Dynamic, Physical, Personal Exploration, and Intensive Workshops: A body and mind challenge that pushes dancers and artists to their limits.
In Dana Raz’s methodology, movement’s cornerstone rests within the body’s center of gravity, an abstract yet pivotal point primarily situated in the abdominal region for dance. From this central axis, movement initiates, often in a circular trajectory, with each outward extension ultimately converging back to this core. This technique not only identifies this anatomical locus physically but also recognizes it as a catalyst driven by intrinsic urges and aspirations for movement, intimately linked to our cognition, emotions, and human needs.
The methodology dances along the delicate balance between classical and contemporary techniques, gracefully bending to embrace new avenues of exploration in movement patterns. Concepts like control, action-reaction, gravity, release, and rhythms are not merely taught but ignited within the student, igniting a dynamic interplay between body, mind, space, and the dancer’s innermost emotions.
For Dana Raz, professional training is grounded in discipline, personal challenge, and the unbreakable bonds of solidarity among dancers. These pillars pave the way for profound growth, both in technical prowess and the development of a rich artistic persona.
According to the objective defined by the group that requested the workshop, the sessions are being adapted and giving priority to certain skills over others, so it will be exact and enriching for the participants. But there are patterns of work that always present such as: Improvisation guided by imagination, images, textures and sensations, research of movement by technique, dynamic work, creative process and floor work. Each session of workshop is planned as a Dance laboratory, where we are “dropping” tasks into the work research and with the baggage of skills , each one of us is holding, we are open to “ Catch” new revelation of patterns of movement, allowing the momentum and the now lead us.
According to the specific objectives outlined by the workshop organizers, the sessions are tailored to prioritize certain skills, ensuring a precise and enriching experience for all participants. However, there are consistent elements woven into the fabric of our work, including guided improvisation fueled by imagination, imagery, textures, and sensations, as well as the exploration of movement through technique, dynamic exercises, the creative process, and floor work.
Each workshop session is akin to a dance laboratory, a space where tasks are carefully “Dropped” to encourage research and experimentation. With each participant bringing their own set of skills and experiences, we remain open to “Catch” new discoveries in movement patterns, allowing the present moment to guide our exploration.
With years of experience in dance education and movement research, Dana has cultivated a passion for making movement accessible to all. This led to the creation of her workshops, known as Drop & Catch, offered in three forms: Drop & Catch (for students and professionals in contemporary dance), Drop & Catch Creation (tailored for contemporary dance students and professionals), and Drop & Catch – People in Movement (open to anyone seeking to connect through movement)
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OUR WORKSHOPS:
Drop and Catch:
Our workshop is designed for contemporary dance students, semi-professional, and professional dancers, typically at intermediate and advanced levels. The workshop aims to:
▪ Perfect technique through Dana’s methodology.
▪ Familiarize participants with professional career processes.
▪ Provide new knowledge, experience, and stage skills.
▪ Introduce new tools, vocabulary, and languages.
▪ Enhance artistic personality.
Participants will not only delve deeply into the Drop & Catch methodology but also gain insight into the world of choreography and learn the company’s repertoire.
Drop and Catch Creation:
In addition to the workshop, Dana Raz presents a unique opportunity for participants to collaborate in the creation of a bespoke contemporary dance piece. Under Dana’s guidance, dancers embark on an immersive journey of artistic exploration and expression, culminating in the realization of a fully developed performance. This intensive creation process not only hones technical skills but also fosters creativity, teamwork, and individual artistic growth.
Dana Raz’s approach to choreography is deeply rooted in the exploration of human movement, emotion, and expression. Drawing from her rich background in contemporary dance and choreographic innovation, Dana leads participants through a dynamic and transformative experience, where each dancer’s unique voice and style are celebrated and integrated into the collective creation.
Through this process, participants gain invaluable insight into the professional world of dance, learning firsthand the intricacies of choreographic development, rehearsal techniques, and stage presentation. The resulting performance serves as a testament to the collaborative spirit and artistic vision cultivated within Dana Raz’s workshops, providing a platform for dancers to showcase their talent and dedication to the art form.
For students aspiring to pursue a career in dance, this experience is invaluable, providing not only technical proficiency but also the creative and collaborative skills necessary to thrive in today’s competitive dance industry. Dana Raz’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of dancers is evident in the transformative impact of her workshops, empowering participants to reach new heights of artistic excellence and innovation.
Drop and Catch People in movement:
A movement workshop through contemporary dance, open to everyone. It is designed for anyone interested in movement, connecting with their own body, broadening their horizons, experiencing pleasure, and embarking on an inner journey through movement while discovering new tools.
This workshop is also directed at artists from other disciplines who wish to enhance their skillset and enrich their movement methodology within their field. Choreographer Dana Raz invites participants to investigate, experiment, and approach the company’s unique methodology, technique, and composition in a training session that is also a personal inner journey for the student.
Dana Raz’s primary source of inspiration often revolves around the human being and their expressive capabilities through the body—our nature as beings of movement. Therefore, Drop & Catch: People in Movement seeks individuals who want to identify their artistic voice, awaken their dormant dance, and are willing to follow this exciting and physical journey to find it.
The essence of the activity is to investigate, explore, and reconnect the mind with the body and its limitless movement possibilities. It is about finding new paths through Dana Raz’s methodology. Drop & Catch: People in Movement is a starting point where movement originates from the person (reacting to music, dancing by pure emotional instinct, intentionally coordinating with a partner, dancing unconsciously, etc.). No prior dance technique knowledge is required, and if you are a dancer, we challenge you to unlearn what you have learned for a few hours: the professional dancer’s body, with extensive practice in its background, often gets constrained by rules, frameworks, and definitions. Sometimes, this stifles the freedom of movement; the dancer always seeks the perfect way to move, while the “person” simply seeks to express their emotions, energies, and rhythms.
In our workshops, we seek inspiration and collaboration with other disciplines that serve as sources of motivation for our exploration. One of the most fundamental disciplines, is live music, which adds a special, vibrant, and unforgettable experience. Additionally, we delve into literature, martial arts, and other areas, always adapting to the objectives of each laboratory session.
After navigating through a pandemic, Dana Raz Dance Projects expands its channels of contact with students and offers online Drop & Catch sessions, where people from over 20 countries come together and geographical barriers fade away.
In addition to Drop & Catch, Dana introduces dance-Pilates practices fused with her contemporary methodology to the company as a form of training, catering to both dance students and Pilates studios, as well as anyone who loves movement.