Classes & Workshops

Eliza Pinney, Ulana Fordham, and Chrissy Baxter in “Cumulonimbus and the Fable Keepers” choreographed by Susan Kendal. (Photo by Mar Lewis).

Contemporary Dance Classes

ABOUT:

Our contemporary dance classes feature a rotation of instructors from the company, each with their own special brand of magic. Drop-ins are most welcome and each week is a new adventure that will allow dancers to progress in their movement and artistry week to week. Our classes consist of floor-work, centre practice, travelling work, and movement combinations. Classes are open to teens (14+) and adults.

FALL 2024 DROP IN CLASS DATES AND DETAILS:

Join SCD for our weekly open level contemporary dance classes this Fall featuring a rotation of instructors including Chrissy Baxter, Jaqui Brown, Kasandra Chiaromonte, and Sarah Lochhead!

Classes will be held at Studio Five Barrie @ 40 Bell Farm Rd, Barrie, ON L4M 5L3 from 11:15-12:30 pm on the following dates:

September 8, 15, 22, 29

October 6, 20, 27

November 3, 10, 24

December 1, 8

CLASS RATES:

FIRST CLASS IS FREE!
Drop-In Rate: $15
10-Class Pass: $100

*All class rates are inclusive of HST.*
** Participants can pay in cash (exact change only) or via e-transfer to simcoecontemporarydancers@gmail.com.  

FALL TEACHING SCHEDULE:

Jaqui Brown – September 8, 15, 29, October 20
Kasandra Chiaromonte – September 22, November 24
Chrissy Baxter – October 27, November 10, December 1
Sarah Lochhead – October 6, November 3, December 8
 
CHECK OUT OUR VIRTUAL CLASSES TO GET A TASTE OF THE MAGIC! 

Workshops

GUEST WORKSHOPS:

SCD brings guest instructors to Barrie 2-3 times annually to teach guest workshops in a variety of contemporary dance styles. More information about upcoming Guest Workshops can be found on our events page and the best way to stay informed about these dates is to follow our Instagram account at @SCDancers. 

SCD COMMUNITY WORKSHOP BOOKINGS:

SCD offers workshops in schools, at private studios, community centres, and more! 

Workshops can be taught for a variety of experience levels and ages. Please email SimcoeContemporaryDancers@gmail.com for more information about booking a workshop with SCD! Potential workshop topics include:

Contemporary Dance Technique

Movement workshop focusing on technical aspects of contemporary dance.

Movement Improvisation

Workshop focusing on developing skills for generating movement ideas beyond prescribed dance steps.

Dance Composition

Learn choreographic devices and other tips to build strong dance works.

Choreographic Mentorship

Provides choreographers with feedback on works-in-progress.

Choreographic Commissions

Commission an original piece of choreography for your school or studio.

Community-Engaged Creation Periods

Community-Engaged Creation periods are lead annually by SCD artists. These collaborative processes see a brand new unique dance piece created for performance at local community events!

What are rehearsals like?

During the first rehearsal, we will work together to develop a list of community agreements around the question: “What do we need from one another to feel supported in this project?”

We will begin moving with a gentle group warm-up. From there, your rehearsal facilitator will lead the group through a series of activities that encourage developing our own movement. We will use guiding words, feelings, images, and ideas, to start building a section of the dance. Members of SCD will also be in rehearsal to support and help shape the process.

We may not use music very much at first but we will use music more as the piece starts to take shape.

Every rehearsal will have a short 10-15min break around halfway mark and light refreshments will be provided.

What kind of dance piece will we be making?

The piece will draw on the people in the process. If you have a special talent or skill you’d like to incorporate in the dance please let us know on your registration form, or let us know during the first rehearsal.

Code of Conduct

Simcoe Contemporary Dancers has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and discrimination. Any person found to be harassing or discriminating based on any point of difference including but to limited to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, or disability will be asked to leave the project.

Community-Engaged Creations

2017 – Array

2018 – Seedings

2019 – A Little Faster, Here We Go

2021 – Gem Trolls

2022 – Rock Paper Scissors

2023 – Garden Follies