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  • Claire School of Dance
  • 1245 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX
Class Descriptions   Beginning Modern*Not offered Spring/Summer 2015 This class is recommended for students who are new to modern dance technique or would like to focus on fundamental modern dance skills. No registration, prior experience or knowledge is necessary to participate.   Modern Intermediate/Advanced *Not Offered Spring/Summer 2015 Led by Suchu Dance founder and choreographer Jennifer Wood, this class will investigate the smallest possibilities of movement as well as the broader strokes of dancing. Through the expressive articulation of the back and limbs, dropping weight and focusing on initiating movements from the core of the body, the unique movement style and particular concerns of Suchu Dance will be explored beginning with a warm-up  based in creating a foundation of breath, strength, dynamic lyricism and humor.  The class will progress into short movement combinations addressing specific elements of technique and functional anatomy.  Students will focus on quick assimilation and exploration of movement in terms of quality and personal expression   Instructor Bio: Jennifer Wood is a choreographer based in Houston Texas. She began dancing professionally in 1986 and began her choreographic career in 1993. Jennifer is the founder and director of Suchu Dance, a postmodern dance/theater performing group that is a mainstay of Houston's alternative dance community. Since 1998, Jennifer has choreographed over 40 original works including 24 evening length works for Suchu Dance. Jennifer's works have been presented in many venues in Houston including Diverse Works, the Wortham Theater, the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, Miller Outdoor Theater, the Jewish Community Center, Main Street Theater Chelsea, The Axiom, Atomic Cafe, University of Houston Cullen Theater, the Heinen Theater,  Barnevelder Theater, West Oaks Art House, Sam Houston State University, University of Texas, and Texas A&M. Outside of Texas, her work has been presented at the historic Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival Inside/Out Series in Becket, MA, and in performances in Atlanta, San Diego and most recently, Las Vegas.   Jennifer is the recipient of a 2008 Buffy Award for Best Evening Length Choreographic Work. In 2001 Jennifer was named a U.S. semi-finalist in the 2002 Rencontres Choreographiques international choreography competition and she is the recipient of a 2002, 2006 and 2010, 2014 Individual Artist Fellowship in choreography from the Houston Arts Alliance. Jennifer was awarded performance residencies at Diverse Works in 2000 and 2002, and choreographic residencies at Emory University, Sam Houston State University, University of Houston, Rice University and the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. In 2012 Jennifer was honored with a retrospective of her costume designs in an exhibit and performance event at the Photobooth on Montrose.   Jennifer is the co-founder of three performing spaces: The Duplex, an alternative salon-style performance venue for contemporary dance which showcased her and other choreographers' works between 1993 and 1999, and Barnevelder Movement Arts Complex, a 7,000 square foot performance and rehearsal facility specifically designed for dance from 2001-2013 and the February 2014 much anticipated opening of it's newest, self titled space in Garden Oaks, Suchu Dance.   Jennifer has also collaborated with theater companies as a choreographer. In 2005 she was invited to collaborate with Infernal Bridegroom Productions in their new version of Medea, and in 2012 Jennifer choreographed for Mildred's Umbrella Theater Company's production of Dead Man's Cell Phone and now, for Carnival 'Round the Central Figure. In recent years Jennifer's interests have grown to include site specific and non-traditional performance spaces. One of her most current works,  premiered in April 2014 and was conceived and choreographed for 21 dancers in an massive outdoor, site specific performance encompassing 60,000 square ft  of Houston's Hermann Park for the park's Centennial Gala. Jennifer has a degree in Russian Studies and grew up baton twirling.   Gyrokinesis (Gentle, low-impact) The Gyrokinesis method is a movement method that gently works the entire body, opening energy pathways, awakens the senses, stimulates the nervous system, increases range of motion, and creates functional strength through rhythmic, flowing movement sequences preparing the body to explore more complex movements. It is an original, and unique movement practice which has roots in Yoga, Tai Chi, gymnastics, and dance.   Instructor Bio: In 1993, Joseph Modlin, an Indiana native, began training in classical and modern dance performance at Ball State University and performed with Anderson Young Ballet Theatre, both under the direction of Ms. LouAnn Young. Joe moved to Houston in 1997, and began a performance and teaching career that has spanned 17 years, 7 professional companies, and continues extending that career in Houston and nationally.   Joe has performed / worked with Hope Stone, Inc.,Houston Repertoire Ballet, Chrysalis Dance Company, Allegro Ballet, Freneticore, and Woodlands Dance Company. He has been invited to work as a guest artist with independent choreographers and performance artists such as Leslie Scates, Erin Reck, Amy Ell, Karen Stokes, Lindsey McGill, Toni Valle and Sara Draper. Joe completed training & certifications in Gyrotonic & Gyrokinesis 2007 and works with an established clientele and is in demand as an Instructor in the city of Houston. Joe teaches group classes and works with private clients at Gyrotonic Houston and Coach Kimmie Formula Fitness.   He has taught for Hope Stone, Inc. Suchu Dance Company, Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, Anderson Young Ballet Theatre, Ball State University and ACDFA at Texas A&M University. As a performing artist, Joe is known for his striking stage presence, masterful partnering and movement skills, and recently began private movement coaching with dancers in Texas and in Indiana. Joe teaches in a wide variety of settings and groups. Through a deep understanding of movement, discipline and anatomy, he transforms movers with humor and a love of collaboration through movement.  

 

 

Suchu Dance is a 501(c)3 Tax Exempt Organization and is funded in part by a grant from the City of Houston through The Houston Arts Alliance. © 2016 www.vipdiv.com