses in bodywork (somatics), hip-hop, African, choreography, and acting.

Audition & Registration All students must audition for acceptance into our Summer DanceLab program.

Audition Dates: Jan 28th, 2024 (Memphis) Feb 11, 2024 (Scholarship) Mar 3, 2024 (DC area) Mar 24, 2024 (DC area) Audition Fee:$15 Registration: 3:30pm-4:00pm Auditions: 4:00pm-6:00pm *Audition results will be given at the end of audition or emailed within two weeks of the audition; depending on the number of auditionees. Upon acceptance, the student’s spot will be guaranteed for two weeks after we receive their $200 deposit. If not received, the student’s space will no longer be guaranteed and registration will be done on a first come, first serve basis.

The summer will finish with studio performances, and observation classes showcasing the talent, artistry, and development of our participants.

Additionally, advance students will have the opportunity to audition for trainee and apprenticeship positions with Dissonance Dance Theatre. Schedule is subject to change. The 2024 summer class schedule will be emailed to enrolled students in April.

Outside of dance studios 1 & 2

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Professional and Spacious studios,

waiting areas, and locker rooms await young dancers.

In the studios, dancers are cultivated through solid dance technique, enlightening masterclasses and thought-provoking wrap sessions around professional dance endeavors.

Studio Dimensions Dance Studio 1 56.5 feet x 33 feet Dance Studio 2 59’ 11” x 39’ 6” Choreography Studio Beginner Students 47 feet x 29 feet

Dance Studio 2

Dance Studio 1 Dolly National Tour 2019 “Barnaby”/Former DDT Dancer Sean Burns after teaching masterclass

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Level I

Summer DanceLab - Lower Division

Description: Ages: Seven to 12 years old. None to minimal experience needed

Daily Schedule

This level is designed to enhance and expand the student’s knowledge, technical proficiency and performance quality in classical ballet, modern, jazz, and contemporary. Students will gain an understanding of the basic principles, vocabulary, poses & positions of the above styles; introducing centerwork, adage/adagio, allegro basics.

Afro - Modern 8:30am - 10:00am

Focus and Emphasis * Learn proper body alignment along with flexibility, strength, posture, balance, expression and movement quality. * Learn and execute all components of a class. * Understand a working knowledge of fundamental Classical Ballet history and vocabulary.

Lunch 11:45am - 12:45pm

Jazz 10:10am - 11:40am

Ballet 12:50pm - 1:50pm Acting 2:00pm - 3:30pm Choreography Lab 3:40pm - 5:15pm *Classes are subject to change.

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Summer DanceLab - Upper Division

Level II Daily Schedule Description: Ages: 12-16 years old. Three years of pre-professional experience required This level is designed to enhance and expand the student’s knowledge, technical proficiency, and performance quality in classical ballet, modern, jazz, and contemporary dance styles. To continue to develop the student in the rigors of the above styles, through advance beginning/intermediate skills including the use of demi-pointe, pirouettes (intro), batterie, and grand allegro steps.

Focus and Emphasis * Continue the learning and usage of proper body alignment along with flexibility, strength, posture, balance, expression, and movement quality.

Modern 8:30am - 10:00am Ballet 10:10am - 11:40am Stretch 11:45am - 12:45pm Lunch 12:50pm - 1:50pm Jazz 2:00pm - 3:30pm

* Facilitate learned skills throughout all components of the class.

Choreography/Rep 3:40pm - 5:10pm

* Students will begin to utilize their working knowledge of dance fundamentals.

*Classes are subject to change.

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Summer DanceLab - Upper Division

Level III Description: Ages: 16 – 24 years old.

Four years of pre-professional experience required This level is designed to enhance and expand the student’s knowledge, technical proficiency and performance quality in classical ballet, modern, jazz, and contemporary dance. To continue to develop the student in the rigors of the above styles, through intermediate/advance skills including the use of continuous demi pointe work, tournant, batterie, and grand allegro steps. Class combinations are quick and require a refined technical approach to classwork.

Focus and Emphasis * Begin to master proper body alignment along with flexibility, strength, posture, balance, expression and movement quality; additionally adding learned kinesthetic/somatic education. * Utilize classes to enhance and synthesize dance training: cognitively and physically.

Daily Schedule Ballet 8:30am - 10:00am Modern 10:10am - 11:40am Jazz 11:45am - 1:15pm Conditioning 1:20pm - 2:20pm Lunch 2:20pm - 3:30pm Choreography/Rep 3:40pm - 5:10pm *Classes are subject to change.

* Apply knowledge of fundamental classical ballet and modern dance history and vocabulary to all classes and choreographic assignments.

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We Believe in Progress College Recommendations & Job Training College/Secondary Recommendations We all need assistance in getting to where we want in life. Dance is no exception. As an added bonus to participating in our program, students needing written recommendations to performing arts programs may request one written by our Director Shawn Short. Students must attend four weeks of the intensive, for staff to better understand and evaluate student’s talent.

