AXIS PHYSICALLY INTEGRATED DANCE
SUMMER INTENSIVE 2008

Memories from a Summer Intensive - by Annika Nonhebel, Education Director

“My dancing spirit was riding waves of joy and then confusion all week, and by week’s end I feel that spirit is more robust and awakened.” – Participant Summer Intensive 2008

Sunday Aug 3, 12pm, Studio E at the Malonga Casquelourd Center in Oakland, about 30 people from 3 different countries gather in the studio where AXIS dancers normally rehearse. It’s the first day of AXIS’ Physically Integrated Dance Summer Intensive. The dancers in this room, disabled and non-disabled have been selected from more than 50 applicants to participate in this unique intensive that will run for 8 days.

Two months later the joy, energy, and dedication of all the participants still resonates within me. Seeing so many people in one room sharing a similar vision and a hunger to explore physically integrated dance is inspiring and makes you wish we could do this each month. This years’ group was of an amazing caliber. We had dancers from as far as Canada and Mexico and as close as Oakland joining us, the youngest being 15 the oldest over 80.  All of them creative, talented, and eager to explore; and that is what we did!

“It helped me to pay attention to how I move and which characteristics I was afraid of exploring.” – Participant Summer Intensive 2008

As guest teacher Eric Kupers, professor of dance at CSUEB and Artistic Director of Dandelion Dance Theater, was responsible for the morning classes consisting of contact improvisation. Throughout the 8 days Eric guided the students in different aspects of improvisation working with breath, sound, qualities, and internal rhythm. The afternoon sessions were taught by AXIS Dancers and focused on technique of physically integrated dance; challenging the participants to rethink what technique is and to produce a phrase without seeing “the idealized” form. The last part of the day was focused on composition asking students to translate a duet from AXIS repertory to their own bodies and movement vocabulary. The intensive concluded with a 45-minute showing, which was attended by over 100 people.

Thinking back - with a smile on my face - I’m already getting excited about putting together the next summer intensive. We are determined to make it even better next time! - View Summer Intensive Movie - by Annika Nonhebel

Stay tuned for our next Summer Intensive.
If you have questions about the intensive and application process, or would like the application form mailed to you contact the AXIS office at (510) 625-0110, annika@axisdance.org

Participants in the 2006 Summer Intensive said

"Thank you for a wonderful, meaningful experience. You got me connected back to dance again!"

"This experience broadened my understanding of dance as art and I learned about compassion - giving and receiving."

"I was honored to be a part of such a committed group of dancers and teachers who shared their life experiences through their stories and their artistry through their teaching & dancing."

"By having the freedom to be in and out of my chair, I discovered new movement possibilities for myself."