Accessibility Tools

Performances

Duets

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Twosomes

One person dancing alone is called a solo. Two people dancing together is a duet.  When dancing with another person you establish a dynamic relationship, a partnership as you share a space, an emotion, or a story.

You could relate to your partner in a number of ways. You might have a movement conversation or ignore one another. You might lean on your partner, lift your partner, help your partner balance or keep your distance.

Dancing with a partner is a wonderful way to communicate without using words.

 

When you watch a duet, you should ask yourself some questions:

Was the dance BIG or SMALL?

Did the dance STAY IN ONE SPOT or TRAVEL?

Was the action LOUD or SOFT?

Was the movement FAST or SLOW?

Did the dance tell a STORY…communicate a MESSAGE?

What do you think INSPIRED the choreography?

Find some words that describe the relationship. Was it tense…friendly… combative …romantic…playful…competitive?

 

Grooming and Hat

Choreography: Marina Harris

Performance: REUNION (2013)

Performers: Alissa Thompson and Katherine Winder

D is for dancing as everyone knows

And everyone dances…some to and some fro

Dances take Energy. Just watch them go

Some require costumes, like an orange chapeau.

 

Our Love Affair

Choreography: Bill Evans

Performance: JUKEBOX (2013)

Performers: Katherine Winder & Aaron Wood

Nothing’s as graceful as Ginger and Fred

They know when to follow and when to be led

A Waltz or a Foxtrot, you glide, dip or spin

Just trust in your partner and fame you might win

 

Jitterbug

Choreography: Bill Evans

Performance: JUKEBOX (2013)

Performers: Sara Donahue & Tyler Orcutt

Most people like dancing. It makes people smile.

Please turn on some music…don’t worry about style

Just grab a fit partner and fling them around

But that which goes up must surely come down.

 

Gestures

Choreography:  Susan Hadley

Performance: FIN AMOURS (2013)

Performers: Sara Donahue & Aaron Wood

It’s easy to understand someone from France

People use gestures. They don’t take a chance

They wave, smile and wigwag while taking a stance

Conversing in silence. It’s kind of a dance.

 

Feet

Choreography:  Susan Hadley

Performance: FIN AMOURS (2013)

Performers: Katherine Winder & Tyler Orcutt

Some dance in a circle. Some dance in a line

Some square dance or folk dance and manage just fine

With practice and courage and music upbeat

Consider your partner. Don’t step on their feet

 

Für Elise

Choreography: by Nicholas Cendese

Performance: SOUNDS FAMILIAR (2019)

Performers: Jonathan Kim & Trung “Daniel” Do

It’s playful and witty. Surprises in store.

This classical music has rhythms galore.

Two spirited comrades are chums at the core

A dance about friendship. Can’t ask for much more.

 

Triptych (excerpt)

Choreography: Cherylyn Lavagnino 

Performance: SOJOURN (2022)

Performers: Lindsey Faber & Jacob Lewis

Serenely expressive.

A mystery unravels

This couple seeks answers

 On roads seldom traveled

 

Snack Pack (excerpt)

Choreography:  Linda C. Smith

Performance: REUNION (2014)

Performers: Efren Corado Garcia & Ice cream cone 

You could dance with the devil. Yes, dance if you dare

You could dance with your shadow, but people might stare

You could dance with your doggie or dance with its bone

Or find a cool partner…a big ice cream cone

 

Rolling Chair Duet

Choreography:  Tim Hadel

Performance: SURPRISE PACKAGES (2008)

Performers: Colleen Hoelscher & Nicholas Cendese

A bus or a train might take you to town

A cycle or skates make a merry-go-round

When traveling use caution. Two feet on the ground.

A chair that has wheels might land upside down

What People are Saying

The diversity of the dancers really spoke to my students! It was great to see boys and girls dancing, and different races. The high level of engagement was so refreshing and got students excited about thecontent.
This activity was valuable because it helped students make connections between dance, rhythm, healthy lifestyles, and expression. The students were impressed by the talent of the dancers and it was motivating to them.
Opportunities for art and expression are so limited at school but so essential and valuable for all students, especially those who struggle to learn through traditional methods. My Kindergarteners have been dancing since you left!
This was so engaging. I looked around the auditorium and every student was watching. Not one person was talking or distracted
This activity is valuable to teachers and students because it gives them a creative outlet. We need movement in the classroom to engage, energize and deepen student learning.
I got great ideas on how to incorporate movement into math and science lessons.
I loved how you made movement and exercise relatable to the students. The dancers were full of energy and there was very little down time so students stayed engaged.
Our children were captivated by the performance. They listened to you and they were learning without knowing. They usually giggle when bodies are shown and talked about. But the way you presented it was so tastefully done, they now do poses and movement around the room and outside. You brokesome barriers and they took that permission and literally ran with it!