Kathleen Hermesdorf (July 9-13)

GUT MOTIVES (a dance class)
A general unified theory of the act of motion from internal impulse to external expression, utilizing a hybrid
of forms to encourage deep awareness and understanding of the body.  Motivated from the gut (center),
requiring guts (courage & instinct) and translating to ‘good’ & ‘possession’ from German.  A progression of
energy cultivation, hands-on instigation, somatic & conceptual improvisation, technical experiments and
methods of falling, flying & inversion, culminating in 3-dimensional phrase work.  An intimate and animated
arena for exploration, cultivating sensate virtuosity, kinetic efficiency, interactive intelligence, creative
instinct and physical stamina.

5 days, 10:00 -13:00, WS Fee: 100€

CONTACT IS MAGIC (the space between us & trajectories of touch)
There is space between everything.  Within this space lies infinite potential, tangible energy and a connection to the bigger picture (aka the mystery, the ineffable, the magic).  We bridge the space between bodies with touch.  Touch is powerful, sending trajectories into sensation, physics, emotion, memory, imagination, action, etc.  Practice occupying and engaging space and touch within the science/playground of trust/risk that is Contact Improvisation.  Listen with skin, taste with hands, think with guts, use limbs like eyes and eyes like limbs.........meet another body in the space between and make magic.

5 days, 16:00-19:00, WS fee: 100€, both WS together: 175€

Kathleen Hermesdorf is a dance maker, teacher, improviser and producer based in San Francisco.  She is the Director of la ALTERNATIVA and Alternative Conservatory, in collaboration with musician Albert Mathias and in residence at KUNST-STOFF arts.  la ALTERNATIVA is an apparatus for deeply integrated dance and music via improvisation, creation, performance and production.  Alternative Conservatory is a modular, mobile and intensive training ground in dance and related forms.  Hermesdorf was a member of Bebe Miller Company, worked extensively with Sara Shelton Mann & Contraband and was a member of Margaret Jenkins Dance Company.  She co-directed Hermesdorf & Wells Dance Company with Scott Wells and has been in collaboration with Stephanie Maher in Berlin and Stolzenhagen, Germany since 2000, creating performance work and training opportunities through Ponderosa Tanz|Land Festival and PORCH.  Hermesdorf honors her many outstanding teachers and colleagues, holds a BFA and MFA in Dance alongside extensive experience in the field, and has received GOLDIE, IZZIE & BESSIE awards.  She teaches, performs and creates around the world.  www.la-alternativa.us