Trainee/Apprentice Audition During our Summer program, we offer a trainee/apprentice audition for prepared dancers interested in our year-long program dancing along Dissonance Dance Theatre.

The Trainee /Apprentice program nurtures and develops dancers, 18 - 25-years-old, interested in contemporary and classical ballet forms of dance.

Since its humble beginnings, trainee dancers have received scholarships to nationally-ranked schools, college dance programs and dance company apprenticeships.

Tuition and Fees Tuition only (no boarding) Students are dropped off and picked up Level I - Level III $1,800.00 $1,000.00 Students who attend any combination of weeks pay the same tuition, allowing increased student accessibility Additional Fees Late Fees $50 – $100 $220.00—Parking Pass—Four Weeks *(Passes cost $55.00/Week) *Pass pricing subject to change.

Before and After Care Included All tuition monies are due May 1, 2024 Financial assistance is available through application to accepted dancers.

Dancers receive contemporary ballet technique classes four days a week. In addition, these emerging dancers work with Dissonance Dance Theatre dancers: gaining valuable work experience and the chance to work with guest choreographers and artists during DDT’s theatrical season. Selected trainees have the opportunity to perform at community engagements, artistic events and Dissonance Dance Theatre productions. Trainees are provided scholarships for Ngoma Center for Dance drop-in classes and workshops.

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Lodging/Housing Options

Summer DanceLab 2024

No Boarding Options This Year at UMD

Dates: Mon June 15th, 2020 - Sat July 11th, 2020

Other housing options include AirBnb, Homestay.com, and College Park Marriott Hotel. See more option on our website (www.ngcfddt.org)

Dates to Remember Two Weeks After Acceptance $200 Deposit is Due May 1, 2024 Final Tuition Payment Due May 10, 2024 Uniform Information Released To Parents/Students Summer DanceLab Tuition Refunds We understand situations may occur.

Ngoma Center for Dance provides refunds through the below policy.

Location: Univ. of MD, Dance Dept Studios 3800, The Clarice Perf Arts Center College Park, MD 20742-1625 Main Faculty: Shawn Short, BFA, MFA Kareem B. Goodwin Invited Guest Faculty: May Kesler, MA, MS, MTh, PT Kevin McEwen Kankouran Dance Company Luigie Barrera Dissonance Dance Theatre Ballet Philippines Guest Faculty Confirmed June 1, 2024 DDT’s Summer DanceLab is a program of Ngoma Center for Dance a D.C. 501 (c) 3 arts non-profit.

100% Up till three weeks before the first day of the program 50% One week before the first day of the program 25% First three days into the program 0% – After day four

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Main Faculty Bio

* Faculty subject to change without notice.

Shawn Short, MFA Summer Director/ Ballet & Choreography Faculty Shawn is the founder, Producing Artistic Director and Principal Choreographer of Dissonance Dance Theatre. In addition to his role as producing artistic director and principal choreographer of Dissonance Dance Theatre, Shawn is the founder and director of Ngoma Center for Dance (Ngoma). For Shawn, Ngoma is central to the life and development of Dissonance Dance Theatre. Just as he expects the finest dancing and most meticulous attention to detail from his dancers, he demands the highest standards for training at Ngoma.

Growing up in the Washington, DC area. Shawn has studied with nationally and internationally acclaimed artists including faculty and dancers from Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, Lines Ballet, Washington Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Dance Institute of Washington, Dance Alloy, Philadanco, Towson University, Baltimore and Duke Ellington School of Performing Arts. As a student of ballet pedagogy, Shawn studied with John White, Margarita De Saa and the Washington School of Ballet Director Kee Juan Han. Shawn is a Pointe Magazine’s Video of the Month Editors’ Choice award recipient for his contemporary ballet work “Caught” in 2013. He is a 2016 Black Enterprise Magazine Modern Man (BEMM) 100 Men of Distinction Recipient. A 2014 Princess Grace Award (NYC) in Choreography nominee, Shawn holds a BFA in Musical Theatre with a minor in Theatre Management from Howard University and a MFA in Dance at University Of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a focus on dance history, arts administration and somatics.

He is a former professor of Classical Ballet at Catholic University of America. Shawn is a former fiscally sponsored artist through the New York Foundation for the Arts. Shawn has choreographed for The Dance Institute of Washington and The Washington Ballet School of Ballet at THEARC. His has presented his works at the Capital Fringe Festival, Greater Washington Urban League National Conference, Southeastern University, Artists’ Bloc 12X6 Series, Harke Theatre, Jack Guidone Theatre Space, Lang Theatre, Atlas Theatre Complex Lab II Theatre, THEARC Theatre, Joe’s Movement Emporium, DC Parks and Recreation, Sidney Harman Hall, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, PBS Broadcasting, VelocityDC, and Brooklyn Arts Exchange. Shawn was the Resident Choreographer for the Kelsey Collie Children’s Theatre for six years.

