Curriculum
The curriculum at WMSDF is based on the theory that material is best learned when approached from many different angles. Our schedule makes it possible for full-time participants to attend all of the classes and workshops that we offer, and so to experience the full range of possibilities at the festival. In addition to technique and theory classes, participants can take a repertory and a composition class each day and have the opportunity to perform repertory in the weekend concert series. “Flip Days” will also be a part of the schedule, in which the anatomy class and composition class will switch spots so that anatomy happens during the day and composition at night. Our faculty combines forces each day to present a single dance or performance skill from their diverse perspectives. Participants are immersed in a complete dance experience.

  • 6:40a — 7:30a
    Pranayama (Yoga)
    ...

    Facilitates deep relaxation, full energy flow and an experience of harmony and unity through breath. Taught by Lauren Magarelli.

  • 7:30a — 8:10a
    Breakfast
  • 8:15a — 9:00a
    Pre-Technique
    ...

    Promotes strength and stamina and prepares the body for the rigorous demands of the day. Taught by Kate Trammel.

  • 9:00a — 12:00p
    Ballet and Modern
    ...

    Modern and ballet technique classes are offered every day. Participants may either take the upper level or lower level of both technique classes. These classes provide vital training for integrating alignment, movement skills, and spatial clarity. They emphasize ease, efficiency, musicality, and expression. The ballet class supplies serious ballet and modern students with intensive classical training. Modern technique is taught by Jim Lepore and Paul Dennis. Ballet technique is taught by James Martin.

  • 12:00p — 1:00p
    Lunch
  • 1:00p — 2:30p
    Composition / Bartenieff Fundamentals
    ...

    Participants will create and develop dance compositions that they will have the opportunity to perform at the weekly Creative concerts. This is a Laban-based composition class that builds on the theoretical material presented in the evening Laban Movement Analysis class.
    Irmgard Bartenieff's developmental movement Fundamentals™ are intended to help students find new approaches to movement efficiency and whole body integration through attention to breath support, weight shift and locomotion patterns.

  • 2:30p — 4:00p
    Repertory / New Creation
    ...

    Participants will either work with a faculty member who is creating a new work, or will learn a repertory work taught by members of the resident company or guest faculty. Works-in-progress and finished dances will be performed by participants at weekly Creative Concerts.

  • 4:15p — 5:45p
    Yoga
    ...

    A yoga class taught by Lauren Magarelli. Lauren's class is a mix of Hatha and Sivananda styles, with emphases on breath, release and proper placement.

  • 5:45p — 6:45p
    Dinner
  • 6:45p — 9:00p
    LMA/AK Theory
    ...

    Laban Movement Analysis — Introduces participants to Rudolf Laban's work on movement analysis, including ways of exploring and organizing space, shape and effort. This class encourages the exploration of personal style and vocabulary to increase dramatic range in performance, rehearsal and class environments. The composition section of this class builds on the LMA work as a tool for choreography.
    Anatomy and Kinesiology — A class on the functional anatomy of the living, moving, dancing body. Students learn basic anatomy as it functions in their own bodies with anatomical diagrams and movement explorations. Irmgard Bartenieff's developmental movement Fundamentals™ are intended to help students find new approaches to movement efficiency and whole body integration through attention to breath support, weight shift and locomotion patterns.