Teen Summer Modern Dance Intensive and Pre-College

JULY 17-21, 2023

WITH CINCINNATI’S RESIDENT MODERN DANCE COMPANY, MUTUAL DANCE THEATRE

Formerly known as MamLuft&Co. Dance and Contemporary Dance Theater

YOU ARE VIEWING THE TEEN SUMMER INTENSIVE: JULY 17-21, 2023

000 days 00 hours 00 minutes 00 seconds

AWAY!

REGISTER TODAY AT DISCOUNTED EARLY BIRD RATES
Why is Mutual Dance Theatre and Arts Centers' intensive right for your teen dancer?

We know that it is difficult to find Modern Dance classes for advanced teens.

We also know that when dancers go to college, they’re likely to study Modern Dance. And for so many college freshmen coming from studios, the experience can be completely foreign to them.

Whether or not your child is considering going to college for dance, our Teen Intensive is also just a great time to be exposed to a slew of teachers and styles in Modern Dance, to broaden their horizons and challenge them.

That’s why we created our Teen Summer Intensive and Pre-College experience.

MDTAC's Summer Teen Intensive is a nurturing, no-competition, self-affirming, but vigorous environment housed by the organization who knows Modern Dance best in Cincinnati.

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REGISTER EARLY FOR A DISCOUNT

An immersive week of Modern Dance studies

A week of Modern Dance studies with Cincinnati's Mutual Dance Theatre and esteemed guests from notable companies.


18

courses

25

class meetings

11

faculty members

1

amazing week

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THIS IS A BLANK ROW

2023 SCHEDULE

Monday, July 17, 2023

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    MODERN DANCE TECHNIQUE with HANNAH WILLIAMSON of Mutual Dance Theatre

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    CONTEMPORARY MASTERCLASS with LENAI WILKERSON of Cincinnati Ballet

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    BYOL: GETTING TO KNOW YOU with JEANNE MAM-LUFT Artistic Director of Mutual Dance Theatre

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    INTRODUCTION TO IMPROVISATION USING LABAN CONCEPTS with JEANNE MAM-LUFT, Artistic Director of Mutual Dance Theatre

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    INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL DANCE CONTENT CREATION with JASMINE SNELLEN of Mutual Dance Theatre

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    REPERTORY with JASMINE SNELLEN of Mutual Dance Theatre

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

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    MODERN DANCE TECHNIQUE with HANNAH WILLIAMSON of Mutual Dance Theatre

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    MODERN MASTERCLASS with SHANE OHMER Pacific Northwest Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, River North Dance Chicago

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    BYOL & GENERAL COLLEGE Q&A

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    SKILLS WORKSHOP: PARTNERING & WEIGHT SHARE with ELENA RODRIGUEZ MOORE formerly of Mutual Dance Theatre

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    MYOFASCIAL TAPING with ELENA RODRIGUEZ MOORE, PTA

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    REPERTORY with JASMINE SNELLEN of Mutual Dance Theatre

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

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    MODERN DANCE TECHNIQUE with HANNAH WILLIAMSON of Mutual Dance Theatre

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    MODERN MASTERCLASS with SHAUNA STEELE of Mocha Dance Project

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    BYOL & DANCE FILM OR ARCHIVE SHOWING

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    CONTEMPORARY MASTERCLASS with STEVIE LAMBLIN of Mutual Dance Theatre

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    HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL DANCE PHOTOSHOOT with JEANNE MAM-LUFT, Artistic Director of Mutual Dance Theatre

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    REPERTORY with JASMINE SNELLEN of Mutual Dance Theatre

Thursday, July 20, 2023

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    MODERN DANCE TECHNIQUE with HANNAH WILLIAMSON of Mutual Dance Theatre

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    CONTEMPORARY MASTERCLASS with JOHN LITZLER and CODY SZARKO, formerly of Visceral Dance and River North Dance Chicago

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    BYOL & DANCE FILM OR ARCHIVE SHOWING

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    SKILLS WORKSHOP: INVERSIONS with CLAIRE DIERINGER of Mutual Dance Theatre

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    TBA

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    REPERTORY with JASMINE SNELLEN of Mutual Dance Theatre

