Education and Outreach
Word Dance Theater specializes in the dances and philosophy of Isadora Duncan, founding Mother of Modern Dance. In keeping with her philosophy, our dance education programs foster growth of the mind, body and spirit for people of all ages and stages of life. The Duncan technique is unique in its emphasis on the dignity and beauty of the human body while maintaining a focus on natural and simple movements that encourage personal emotional expression. It is so powerful and moving to hear, “I never feel more beautiful than when I’m doing this dance.”
Isadora Duncan, (1877-1927)
In response to her observation of the power and harmony of the body in classic Greek art, Isadora Duncan proposed a dance technique based on natural movements along with the use of free-flowing, unrestricted costumes and personal emotional expression within the dance. Duncan technique incorporates the solar plexus and breath as the generating force for all movement. Her dance philosophy incorporates the simple movements of humanity, a connection to art, nature, mythology, and powerful music. Duncan believed that the dancer of the future would be one “whose body and soul have grown so harmoniously together that the natural language of that soul will have become the movement of the body.” Duncan is credited with cultivating what later became known as Modern Dance.
Classes
“I cannot begin to put into words what an incredible experience Saturday was for me…I have not stopped talking about it or feeling how it has impacted my body.”- Comments regarding Word Dance Theater’s summer workshop, K Kuebler, dance instructor
Word Dance Theater’s Artistic Director Cynthia Word and Associate Director Ingrid Zimmer lead classes at Hot Yoga on Wisconsin Ave in Washington DC and at Maryland Hall in Annapolis, MD.
Washington, DC
January 17- May 22 Tuesdays
12:15PM-1:45PM
Joy of Motion/Friendship Heights
5207 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington DC 20015
Annapolis, MD
January 9 - May 21, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Mondays, 6:00PM - 7:30 PM
Maryland Hall
801 Chase Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
If you have ever imagined that you wanted to dance, this is your class. Or if you are a dancer and desire a renewal of the joy and beauty of dancing, this is your class. Students are guided to move from breath and the solar plexus with floor exercises to open the heart and align the body, a standing Duncan barre energizes the entire body, and culminating with dancing from your soul in choreography and structured improvisations. Beautiful music, wonderful people, and great movement make for a joyous experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to study authentic Duncan dance…very rare in the Washington DC area.
For more information or to register for class contact Cynthia Word at cynthia@worddance.org.
WORD DANCE THEATER CLASS RELEASE FORM:
Please download this release form and bring it with you to your first class.
Community Outreach
Word Dance Theater designs and implements programs in many community settings.
Contact cynthia@WordDance.org for more information.
- Professional Modern dance concerts with opportunities for post performance discussions between performers and audiences.
- Interactive workshops and lecture/demonstrations to educate the public about how dances are made.
- After-school programs in dance for children 3-17.
- Classes in creative exercise and movement for senior citizens.
- School residencies offering performances and workshops for the students.
Word Dance Theater is a proud supporter of the following organizations:
Hope Connections for Cancer Support
Florence Crittenton Programs of South Carolina