Dance

This school performance interprets the Virginia Science SOLs that relate to potential and kinetic energy, simple machines, gravity-equilibrium-inertia, and the states of matter through dance sequences. The presentation offers short movement demonstrations before each dance, which pull the audience into the dance-making process.

This workshop explores the magic of words and movement. Participants observe, analyze, and interpret words and movement throughout the workshop. The workshop begins with movement, breathing, sound, and word exercises. Students develop expressive skills as they experience the creative potential of whole body movement. Upon completion of this workshop, participants have a dynamic structure that can be used to create their very own dance and performance pieces. Each workshop group provides their own specific interests. Groups may explore the themes of heritage, family icons or traditions, interpret text or script, or build an original group document, story, or dance.

This performance is inspired by four Virginia locations: the high rises and crosswalks of urban Crystal City, the rural Piedmont area surrounding Charlottesville, the mountains near Luray, and the recreational Northern Neck. The dancing echoes each location. The journey encompasses the pedestrian missteps and moving walkways in Crystal City, the playful loyalty of a country dog, the Appalachian Trail with breathtaking moments of falling, and the summer fun of a beach party.

This performance, suitable for a school assembly, uses dance, photographs, personal letters, and original sound scores as a way to study, examine, and interpret the Civil War. Dances reference the clear-cutting of trees to construct the forts for the Defenses of Washington, Frank Wilkeson’s book Turned Inside Out: Recollections of a Private Soldier in the Army of the Potomac, and the civilian viewpoint documented by Marion Southwood in her description of some 20,000 people, mainly women and children, bidding their dear ones goodbye.

Building on their signature style that intersects art forms and community, Jane Franklin Dance creates a site-specific work inspired by the organic beauty of Dale Chihuly’s glass sculptures. Audiences take part in a trans-formative event as they follow the dancers to experience performances in unexpected places. See Dale Chihuly’s glass sculptures through a unique lens and experience the power of taking a second look.