Friday, July 21, 2023

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    MODERN DANCE TECHNIQUE with HANNAH WILLIAMSON of Mutual Dance Theatre

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    MODERN MASTERCLASS with COUNTESS WINFREY of Dayton Contemporary Dance Company

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    BYOL & MODERN DANCE TRIVIA (prize to highest score) 12:00pm ICE CREAM PARTY

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    MODERN MASTERCLASS with SUSAN HONER formerly of Mutual Dance Theatre

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    ROLL MODEL METHOD with SUSAN HONER formerly of Mutual Dance Theatre

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    2:30-3:30p REP 3:30pm SHOWING (Modern technique phrase, Digital dance share, Repertory)

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2023 FACULTY

Click on the faculty member's name to reveal their bio.

CLAIRE DIERINGER

Company Member of Mutual Dance Theatre

Claire Dieringer is a 2016 graduate of Kent State University, from which she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Magna Cum Laude. Claire has worked professionally as the director of the dance program at Lake Bryn Mawr Camp in Pennsylvania, and as a dance educator at several studios. In 2017, Claire joined both MamLuft&Co. Dance and Seven Dance Company. She is now MamLuft&Co. Dance’s Education and Outreach Coordinator, as well. As a student, Dieringer was a member of the Kent Dance Ensemble and performed in faculty-choreographed concerts. In 2014, she performed at American College Dance Association and also studied at American Dance Festival in Durham, North Carolina, studying with numerous teachers in multiple styles from all over the world. Dieringer previously served as the President of the Student Dance Education Organization of Kent State. Claire was recognized on the Dean’s List every semester of her college career while also receiving many accolades such as the Dance Faculty Award for Service to the dance division and Outstanding Achievement Award as an Emerging Artist Award.

SUSAN HONER, MFA

Formerly of Mutual Dance Theatre

Susan Honer hails from Virginia and has been performing and choreographing in Southwest Ohio since 2008. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Hollins University in 2004 and her Master of Fine Arts in Dance from Hollins University/American Dance Festival in 2008. She has studied with renowned teachers and artists such as Donna Faye Burchfield, David Dorfman, Jennifer Nugent, Gerri Houlihan, Douglas Becker, Miguel Gutierrez, and Pamela Pietro. Susan worked with Mutual Dance Theatre (then MamLuft&Co. Dance) from 2010-2019 as a dancer, choreographer, and company director. She has set her own work on regional ballet schools including Northwest Florida Ballet and Southwest Virginia Ballet. She has travelled to universities to set Müda repertory on universities such as Kent State and Northern Kentucky University. Susan regularly collaborates with sound and multimedia artist Sean Simon to create original music for her work. Susan’s work Iceman 3000 received an NEA grant through Müda which premiered at the Cincinnati Art Center in 2018. Her work has been seen at festivals in North Carolina for the Merge Records’ 20th Anniversary Performance, Connecticut College’s Art and Technology Symposium, Cincinnati’s Area Choreographer’s Festival, at the WUK in Vienna, Austria, and in Virginia and New York City. Susan is owner of Present Body Pilates in Dayton, Ohio where she teaches Pilates, Roll Model Method® self myofascial release, and SmartSpine© Therapeutic Bodywork. She also currently serves as Mutual Dance Theatre’s Associate Curator for its Jefferson James Contemporary Dance Theater Series.

STEVIE LAMBLIN

Company Member, Mutual Dance Theatre

Stevie Lamblin was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. They were a member of Dayton Contemporary Dance Company for 8 years (initially as a three-year member of the second company before being promoted to the first). They have had the immense pleasure of working professionally with Donald Byrd (Spectrum Dance Theater), Bridget L. Moore and Ray Mercer (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater), Francesca Harper (Ailey II), Ronald K. Brown (EVIDENCE), Keisha Lalama, Crystal Michelle and Debbie Blunden-Diggs (DCDC), and Robert J. Priore, among others. They attribute much of their growth as an artist to the mentorship of Shonna Hickman-Matlock and Qarrianne Blayr (Director and Associate Artistic Director of DCDC, respectively). One of Stevie’s favorite memories as a professional was performing “This I Know for Sure” by Ray Mercer at the Shanghai Dance Festival in China. Stevie retired in 2020…or so they thought! Stevie joined Mutual Dance Theatre in 2021. They are humbled to be able to continue their passion of dancing and hope to continue to grow as an artist. Stevie also holds a Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wright State University. When they are not on stage or working with clients, they can be found sculpting, painting, or playing with their pet jumping spiders.