In education, Shawn has developed and implemented dance curriculum and programs for: Catholic University of America’s Musical Theatre program, Adventure Theatre-MTS, Imagination Stage Dance Division, Kelsey Collie Children’s Theatre Experience, PG County Schools, Dance Institute of Washington, Washington Ballet @THEARC. His performance credits include work with K2 Dance, Adrian Bolton Dance, El Tearto de Danza Contemporeanea El Salvador, and Bolton/Smith. He has also served as a guest artist with Dance Alloy in Pennsylvania. He has been commissioned by Catholic University of America’s Benjamin T. Rome School of Music to choreograph “Mother’s Blood”(2008), VF Dance Theater for their Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts to choreograph “ Genotype Called Love” for their Terrace Theatre production of “Futurology” (2012).

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Kareem B. Goodwin, Modern/Afro Jazz

a native of Philadelphia, PA began his dance training at the Point Breeze Performing Arts Center in 1998, where he formally began his dance training under Charon Mapp, Wayne St. David, Anthony Burrell and Faye Snow. He attended The University of the Arts where he studied Jazz Dance with an emphasis in Choreography studying under instructors Molly Misgalla, Donald Lusnford, Andrew Pap, Scott Jovovich, Karen Brown and Kim Bears-Bailey.

As a performing artist, he has had the pleasure of being in the presence of and working with such choreographers as Christopher L. Huggins, Louis Johnson, Ronen Koresh, Gary W. Jeter II, Zane Booker and Arthur Mitchell. He serves as guest faculty at the Rock School of Dance Education. In the summer of 2015, Kareem received the Eleone Dance Theatre “E” Award for Excellence for his contributions to Dance Education and Mentorship. He is also Resident Choreographer of Dissonance Dance Theatre.

May Kesler, MA, MS, MTh, PT Floor Barre

With more than 50 years of dance training and 33 years of experience and in-depth physical therapy training, May Kesler has brought her healing touch and expertise in physical and massage therapy and movement dynamics to many people. May graduated from Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, School of Physical Therapy, in 1982, and has 29 years of experience as a physical therapist as well as being a licensed massage therapist. She specializes in the integration of manual therapies such as myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, mobilization, trigger point release, somatoemotional release, lymphatic drainage, and visceral manipulation. She adds her more than 50 years of experience as a dancer and her studies in Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais Technique, yoga, and Pilates to her work in exercise and movement reeducation. Most recently, she has become the only physical therapist in the USA to become a Certified Zena Rommett Floor-Barre Teacher.

She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the International Association of Health Care Practitioners and the American Bodyworker Massage Professionals.

Kevin McKwen, MA African

A native of Brooklyn New York, Kevin holds an MA Student in Dance Education: Teaching Dance in the Professions at NYU Stienhardt. His dance focus is on African dance techniques from the countries of Mali and Senegal. Kevin is also versed in Afro Cuban, Haitian Folkloric, and various Modern/Contemporary techniques. He is currently the West African dance instructor for the Gloria Eve Performing Arts Foundation Inc, located in Hempstead, New York. When Kevin isn’t dancing, he gives lectures on African Diasporic culture, covering a wide range of topics such as the importance of “Dance Lineage” within the fusion of Caribbean dances, to the benefits of using traditional West African dance forms in treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Anthony Spivey, BFA Modern/ Stretch & Conditioning

Anthony joined Dissonance in 2017. Originally from Mississippi, Anthony began his dance training at Mississippi’s School of Arts and moved to Montgomery, AL to study on scholarship at Alabama State University. Graduating with high honors, he received his BFA in dance from ASU. Within his matriculation, he had the privilege of training with artists and choreographers such as Roger C. Jeffrey, Thang Dao, Yin Yue, and Alonzo King of Lines Ballet. Company credit includes performances with the Montgomery Ballet.

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Tony Thomas, Jazz

New York-based artist, Tony has toured, performed, and worked as a professional entertainer and designer, scoping a range of television, film, stage, and architecture. In performance, he was featured as Joseph in Theatre Alliance’s production of Black Nativity, in the Olney Theatre Center’s production of Guys & Dolls, and the Fringe Festival where he was honored to star as Renell Gonsalves, alongside renowned jazz saxophonist, David Yarborough, in Paul Gonsalves on the Road. After completing the national tour of West Side Story, Tony was featured in A Chorus Line as Richie at the Olney Theatre Center, where the cast won the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Musical. As a choreographer, Tony was nominated for his work by the Helen Hayes Awards, for Outstanding Choreography in a Play – Word Becomes Flesh. Expanding his opportunity even further, he was honored with the opportunity to work alongside celebrated director Psalmayene24 in his children’s hip-hop story, The Freshest Snow Whyte at Imagination Stage and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown with theatre master, Aaron Posner. Other local guest artist, workshop, and choreography credits include, Studio Theatre, Forum Theatre, Mosaic Theatre, Anacostia Playhouse, Signature Theatre, and Constellation Theatre.

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Ngoma Center for Dance (c) 2024