Creative Movement

Immediately shedding their inhibitions with the first round of movement, students will learn to “think” with their bodies, and work together to build a movement phrase that they will then shape and compose in small groups. This class encourages equality among participants, teamwork, creative thinking, self-expression, and physical activity while teaching principles of movement composition. Inclusivity is embraced and promoted. While this workshop is physically and cognitively challenging, aspects of the work can be appreciated by all, such as the energy and rhythm of what is happening, connecting sounds and movement, and watching the creations unfold. Movement is self-directed (participants are doing their own movements, not learning the teacher’s movement), and all movement and sound offerings are accepted as part of the creation. Caregivers for those with special needs must remain present and assisting throughout the class.

Based on Allen and Karen Kaeja’s Express Dance technique, which Lisa learned through teaching, performing, and touring with Kaeja d’Dance in the early 2000s, Lisa has offered this workshop in public schools and dance schools throughout Nova Scotia and Ontario.

All abilities are welcome. Please advise is supports are needed.

Participants should wear comfortable clothing with bare feet, socks, or indoor sneakers, and please bring a water bottle.

The workshop is free but space is limited. Registration is required.

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ABOUT LISA PHINNEY LANGLEY

Lisa Phinney Langley is a Kjipuktuk/Halifax-based choreographer, dancer, and educator, with a background in dance and natural sciences. Her curiosity is driven by the possibility of glimpsing fundamental beauty and truth within the diversity of our perceptions and experiences, and by revealing our interconnectedness with the natural phenomena that surround us.

Trained at Halifax Dance, the School of Toronto Dance Theatre, and independently in Halifax, Toronto, and Vancouver, Lisa toured with CORPUS and Kaeja d’Dance throughout Ontario and Quebec before returning to Halifax in 2003 where she co-founded Mocean Dance and was co-artistic director until 2005.  In 2010 she launched Phin Performing Arts to support the creation and production of her dance works, collaborations, and outreach and education projects.

Lisa is beneficiary of two Kinetic Explorations awards and two Diane Moore Scholarships, and is a 2010 Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia Masterworks Arts Award nominee. She has apprenticed with Canadian choreographers Crystal Pite, Susie Burpee, Tedd Robinson, Lesandra Dodson, and Noam Gagnon. She is proud that her work, Analogy for Solid Bones, prompted one reviewer to publicly state, “Conservationists take note: If you want people to pay attention, partner with an artist.”

Lisa is a passionate educator, having taught dance and movement (and physics) throughout the past 25 years, and has been on the Perform! roster teaching in Nova Scotia schools since 2018. Currently, Lisa is developing a new dance show for young audiences premiering in 2023. Lisa lives in Halifax with her husband, two beautiful children, and one overly friendly dog.

THE NEXT GEN THEATRE PROJECT is an initiative of King’s Theatre that includes free workshops for both adults and youth to build on the community’s passion for creating theatre. The aim is to celebrate diversity, resilience & belonging in Kespukwitk. The project is supported by Canadian Heritage’s Celebration and Commemoration Program, Reopening Fund.

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Government of Canada.
Nous reconnaissons l’appui du gouvernement du Canada.