FREE classes and performances.
EPHRAT ASHERIE DANCE
Ephrat Asherie Dance performs ODEON, October 4th 7:00PM: Sharon Springs Central School
Ephrat Asherie Dance (EAD) is a dance company rooted in African American and Latine street and club dances. Dedicated to exploring the inherent complexities of these dances, EAD investigates the expansive narrative qualities of various vernacular forms including breaking, hip hop, house and vogue, as a means to tell stories, develop innovative imagery, and find new modes of expression. EAD’s first evening-length work, A Single Ride, earned two Bessie nominations in 2013 for Outstanding Emerging Choreographer and Outstanding Sound Design by Marty Beller. The company has presented work at New York City Center, Art Power! at UC San Diego, The Apollo Theater, Columbia College, Dixon Place, FiraTarrega, Works & Process at the Guggenheim, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Joyce Theater, La MaMa, New York Live Arts, River to River Festival, Spoleto Festival USA, Summerstage NYC, and The Yard, among others.
ODEON
ODEON is the second collaboration between brother and sister team Ephrat and Ehud Asherie (choreographer and musical director, respectively). Set to the music of Brazilian composer Ernesto Nazareth, known for mixing early 20th century romantic music with samba and other popular Afro-Brazilian rhythms, ODEON remixes and reconnects various street and club styles, including breaking, hip hop, house and waacking. ODEON explores Ernesto Nazareth’s fluid approach to music and blurs time, tempo and genre, creating a world unlike any other.
Roving Dance Party & Sound Bath: Friday, October 4th 8:30PM: Sharon Springs Central School
Join us for an Ecstatic Dance experience brought to you by the Roving Dance Party, directly following the dance performance Friday night. Angelica Palmer, of The Telegraph School, will guide you into your body and Isha Now will DJ a free-flowing dance party. Set in a non-judgmental and supportive environment, Ecstatic Dance allows for emotional release, personal connection, and pure joy. No choreography, no rules—just a space to move, feel, and connect with the music and each other.
To conclude the night, DJ Tym will guide you into a peaceful sound bath, where the soothing vibrations of sound will help you relax, unwind, and reflect on the evening’s energy. It’s a perfect way to close out the experience in a state of calm and harmony.
Dance Classes: Saturday, October 5th: Sharon Springs Central School
Join us for a day of dance at the Sharon Springs Dance Festival! This event is FREE and open to the public, offering a variety of dance classes for all ages and skill levels. Whether you want to attend one class or all of them, you’re welcome! While we encourage sign-ups to help us plan, drop-ins are always welcome. Come and enjoy a day of movement, learning, and fun with professional instructors!
10:00-11:00 AM Children’s class (7-12) Ephrat Asherie and Company
This class will introduce students to some of the fundamental elements of breaking, including top rock, down rock, freezes and spins. Participants should wear comfortable clothes and come ready to learn, sweat and have fun!
11:15-12:30 AM Community class Ephrat Asherie and Company
This community class will focus on essential elements–rhythm, musicality, dynamic shifts and flow–that connect various social dances we do as a company. Using ideas and fundamental movement patterns from breaking, hip hop and house, this class will give students tools to feel more comfortable freestyling/improvising and expressing the music in their own unique way. Participants should wear comfortable clothes and come ready to learn, sweat and have fun!
12:30-1:15 PM Lunch Break
1:15-2:30 PM Modern Dance Techniques with Constance Dinapoli
Students will learn basic principles of Modern Dance Techniques from historic luminaries of American Modern Dance. The class will emphasize the improvement of physical strength and athleticism, flexibility, suspension, breath, and fluidity using elements from the techniques and styles of American artists in a fun, exploratory, creative way.
2:45-3:45 PM African Dance Class with Gballoi Dance
Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms and dynamic movements of African dance! This energetic class will introduce participants to traditional African dance forms, focusing on rhythm, expression, and community. Feel the beat and let loose in a fun, welcoming environment. All levels are encouraged to join—no previous experience required!
4:00-5:00 PM Jazz Dance with Betty Gavin-Singer
Jazz Dance, a performance-oriented dance form, emphasizes the rhythmic aspects of movement especially accent & syncopation. Betty’s class will incorporate the technique of Charles Kelley through standing isolations, sitting floor stretches and coordination combinations. A fun short routine will be taught emphasizing musical theater and Broadway jazz styles. All levels welcome!
5:00-5:30 PM Wrap up and cool down with Betty Gavin-Singer
After an exciting day of dance, unwind with a gentle cool down session. This class will focus on stretching, relaxation, and deep breathing exercises to help release any tension and improve flexibility. It’s the perfect way to relax your muscles and end the day on a soothing note. All skill levels welcome! Please bring a yoga mat.
Friday night’s performance and all classes are FREE and open to the public. All skill levels and ages are encouraged to join.
Klinkhart Hall Arts Center’s programs are made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.