Breaking Down Floorwork Laboratory
Mar 12, 2023, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm EST
March 11 – 12, 2023
12:00 pm-4:00 pm daily
Gibney 280 Broadway
$100
In this two-day, laboratory-style workshop we will delve into the finer details of our relationship to the floor. We will discuss anatomy, tone and quality in the body, as well as different kinds of imagery we can utilize to befriend the floor as our first partner. By working solo, partnered, and in small groups, we will break down sequences and patterning in relationship to the floor – we will explore momentum, pathways, and the relationship of head/tail and core/distal in order to re-orient our bodies on this horizontal plane.
The only goal of this workshop is for you to leave with a more easeful relationship with the floor than when you came in. If you have found yourself bruised or creaky or feeling frustrated after working with the floor in the past, this is the class to come ask questions, take your time and really break things down. Bring your concerns, queries, and sticking-points, as well as clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. All levels welcome.
If you are interested in this offering but cost of tuition is a barrier for you, please contact classes@gibneydance.org with a statement of need. No one will be turned away for lack of funds!
ABOUT LEAH WILKS
Leah is a choreographer, dancer, and teacher based out of Brooklyn, NY (Munsee Lenape and Canarsie land), originally hailing from NC (Eno, Lumbee, Shakori, Sissapahaw, and the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation land). At times, she is also a gardener, an elder companion, musician, facilitator, and writer. Her research revolves around embodied memory, death and dying practices, ritual, endurance, and sweat.
Most recently, Leah has been a performer/collaborator in projects with Okwui Okpokwasili, Kendra Portier|BAND, Nicola Bullock, Anna Barker/Real Live People, Sara Hook, and Tommy DeFrantz/SLIPPAGE. She has taught at Gibney, MOtiVE, ADF, Ponderosa, the Hemispheric Institute, and a slew of universities, including Elon, Lawrence, NC State, UNC-G, UNC-CH, UIUC, UMich, and Montclair State. Leah holds an MFA in Dance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she received awards for both her teaching and choreography. She is a 2023 artist in residence at MOtiVE, as well as a MacDowell fellow with collaborator Mauriah Kraker (L+M).
About Gibney’s Education Program
Through the cultivation of an inclusive and positive space, our offerings make space for exploration, risk-taking, personal and artistic growth, connection, and fun. It is our priority to listen to and support our community and to empower future leaders of the field. Learn more.
Photo By: Hannah Larson.
Photo Description: Leah (a white, curly-haired femme wearing soft grey pants and a white shirt) is lying on their back on a grey marley floor, body curved in a C-shape to their left side.