JOHN LITZLER

Formerly of River North Dance Chicago

John Litzler was raised just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio where he developed his passion for movement. Litzler received a B.F.A. in Dance with a concentration in jazz from Point Park University under the direction on Susan Stowe. While attending Point Park University, he appeared in works choreographed by Kiesha Lalama-White, Christopher Huggins, Kevin Iega Jeff, Garfield Lemonius, Gerald Arpino, and Trey McIntyre to name a few. Upon graduation, he accepted a company position with River North Dance Chicago where he performed and toured internationally for two years. During this time performing works by choreographers like Frank Chaves, Ivan Perez, Sherry Zunker, and Adam Barruch. He decided to focus on developing his own movement language and left the company to freelance. First venturing to spend a year working as a professional dancer in Los Angeles, getting the opportunity to perform with artist Sia at Coachella and Boston Calling. His love for choreography drove him to relocate to Cincinnati, Ohio to follow his own creative journey. Since returning to his hometown he has been able to produce and perform work with his partner Cody Szarko. They have conceived and performed their own full-length show as 2ManMovement, choreographed for a local company, and presented at a TEDX. John performed the lead as Joseph in the 2019 Aronoff premier of Awaited. Apart from his own performing he has a love for teaching and expanding his knowledge for the art. He has been on faculty for TRIBE Dance for several years as well as appearing for master classes across North America. When not working in the arts, John enjoys spending time with his dogs and exploring new places.

JEANNE MAM-LUFT

Artistic and Executive Director of Mutual Dance Theatre and Arts Center

Jeanne Mam-Luft is the Artistic and Executive Director of Mutual Dance Theatre and Arts Center, founded as MamLuft&Co. Dance. She holds Master of Fine Arts in Dance from Texas Woman’s University and a Bachelor of Architecture from Carnegie Mellon University. Mam-Luft is certified in Labanotation from the Dance Notation Bureau (NY).

As an artist-producer, Mam-Luft has worked with numerous Cincinnati organizations, including Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Contemporary Arts Center, and Clifton Cultural Arts Center, producing 18 evening length works and 61 shorter works (35 of which were her own works). She was the first and only dance artist to be named a Cincinnati Arts Ambassador Fellow in support of an original dance-for-camera she choreographed, filmed, and edited in 2014-2015. Most of her works are spurred by her personal history as an immigrant and a refugee of the Cambodian genocide, which led to the death and continued impoverishment of many of her family members. As a choreographer, her interests lie in human connections and energy created by spatial relationships.

She served on the board of OhioDance (the state-wide organization for dance) for 6 years, was Assistant Director of Contemporary Dance Theater for 4 years, and is a founding member of Greater Cincinnati Dance Alliance. Mam-Luft has served on the governance committee of the local chapter of Ohio Alliance for Arts Education.

She has guest-taught and/or set work on university students at Texas Woman’s University, University of Cincinnati, University of Kentucky, Wittenberg University, Northern Kentucky University, Tarrant County College, and Kent State, where she was an artist-in-residence in 2016.

Mam-Luft has also worked for several architectural design firms and is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional. She is also a professional designer and photographer, a hobby baker, and a mother.

ELENA RODRIGUEZ MOORE

Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant, Certified in Myofascial Taping, and former member of MamLuft&Co. Dance/Mutual Dance Theatre

Elena danced for eight seasons with MamLuft&Co. Dance (now Mutual Dance Theatre and Arts Center) and served both as the company’s Repertory Rehearsal Director and a choreographer.

Elena has assisted in choreographing several shows for the company, including Double|Sided, a full-length work created in collaboration with Steven P. Evans, which premiered at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center during the 2015-2016 season.

