Movement Classes

Open Body
This workshop is for dancers and actors who want to explore and develop their individual kinetic and creative expression. Using a variety of movement and vocal techniques derived from dance, Kundalini yoga, and Linklater voice work, the class will focus on developing a complete physical presence and awareness for the performer. We will work to develop proper alignment, increased flexibility in the muscles and joints, release tension, and develop spatial awareness. The goal is to create an open, breathing body that is ready to explore the connection between the emotional and physical self.

Dance & Text
A workshop for dancers who want to explore the use of text in choreography. To open the body and free the voice for emotional expression, we will begin the class with a warm-up that incorporates elements of release techniques. Dancers will bring spoken material to the workshop and through guided improvisations will create choreographic sequences that integrate movement and text. Using basic acting tools we will then explore how we can be fully grounded in our voice and body to express ourselves emotionally.

African-Carribbean Contemporary Movement with Pat Hall
Rooted in Haitian dance, Pat integrates the style of traditional African, Caribbean and contemporary dance forms.

Dances of the African Diaspora with Baraka de Soleil
A class that explores the rich traditions of the African diaspora through songs, rhythms and specific cultural movements.

Dialogue & Talkbacks
In conjunction with performances of Salt Chocolate, the company offers post-performance discussions with the cast and invited guest speakers. Topics include: The South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, forgiveness and reconciliation in our world today, the personal and political possibilities for apology and healing.

Commissioned Work for Theater and Dance Students

Adapting Literary Sources
Working from a literary source such as a novel or play, Ms. Lansner will adapt a text for a group of students. She will then teach and use her collaborative process of developing movement, verbal and non-verbal scenes to create a dance/theater work for performance.

Developing Original Scripts
Original scripts centered around a specific theme, ie: "fathers", "love", "the spirit", "joy", can also be written in the rehearsal process with the students. The material that is generated will then be developed into a dance/theater work through the teaching and use of the collaborative process to create movement, verbal and non-verbal scenes.