SpringboardX Pop-Up Series with Spenser Theberge

A series of pop-up fundraising workshops in collaboration with Gibney.

Presence as Practice

This workshop will use improvisation, composition, and conversation to explore the value of presence in movement research and generation.  Organization, coordination, and musicality will be at the heart of this workshop, as will individuality and inclusivity.  Instead of asking ourselves to fit a prescribed mold or expectation, this class empowers the dancer first — using presence as a tool for each dancer to research their own body, own interests, and own dance values.

About Spenser Theberge

Spenser Theberge is a performer and creator based in Los Angeles.  His work, both independently and in collaboration with partner Jermaine Spivey, has been commissioned and supported by LA Dance Project, Goteborgs Operans Danskompani, The Broad Museum, NAVEL, REDCAT, Korzo Theater, MOCA Geffen, The Frankfurt LAB, CalArts, and Springboard DanseMontreal, among others.  Spenser also works as a Movement Director on projects ranging from Taylor Swift to the New York Times Magazine, and as a text writer for choreographers Alexander Ekman and Astrid Boons.  He is a former company member with Nederlands Dans Theater I & II and The Forsythe Company, as well as a guest artist with Kidd Pivot, Goteborgs Operans Danskompani, the ARIAS Company, and RGWW.  Spenser is currently on faculty at the CalArts School of Dance, and is a Princess Grace Award winner, a YoungArts winner, and a Presidential Scholar in the Arts.

About SpringboardX Pop-Up Series

Slip into the universes of seven unique artists who are navigating and transforming the fabric of our field. The series of 3-hour pop-up workshops offers an opportunity to broaden your perspective through physical exploration and open dialogue.

Held virtually, each 3-hour pop-up will include a warm-up, repertoire or exploration, and a meet-the-artist talk. Springboard Artistic Director Alexandra Wells and members of the creative core team are excited to observe the workshops.

Explore the list of artists for the Spring Pop-Up Series:
SBX Pop-Up artists: Jermaine Spivey, Peter Chu, Spenser Theberge, Roger Van der Poel, Johannes Wieland, Lea Ved, Dana Pajarillaga.

About Gibney’s Training 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 the future leaders of the field. Learn more

Gibney encourages people with disabilities to attend online classes, and we welcome the opportunity to make this event more accessible. Live captioning through Otter Transcription is available for all online classes by request. If you have any questions or access needs, please email us at classes@gibneydance.org or call us at 212-677-8560 (voice only) 24 hours in advance of the class you plan to attend.

Photo by Josh Rose.