Born in Queens, New York, Elena received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance Cum Laude with a concentration in choreography from Goucher College in Towson, Maryland. While at Goucher, Elena performed and studied under such esteemed artists as Gabriel Masson, Alan Hineline, Roger Jeffrey, Heather McArdle, Anne Hutchinson Guest, Mino Nicholas, and Janice Garret. After graduating, she moved to Dayton, Ohio and danced for SMAG Dance Collective under the direction of Michael Groomes, and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company 2 under the direction of Shonna Hickman-Matlock. Elena holds a Physical Therapist Assistant degree and is a Physical Therapist Assistant at a skilled nursing facility.

JASMINE SNELLEN

Company Member of Mutual Dance Theatre (as well as Marketing Manager and Choreographer ’22 MODERN MIX)

Jasmine Snellen began her dance training at Louisville Youth Performing Arts School where she studied Martha Graham’s technique and classical ballet. Snellen earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Shenandoah Conservatory and University where she trained with equal emphasis in Ballet, Jazz (classical, contemporary, & commercial), Modern (Graham, Limón, & Horton), composition, and pedagogy. Snellen has had the honor of training with Alan Arnett, Tiffanie Carson, Ting-Yu Chen, Maurice Fraga, Elijah Alhadji Gibson, Erica Helm, Linda Miller, and Lisa Startsman among others, including mainstage features by Mike Esperanza of Bare Dance Company NYC, Company | E of Washington DC, and Brussels-based artists Katie Vickers and Albert Quesada.

Jasmine has performed at Peridance Salvatore Capezio Theater in NYC, trained with LA Contemporary Dance Company and Sidra Bell Dance New York, and presented work at the Kentucky Center for the Arts. Snellen is currently dancing, teaching, and choreographing as Company Director with Mutual Dance Theatre in her third season. Recently, she conceptualized, choreographed, and edited a five-part dance-for-camera entitled FFIFF (2020), which explores society’s rapidly shifting polarity, clashes of beliefs, and the tethers of groupthink.

SHAUNA STEELE

Chair of Dance Department at University of Cincinnati (Graduate of University of Michigan and Indiana University)

An administrator and educator with nearly two decades of experience, Shauna Steele most recently taught at Michigan’s Hope College where she taught dance history and criticism, jazz, modern, improvisation, assisted the historic and social dance sections, and mentored Student Dance Showcase choreographers. From 2011-18 Steele served as the dance program director and associate professor of dance at Anderson University in Indiana.

Steele is the founder and artistic director of Mocha Dance Project – which pursues projects engaging the fusion of photography, video, dance and collaboration – and was the associate director for RusticGroove Dance.

Her research interests include dance in world culture and context, Africanized movement in the Diaspora of Western culture (specifically Afro-Cuban and Afro-Caribbean), the influences of Celtic traditions on art and movement, the function of art in restricted or repressed environments, and body movement logic.

She was the artistic director of Parallel Differences youth dance and the Associate Instructor for the Indiana University African American Arts Institute’s dance company. Her choreography has appeared in Robert Hay-Smith’s Pollen: The Musical, RADfest, The Tank NYC, Midwest RADfest, the Arizona Positivity Project and the Ypsilanti Fringe Festival. She has taught master classes in Roots of Jazz Dance and served as dance faculty at Grand Valley State University, Eastern Michigan University, Anderson University and the University of Michigan’s MPulse summer dance institute.

Steele has lead master classes and workshops in improvisational movement, African dance, modern dance, jazz, Afro-jazz and hip hop. Her professional credits include Windfall Dancers, African American Dance Company, Dancers Studio Inc., Sancocho: Musica and Dance Collage and Ann Arbor Dance Works. She has performed in Robin Wilson’s Slave Moth, in Alexandra Beller’s Reasons for Moving and in Gay Delanghe’s Motor Tango/Tangle.

Her past projects include Millstones in August 2010 and The Positivity Project in Tempe, Arizona in October 2010. Her current choreography projects include Disobedient Objects/Caged Bird Legacy (a site-specific work), Sacred Ground (an evening length concert in three parts), /ˈākər/ (which delves into compulsive behavior and the need to sort, measure and catalogue), Leyenda in Winter (a dance for camera work), Still Frame (a video dance project) and Passengers (a contemporary modern work).

