Sustained Theatre Artists Yorkshire (STAY) have announced a once in a lifetime opportunity for aspiring dancers to take part in a public 3-hour dance masterclass with Artistic Director of Leeds own Phoenix Dance Theatre, Sharon Watson on 21st July at West Yorkshire Playhouse.
There are 10 places available for dance artists/choreographers/dance teachers/practitioners who are in training or have had dance training from an established vocational dance school and have a passion to learn from one of the most influential women working in arts and culture in the UK.
Talking of the forthcoming masterclass, Sharon Watson said:
“I am delighted to work with STAY to open the doors to my training, devising and rehearsal process and give budding dancers, performers and choreographers the opportunity to see the physical journey of taking an idea and delving into the possibilities of what it could be.
It’s exciting to be part of a new masterclass concept and I’m looking forward to discovering emerging dance talent from across the region.”
The 3-hour dance masterclass will invite the dancers to build strength and show articulation via the Graham Technique (the cornerstone of modern dance developed by American dancer and choreographer Martha Graham) whilst providing the challenge of playing with musicality and dynamics through the vigorous exercises that have made the Phoenix Dancers so aesthetically distinctive.
Open to the public, the masterclass offers a unique platform for dancers to hone their talent in front of an audience looking to see what happens behind closed doors in Sharon’s rehearsals.
The event is part of the wider Open Season at West Yorkshire Playhouse and STAY Executive Director George Matheson commented:
“STAY’s vision has always been focused around providing support and promotion for culturally diverse and minority artists and we’re proud to be highlighting the professional talent we’re cultivating during West Yorkshire Playhouse’s season of youth and community performances.”
Dancers wishing to apply for 1 of the 10 free places available should email their CV, headshot, online clips, covering letter and equal opportunities form to STAY before 12 noon on Monday 29th June. Up to 20 dancers will be chosen to audition a 3 minute solo piece which shows their ‘signature’ style on 4th July.
STAY is an organisation created to celebrate cultural diversity, therefore they strongly encourage minority artists to apply for the opportunity.
For full information please visit stay-uk.org
