Pearson to teach American Indian hoop dancing

Photo by Maria Luiken-Stalk


Open Level American Indian Hoop Class    

taught by Tom Pearson

at Dance New Amsterdam, 280 Broadway (and Chambers), Manhattan
Ongoing, Sundays: 3-5pm, beginning June 6. Take a FREE class on June 6!

For class rates visit Dance New Amsterdam.


DNA is expanding its core technique classes to include new dance forms. As always DNA strives to expose students to a diverse selection of curriculum and faculty. The new classes added include: American Indian Hoop Dance, Flamenco, Tap, American Dance Machine (ADM) Theater Dance, Hula Hoop Dance and Social Dance. Come and Dance for FREE* June 6 through June 12

*Space is limited, please arrive early to sign in and secure a spot.

DESCRIPTION

The Hoop Dance, which originated among the Southwest Pueblos, is performed at American Indian gatherings around the U.S. It is a form of traditional Native storytelling dance that incorporates anywhere from one to 30 hoops, which are used to create both static and dynamic formations representing various aspects of the natural world. The dance was created as way to test the skills of the dancer and express connection with the earth. 

In this class, students will learn steps drawn from different styles of American Indian dance as well as techniques for working with hoops. Beginning with an integrated warm-up drawing on simple contemporary exercises, the class will progress into the fundamentals of Native American social dance steps, rhythmic relationship, and placement. From there, we will explore the possibilities of movement and rhythm together with object manipulation—starting with a single hoop to explore the myriad ways in which the dancer and object can move together, and incrementally graduating to two, three, four or more hoops. We will simultaneously look at the structure, progression, and symbolism of Hoop Dance through combinations that cumulatively build into performance. Once a month, the class will work with live music as Native guest drummers play while students practice hoop routines. Hoops will be provided for use in class. 

Hoops will be available for use or students may bring their own. 

Tom Pearson, Co-Director of Third Rail Projects, is a Bessie Award-winning choreographer working in a variety of media including site-specific performance, dance film, art installation, and works for the stage. Known for “movement that shimmers with unusual psychic static” (The New Yorker), his work has been seen at numerous venues nationally and internationally. Of Cherokee and Creek heritage, Pearson also participates in American Indian events as a Grass and Hoop dancer, and his teachings share what he has learned over the years from members of the Native community in the New York area. Additionally, his writings on Native dance have appeared in Dance Magazine, Time Out New York Kids, Dance Spirit, and the Public Theater’s online Native Theater Journal.