A published dance scholar, Steele’s co-authored textbook, “Experiencing Dance: A Creative Approach to Dance Appreciation” (2011), examines the ever-changing culture of dance and provides a basic historical context and appreciation of dance as an art form. Her research articles include Exploring Choreographic Responsibility through the ‘Cultural Lens’ (2013); Drawing Parallel Lines: Dance, Architecture, and Society (2009); and Drawing Parallel Lines in Dance, Architecture, and Society: African American Modern Dance, and Jewish Deconstructivist Architecture (2006), among others.

Steele received her MFA in Dance Choreography and Performance with a focus area in History and Technology from the University of Michigan in 2006, and a BGS in Arts and Humanities with a focus area in Cultural Anthropology and Dance from Indiana University in 2002. She is a member of the American College Dance Association, World Dance Alliance and the National Dance Education Organization.

CODY SZARKO

Formerly of Visceral Dance Chicago

Cody Szarko is a native of Toronto, Canada. He trained under the direction of Vlad at Vlads Dance Company in Richmond Hill Ontario. Furthering his artistic ability, he obtained his BFA in dance at Point Park University with a concentration in jazz. Upon completion of his degree, he was offered a contract with Visceral Dance Chicago, a contemporary dance company. Throughout his career, he has performed works by world renowned choreographers such as Ohad Naharin, Monica Cervantes, Alejandro Cerrudo, Robyn Mineko Williams, Sidra bell, and Banning Boudin. Cody relocated to Los Angeles, California, starting a new chapter in his life as a freelance dancer. He has performed and filmed with the band, Celtic Thunder, as well in the Miss America Organization as a guest artist. Cody had the opportunity to choreograph and star in FreekBass’s “Your love is always on time” music video bringing his choreographic process and vision to film. Cody moved with his partner John Litzler to Cincinnati where he has resided since 2016. They created and performed in a full length work under the name 2ManMovement. 2ManMovement has performed throughout the city, choreographed on a local company and in 2018 was invited to dance at a TEDX on innovation. Cody most recently was featured as “Adam” in the 2019 production of Awaited at the Aronoff Theatre. When not performing, Cody flourishes in teaching movement across North America connecting body and mind through his movement language. He has taught for various conventions such as TRIBE dance as well as POWERPAK and continues to teach master classes throughout North America. Cody enjoys cooking, gardening, yoga, and spending time with his dogs.

SHANE OHMER

Cincinnati-based artist Shane Ohmer is presently an Adjunct Professor of Dance at the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music. Mr. Ohmer was the Associate Dance Captain for the Broadway Tour of The Phantom of the Opera where he initiated the development of the “how-to” manual for teaching the production. Mr. Ohmer has appeared in Susan Stroman’s “The Merry Widow” at The Metropolitan Opera, the world touring hit dance show “Rock the Ballet”, Flashdance – the Musical 1st National Broadway Tour, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Whim W’him, River North Chicago Dance Company and as a Principal guest artist for various companies around the world. Shane trained in Dance/Musical Theater at Cincinnati’s School For Creative and Performing Arts and Pacific Northwest Ballet School in Seattle.

Commercial work includes appearances on Law and Order SVU, David Letterman, Dos Equis Adverts,  Warby Parker , GQ magazine, and runway shows for Commonwealth Utilities and Armani Exchange. Shane has created choreography for New York Fashion Week designers The Blonds, L’Officiel Hommes Video, numerous competitive dance pieces, stage plays, and musical reviews.

Shane’s mission is to expand his performing career, educate emerging artists, produce creative choreography, and direct movement that pushes boundaries for Dance and  Musical Theater in live and digital spaces.

