Dunham Technique
A vibrant fusion of Haitian dance, jazz, modern, and ballet, created by dance pioneer Katherine Dunham. Dunham technique classes are offered at the Brattleboro School of Dance across multiple levels for dancers ages 7 and up.
Dunham technique instructors: Cyndal Ellis & Patricia Wilson
Who is Katherine Dunham?
Katherine Dunham (1909–2006) was one of the pioneers of today's contemporary dance. She was a dancer, choreographer, anthropologist, writer, political activist, philosopher and humanitarian. The Katherine Dunham Dance Company toured the world during the 1940s and 50s. Ms. Dunham's unique approach to bringing her anthropological research to the stage created groundbreaking choreography that embodied the dances of the African Diaspora.
What is Dunham Technique?
Dunham Technique is a vibrant fusion of Haitian dance, modern, jazz and ballet, including center floor, barre work, isolations and progressions. The technique was created by Ms. Dunham as a way to unify the training of the dancers in her company. She invited dancers into her company who embodied different aspects of the aesthetic she wanted on stage. Some dancers excelled in folkloric techniques, some were trained in classical ballet, still others conveyed specific cultural wisdom and movement, like drummers, people with religious knowledge and singers. Because she was training dancers to perform her cross-cultural choreography, elements of her stage work are woven into the pedagogy, especially in the progressions. The progressions also incorporate folkloric elements from Haiti, Brazil and Cuba and more. Central to Dunham Technique is Haitian folkloric movement that embodies the movement of the snake, which is reflected in the undulation of the spine.
What makes Dunham Technique unique?
Dunham Technique is a creative approach to teaching dance steeped in holistic philosophies that engender self-knowledge through the practice of self-examination, discernment and detachment. Ms. Dunham understood dance as a profound tool to bring about individual and social transformation. Partnering self-awareness with cultural awareness, she drew on the anthropological theories of Intercultural Communication, Socialization Through the Arts, and Form and Function. She used dance to uplift people and the communities they live in.
Study Dunham Technique at BSD
Full semester tuition $156
Dunham Technique is a vibrant fusion of Haitian dance, jazz, modern and ballet. This class will introduce the fundamentals of the technique, created by dance pioneer, Katherine Dunham. Dancers will be empowered by a philosophy that encourages accessing self-knowledge through dance. We begin with a warm up and core conditioning, followed by center floor, barre and progressions. Our focus will be on breath, alignment, energy, rhythm and most importantly, the joy of dancing!
Dancers with no previous experience are welcome as are those with dance experience but no Dunham background. This intergenerational class is designed for ages 7 and up, and parents are encouraged to dance with kids.
Full semester tuition $234
Dunham Technique, created by dance pioneer Katherine Dunham, is a vibrant fusion of Haitian dance, jazz, modern and ballet and includes center floor, barre and progressions. This class will review the fundamentals of the technique in a multi-level, supportive atmosphere and then challenge the dancers with more complex phrases and material. Dancers will be empowered by philosophies that encourage accessing self-awareness through dance. Our focus will be on breath, alignment, energy, rhythm and most importantly, the joy of dancing!
This intergenerational class is designed for dancers 9 years and up who have previous Dunham experience. Dancers with background in other techniques are welcome! If you were already in Dunham I in previous semesters, this is the place for you. It is also a perfect opportunity for families to dance together.
Full semester tuition $234
Dunham Technique, created by dance pioneer Katherine Dunham, is a vibrant fusion of Haitian dance, jazz, modern and ballet and includes center floor, barre and progressions. This class is for dancers with Dunham experience, ready to challenge themselves with longer combos and more complex material. Dancers will be empowered by philosophies that encourage accessing self-awareness through dance. Our focus will be on breath, alignment, energy, rhythm and most importantly, the joy of dancing!
This intergenerational class is designed for dancers with a strong base in Dunham Technique. Dunham I/II is a prerequisite, however, experienced dancers with extensive background in other techniques are welcome!