Introduction to contemporary dance: Do and Undo

Explore the movement and discover your body

During this term, we will delve into contemporary dance techniques, placing emphasis on body awareness, coordination, improvisation, and personal expression. We will work to develop this awareness through breath, posture, grounding, movement, and the presence of the body in space.

Throughout the sessions, we will learn the foundations of contemporary dance through technical elements and movement codes that will help us build new vocabulary. We will address fundamental principles such as gravity, speed, progression, strength, musicality, and listening. We will explore and play with improvisation exercises and group dynamics in a supportive and respectful environment, where each person can find their own voice within movement. We will also work on choreographic phrases at different levels, helping us integrate the tools and elements we acquire throughout the sessions.

We will spark curiosity to understand movement in a different way, by studying the mechanics and architecture of the body, and observing how our own motor skills influence the way we think, create, and express movement. We will create and unmake intuitively, guided by what the body asks for.

This course is designed for everyone, regardless of experience level, who wants to discover new ways of moving. If you're curious to explore the possibilities of your body, this is your space.

** Payment and class recovery policy: Each student can recover up to 2 classes if enrolled in the full course, or 1 class if enrolled in the half course, by attending a session from another course organized by La Visiva (Introduction to Contemporary Dance with Blanca Tolsá, Introduction to Contemporary Dance with Maria Hernando, or Practices around the Body and Creation with Èlia Genís). Once payment for the course has been made, no refunds can be made, nor can sessions be saved for another course or term.

Biography

Maria Hernando

With a diverse background in the world of movement, Maria is a dancer, educator, and certified instructor of the Pilates method. She studied dance in Barcelona, Salzburg, and New York, combining from the beginning her work in dance, teaching, and Pilates practice.

As a dancer, she has collaborated with companies such as La Intrusa, Colectivo La Imperfecta, and Jesús Rubio Gamo, with whom she performed in the piece awarded the Max Prize for Best Dance Performance 2020, and currently works as movement assistant in his latest creation. She has also been part of the National Dance Production, performing in pieces like “L’Estol” by Roser López Espinosa and “Many” by Thomas Noone. At La Petita Malumaluga, a company specializing in performances for babies and their families, she performs in “My Baby is a Queen”. Additionally, she worked for two seasons with the Slovak company Divadlo Studio Tanca, performing works by choreographers such as Julyen Hamilton, Jozef Frucek, Peter Mika/Olga Cobos, Stanislava Vlceková, and Milan/Zuna Kozanek.

Her experience also includes appearances in music videos, operas, and the choreographic creation of solos and videomapping events. She has a particular interest in improvisation, instant composition, and the exploration of authentic movement, with a focus on researching movement beyond final outcomes or linear narratives.

She currently teaches contemporary dance technique, improvisation tools, and partnering, and is also involved in training new Pilates instructors.

Her ongoing training in various movement practices, including physiotherapy, reflects her passion for understanding the body from multiple perspectives. She strongly believes in the therapeutic and self-discovery potential that dance and movement can offer.