“Statuesque Shane Ohmer, the lead male dancer, is clean and airborne, his jetes and turns thrilling, his star power unmistakable.” — Chicago Tribune

“Shane Ohmer (a potent new addition to Whim W’Him)… delivers a giddy, long-limbed solo that somehow embodies the jubilant pull of flesh to flesh without going into anatomical specifics.” — The Seattle Times

“Ohmer was the picture of masculinity—his muscled chest bared for a solo piece, his limbs solid yet graceful in their execution of movement.” — CityArts

“Shane Ohmer was a standout as a feature dancer. His passionate duets… revealed not only his impeccable technique but also his ability to connect emotionally to the audience.” — Examiner.com

“… dancing Lamborghinis (including Shane Ohmer, briefly of River North Dance Chicago) zooms into town.” — Time Out Chicago

“New York dance rebel Shane Ohmer is bringing his particular brand of physical expression to the Fringe stage with Rock the Ballet.” — Edinburgh Festivals Magazine

HANNAH WILLIAMSON

Rehearsal Director of Mutual Dance Theatre (Graduate, Wright State University)

Hannah Williamson, a 4-year performing member of Mutual Dance Theatre (formerly MamLuft&Co. Dance), also functions as the company’s Rehearsal Director and the Academy’s senior ensemble. She is a 2017 graduate of Wright State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance – Magna Cum Laude.  In college she performed numerous dance concerts and musical theater productions including The Great Gatsby and No, No, Nanette as well as a work entitled “Testament” choreographed and set by Dwight Rhoden and Clifford Williams of Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Upon graduation, Hannah apprenticed with Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre in Carmel, IN and performed in the 2017 Bollywood production of A Night In India.

In addition to her work as a professional dancer, Hannah also has a passion for choreography. Through her art she strives to communicate eternal truths where mere words come up short. And she did that in her piece entitled “White Shores” which was chosen from among the entire 2017 graduating class’ works to be performed in the annual faculty concert. The piece was later selected through an adjudication process to the Columbus Modern Dance Company’s January 2018 Emerging Choreographer Residency and was selected to be performed at the 2018 Area Choreographers Festival in Cincinnati. As a member of Mutual Dance Theatre, Hannah choreographed a piece for the 2019 spring production. This work went on to be chosen for performance at the YES! Dance Festival in Richmond, Virginia and at the 2020 Area Choreographers Festival in Cincinnati.

COUNTESS WINFREY

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company

Nashville native, Countess V. Winfrey, currently serves as a performer, teaching artist, choreographer, and rehearsal director for The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. She began her training at the age of 11 at Wharton Arts Magnet Middle school, Dance with Stacey Dance Studio, and Nashville School of the Arts. She later attended the University of Memphis, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Health and Human Performance, and a minor in Dance. Post-graduation, Ms. Winfrey joined Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s pre-professional ensemble, which then led into a professional dance career with DCDC. Ms. Winfrey has danced professionally with DCDC and has also danced one season with ClancyWorks Dance Company (Washington, D.C.). She has performed nationally and internationally in Bermuda, China, Kazakhstan, and Russia. She has performed works by Ulysses Dove, Donald McKayle, Ray Mercer, Dwight Rhoden, Ronald K. Brown, Abby Zbikowski, Dianne McIntyre, Donald Byrd and more.

LENAI WILKERSON

Cincinnati Ballet, Formerly with Ballet Hispánico

Lenai Alexis Wilkerson hails from Washington, D.C. where she attended the Baltimore School for the Arts, under the direction of Norma Pera. She graduated from the inaugural class at the University of Southern California as a Glorya Kaufman scholar with a BFA in Dance and a minor in Political Science. Upon graduation, Wilkerson became a company artist with Ballet Hispánico, where she toured internationally for three seasons. With the company, she delved deeper into community engagement opportunities and has taught youth at institutions around the world. Additionally, she has assisted Patrick Corbin in setting a Paul Taylor work for Miami City Ballet. Wilkerson has performed works by choreographers including George Balanchine, William Forsythe, Jiří Kylián, Martha Graham, Barak Marshall, Azure Barton, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, d.Sabela Grimes, and Dwight Rhoden. Additionally, she has trained seasonally with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Bolshoi Ballet, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Jacob’s Pillow and with legendary ballerina Suzanne Farrell. She is a YAGP Top 12 finalist and was one of the seven 2016-17 dance scholars to be awarded a scholarship from Nigel Lythgoe’s Dizzy Feet Foundation.

