ABOUT THE SESSIONS:

Modern MOVES, Technique is high-energy and thought-provoking. Inspired by early American modern dance fundamentals, the class explores: spatial tension and resistance, using body weight as power to find suspension, being both on and off balance, body part articulation to locomote. Through use of breath and spatial awareness, dancers connect from the inside out, affecting and being affected by space.  Using biomechanics, the class is attentive to joint angles and bony landmarks to find efficiency of movement leading to injury-free, expressive, and athletic performance. Analyzing muscular actions, joint motion, and skeletal assessment aids in observation, class discussion, and building self-awareness. Working at various speeds and direction facings provides micro-challenges that test the core, promote stability, and challenge the mind. The class incorporates a “practice as performance” approach: technical exercises both strengthen the body and invite expression and attention. Students enter into a “classroom as lab” environment exploring concepts facilitated by the teacher, while self-guided, or through collaborative investigation; peer-to-peer feedback is a cornerstone. 

In Community CREATE, participants will explore the building blocks of choreography through improvisation prompts, guided tasks, and collaborative play. Emphasis will be placed on personal expression, decision-making, and translating ideas into movement. This class supports students in creating original material, individually and in groups, leading toward the culminating performance piece.

Pilates | Precision | Power is led by Company MOVER, Hannah Dillenbeck. Offering approaches designed to boost strength and flexibility while, Hannah builds connections to modern dance technique and repertory to provide tools for stability and injury prevention. She provides feedback and tailors the session to individual learners and provides scaffolding for all levels.

Dive into the heart of Ballaro Dance’s signature style—grounded, gestural, and emotionally resonant—in Ballaro MOVES, Repertory, Learn a selection from Company repertory focusing on dynamic phrasing, spatial awareness, musicality, and being human. Embody a work choreographed by Marisa f. Ballaro and learn how storytelling, gesture, and ensemble work intersect in professional choreography.

The weekend concludes with SEE + SHARE on Sunday, December 28 at 5pm. Invite friends and family into the studio to experience the work we’ve built as a community! Post-showing, we’ll share in refreshments and conversation to celebrate and connect.