Classes

Leah Tubbs, founder of New York City’s ModArts Dance Collective will be in residency this summer at ArtPlay from June 3-June 21. ModArts Dance Collective (MADC), a professional contemporary dance company, is comprised of dedicated, passionate, and gifted artists on a guest for technical growth and artistic nourishment. The company employs a synthesis of ballet and modern blended with Afro centric undertones to articulate the human condition and spirit through the unbounded art form of dance. ModArts Dance Collective prides itself on works of dance that possess both high artistic merit, as well as works bearing a readiness to connect and inspire a multitude of people from various walks of life. ModArts Dance Collective artistically represents an adoration and joy for movement that transcends race, gender, and socio-economic backgrounds. ModArts Dance Collective provides a nurturing environment where artists can embody, and audiences can experience the desire, athleticism, and vitality of dance. Leah is a native of Birmingham, AL and a graduate of Alabama School of Fine Arts.

Leah Tubbs will be teaching Horton modern dance technique in a three week workshop. The workshop will consist of a 1.5 hour class that will prepare the dancer for rehearsals that follow; rehearsals will last for 1-1.5 hour. Tubbs will be teaching repertory from ModArts Dance Collective which will be performed in the June 21 concerts at the Alys Stephens Center. Students from the workshop will be asked to perform alongside company members from both ModArts Dance Collective.

Leah Tubbs, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, studied dance at Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) and University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. She toured with the Alabama Ballet during her time at ASFA. She is a former scholarship recipient of the American Ballet Theater Summer Intensive. She has been blessed to dance with several prominent companies such as Dayton Contemporary Dance Second Company (DCdC2), Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre (CCDT), Lula Washington Dance Theatre, Project 21 Dance, L.A. Choreographers and Dancers, Donna Sternberg and Dancers, Jazz Ain’t Dead, and The Zifadanz Group. She has set work on several dance companies and had her work presented in various festivals. In the spring of 2010, she received three nominations from the Austin Table Critics’ Awards for her performance and choreographic work. She is the founding artistic director of ModArts Dance Collective and the creator and program coordinator of a dance program for ages 2.5-7, Arts In Motion (A.I.M.). For more information about ModArts Dance Collective, please check out http://leahtubbs.snappages.com.

Three weeks: MONDAY-FRIDAY 5-9pm; REHEARSALS ON SATURDAY 1-5PM
COST: $200, scholarships available; Drop-Ins for Master Classes: $15
Location: UAB’s Hulsey Center 312

The third session of camp is going to be an exciting addition to our already successful summer camp program.  This year we will offer a three week MasterCamp.   We wanted to offer our older campers an extra week for master classes leading up to the two weeks following when we will mount the show.  At this camp, the kids will have a week of intensive classes in improv, musical theatre dance, voice, character development, acting, and auditioning.  This week prepares them for the second week when they will audition for the show.  There will  be more than one performance that you and your family will be able to attend.  We know this is going to be a great opportunity for young actors.

The class follow legendary Lee Stasberg’s design, beginning with Sensory work – heart of the Method – followed by scene and character development to empower the actor.

Students will study Vaganova Academy technique of Ballet.

Students will receive the proper training in the Vaganova Method while exploring other techniques of ballet.  Often known as the Russian Technique; The Vaganova method is known for its graceful arms, strong flexible backs, beautiful upper bodies, as well as near-perfect turnout. Vaganova dancers have high jumps, multiple turns, amazing flexibility, and superior extension. It is a system that demands precision, attention to detail, concentration, and hard work.  The method nurtures the whole child with positive encouragement, precise feedback, and high expectations. The Vaganova method develops the student in mind, body, and spirit. This technique allows the young dancer to opportunity to become a gifted artist.  Students are individually evaluated according to notated expectations of the teacher, and are given continuous positive feedback on their strengths, technical development, and artistry.

This class explores how improvisation with sound is a direct tool for self-discovery and personal awareness.  No music experience required.

Students will learn modern dance technique based on the teachings of Martha Graham and Lester Horton.

In this more advanced class, students will continue to learn dance and technique based on Graham and Horton technique including the Graham floorwork.

Students will explore basic musical theatre and classic jazz dance.  This is a great follow-up to Intro to Musical Theatre!

Learn basic stained glass copper foil techniques as you create two glass sun catchers to hang in your window. Price includes all materials.

Technology has made it easy to create unique prints using your computer. This six-session class will teach you the basics of Photoshop so that you can lay out a pattern to be printed on your choice of fabric.