COURSE AND ACTIVITY DESCRIPTIONS

Click on the activity name for a description. Listed in alphabetical order.

During lunch time, participants are free to do as they please! We encourage you to take a breath of fresh air outside on our 1.2 acres or to explore Cincinnati and the adjacent charming neighborhood of Wyoming. However, we have scheduled special activities for those who wish to partake! Dancers are to bring their own lunches OR they can purchase lunches where noted on outing dates. We do have refrigerator, microwave, hot water kettle, and toaster oven available for use. Please see the schedule for the date of each activity.

BYOL: GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Bring your own lunch and get to know your fellow workshop mates in a fun hour led by MDT’s Artistic Director.

BYOL: GENERAL COLLEGE Q&A

General, introductory information to college and dance program admissions, the difference between degree programs (such as a BA, BS, or BFA), and common types of college programs.

BYOL: DANCE FILM OR ARCHIVE

Students will watch a dance film or archive of a performance (which may include MDT’s work).

BYOL: MODERN DANCE TRIVIA

Bring your bagged lunch and your Modern Dance history knowledge! Participants will compete in a game of dance history trivia to win a prize!

BYOL: ICE CREAM PARTY

A send-off on what will surely be a hot day: eat lunch together one last time followed by an ice cream party and exchanging information to stay in touch.

Split in two groups, workshop participants will work with Jeanne as she shares over 20 years of experience in photographing and staging dancers for exciting and flattering photography that captures emotional concept, technical facility, and motion. Students will be able to take turns in front of the camera while putting into practice various principles that will assist students in maximizing their precious time with photographers.

What can dance artists expects when it comes to grants and funding? How does one find opportunities? Or, write a successful grant application? Mutual Dance Theatre’s Director provides a helpful introduction to grant writing for dance artists and explains some of the common misunderstandings of grants.

Jeanne Mam-Luft will share with students her love for the codified systems of Rudolf von Laban, which will provide structures for improvisation within Modern Dance. Students will challenge themselves to find the full range of their kinespheres by using the Laban Cube (aka “The Dynamospher”) as a form for understanding space and line, as well as for sparking movement generation. The short workshop will also touch on Laban efforts (weight, time, and space).

Join Adrienne Taylor, CFRE as she provides a detailed overview of fundraising for the arts. Topics include: the development cycle, elements of cultivation & stewardship, and volunteers. Participants will leave feeling equipped to participate in the fundraising efforts of their favorite arts organization.

The Modern Dance Masterclass Series features special guests with national repute. Mutual Dance Theatre proudly shares with its workshop participants esteemed professionals from the field. Participants will experience a breadth of styles — both in the dancing, as well as the teaching style itself — in order to expand each dancer’s palette.

Please see the schedule for their assigned dates.

Through daily study with MDT’s Rehearsal Director, students will gain intimate experience with the company’s pluralist approach to dance, seamlessly drawing from traditional and progressive Modern Dance styles to build a whole dancer.

Taught by Physical Therapist Assistant Elena Rodriguez, certified in myofascial movement taping, this class will explore some of the beginning concepts of myofascial taping and how they can be utilized by dancers. Dancers will explore the benefits and theories behind the process of taping, as well as perform some hands on activities to use myofascial tape on areas that are commonly injured by dancers. Tape will be provided for participants’ practice.

Learn Mutual Dance Theatre repertory from Company Member and Choreographer Jasmine Snellen.

The Roll Model Method® is a soft-tissue conditioning, self-care fitness format that uses the various massage balls for self-myofascial release, aka self-massage. Class includes connecting to breath, comparing how a body part feels before and after the massage work, experiential anatomy and alignment, and mental awareness (such as conscious relaxation).

As the last gathering, workshop participants will perform in a live-streamed and open showing to which they may invite friends and family. Participants will share their Repertory work, a phrase from their daily Modern Technique class, and their Contemporary class.

Struggling with being upside down or on your hands? No worries. This skills workshop will work on fundamental concepts to help you become more comfortable with inversions, using both Modern Dance and gymnastics principles.

Weight share is vastly important to Modern Dance performance. Strong partnering technique is necessary for safety and aesthetics, especially if performing non-traditional lifts (such as women lifting women or men). Learn from one of MDT’s finest partnering technicians during this skills workshop.

