WILD/WISE

Intersections of technical modalities & formalities and improvisational forms & freedoms with a focus on the act of motion from inside out, outside in and in between. Explore the wild opportunity of improvisation and the discipline of technical practice, as well as the rigour of improvisational practice and the freedom offered by deeply understanding your unique physical & expressive potential. Investigate, articulate and negotiate the body & mind and premises & preconceived notions in regards to training, integration and virtuosity.



G.U.T. Techniques

A general unified theory of the act of motion from internal impulse to external expression, motivated from the gut (centre), requiring guts (courage/instinct) and translating to good & possession. The practice organises a hybrid of ideas to encourage deep awareness, understanding and impetus of the moving & performing body. The work is a progression of somatic investigation, energy cultivation, hands-on instigation, improvisation, technical & mechanical experiments, methods of falling, flying & inversion and 3-dimensional phrase-work. The class is an intimate & animated arena for exploration, amplifying sensate virtuosity, kinetic efficiency, interactive intelligence, creative instinct and physical stamina.



Kathleen Hermesdorf
Kathleen Hermesdorf is a dance maker, performer, improviser, teacher & organiser based in San Francisco since 1991. She has been a member of Bebe Miller Company (2006 BESSIE), Margaret Jenkins Dance Company (1999 IZZIE) & Contraband/Sara Shelton Mann, co-directed Hermesdorf & Wells Dance Company with Scott Wells (1994 GOLDIE) and has collaborated extensively with Stephanie Maher. She has many awards, reviews, interesting artistic associates and a BFA and MFA in Dance Performance & Pedagogy. With musician Albert Mathias, she directs la ALTERNATIVA, an apparatus for deeply integrated motive & sonic stimulus via collaboration, creation, improvisation & exchange. The work manifests in performance, production, commission & programming, and the company is in residence at KUNST-STOFF arts and in association with ODC School & Theater. Alternative Conservatory is a modular, mobile, intensive & immersive international training ground in dance & related forms.
www.la-alternativa.us