In this course, Jasmine will workshop with participants on how to create concise, quality short-form dance content that also assists in finding or developing one’s artistic voice and brand.

Early Bird Rate

$249

Register by February 28 to receive this discounted rate

Regular Tuition

$299

Register between March 1 and April 30 to receive this rate

Late Rate

$349

This rate applies when registering on May 1 or later

Day Pass

$90

5-Class Mix and Match

$110

MDT Tank Top

$20

REFUND POLICY

$50 of your registration fee is a non-refundable deposit and will not be returned for any reason, including withdrawal.

In the case of withdrawals, a written request must be submitted no later than 14 days prior to the start of the intensive, sent to hello@mutualarts.org.

Refunds cannot be provided due to absenteeism, injury, illness, doctor’s appointments, or other reasons.

8222 Monon Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45216 — Just 2 minutes off of I-75

Mutual Arts Center
HARTWELL Location
8222 Monon Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45216

Convenient to I-75, Kroger (just a block away!), Country Fresh Market, charming small business district of Wyoming, and more conveniences. Located in a somewhat secluded area with pine trees and large yards on 1.25 acres, with plenty of free parking. Doors are locked at all times with video surveillance.

hello@mutualarts.org

513.494.6526

We also accept text messages

FAQs and OTHER POLICIES

Please scroll up for the refund policy.

This unique week-long summer program is designed just for teens to explore Modern and Contemporary forms of dance, as well as to gain exposure to college dance programs in the region.
Consider this a pre-college dance experience for young dancers.
Mutual Dance Theatre and Arts Centers’  professionals teach within academic traditions and invite esteemed professors of dance who will share with students information about their programs.
The Modern Dance Teen Intensive is an invigorating week of dance that is both challenging and supportive. This is a safe, judgement-free zone for teens to have fun and make new friends

Generally, 13-18 years old for advanced teen dancers, but if your dancer is younger and has a lot of experience we also welcome them to sign up! This intensive is for dancers with a lot of training and experience. If you have any questions regarding this, feel free to send us an email! hello@mutualarts.org

As an organization, we do not have a strict dress code, per se. Individual instructors may vary in their opinions. In general, we encourage Modern Dancers to wear movement that assists in their flow and does not impede footwork. We ask NO mid-driffs and for full bottom coverage at least to mid-thigh. We ask dancers not to wear shorts other than “bike shorts” due to the amount of open-leg floor and inversion work we do. Chinese kneepads are encouraged. Floor work is extensive: please have coverage for backs, arms, and legs available at all times

We advise you bring the following:

  1. Lunch if you don’t want to leave the Center campus. We have a microwave, fridge, how water kettle, and stove available. However, within walking distance are: Kroger, Wendy’s, UDF, and Gold Star. Within driving distance are: Dragon City, La Casita, Penn Station, Country Fresh Market, Wyoming Community Coffee, Half Day Cafe, Wyoming Pastry Shop, Station Family + BBQ, Pollo Shaddai, Amma’s Kitchen (all-vegetarian Indian), We do BBQ, Song Long (Vietnamese), and more.
  2. Reusable water bottle. The drinking fountains are out of commission due to COVID. We will have filtered water coolers available.
  3. Layered clothing. The studio may get warm, but we recommend items to cover legs, arms, and backs for floor work. All of our floors are Marley. The lower level studio is cushioned Marley.
  4. Chinese knee pads. You may find these helpful.
  5. Note-taking materials. Our seminars will contain great information. Writing it down helps you remember!

The Mutual Dance Theatre and Arts Centers’ Teen Intensive will run from 9:00am-4:10pm. Our doors will open at 8:45am for drop off and our staff will stick around until 4:20pm for pick up!

Unfortunately, we cannot provide housing. However, we do have some trusted families in the city who may be able to host a dancer and are happy to make some introductions. Please email hello@mutualarts.org if you have serious interest in this.

Due to COVID-19, we will inform all instructors that dancers are not to do any partnering work. We also as a policy will inform instructors that touch/tactile aid is not allowed this summer.