Join the artists of CHOP SHOP 2021 for a series of master classes highlighting diverse approaches to modern and contemporary dance. The Master Class Series is open to dancers ages 12+ with a minimum of three years of dance training, with all classes taught at an intermediate/advanced level.

This year the CHOP SHOP Master Class Series will be held online and all classes will be offered on a pay-what-you-can sliding scale. All proceeds will go to the festival's teaching artists. We encourage you to register early, as each class will be limited to a maximum of 25 participants and registration will close one hour before the start of the class.

Movement Research & Choreography with Omar Román De Jesús

This class focuses on musicality, challenging the brain to act quickly through several improvisational tasks. The goal is to activate and shift awareness within our bodies, to get rid of negative consciousness, and to discover the infinite possibilities of our individual bodies.

About Omar Román De Jesús

Omar Román De Jesús (he/him), originally from Bayamón, Puerto Rico, is a recipient of the 2020 Jacob's Pillow Ann & Weston Hicks Choreography Fellowship. He has been commissioned twice by Instituto de Cultura de Puerto Rico to create work for the International Dance Festival of Puerto Rico, where he was awarded the Ambassador of Dance medal. Omar has won choreographic competitions including the Joffrey Academy of Dance's Winning Works Choreographic Competition and Whim W’Him’s Choreographic Shindig, and received awards including the Audience Award at The Dance Gallery Festival, 1st place prize at the Reverb Dance Festival, and the Parsons Dance GenerationNOW Commission for their 2017 Joyce Season. He has also created work for Jacob Jonas The Company and educational institutions such as The Ailey School, James Madison University, and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. His work was recently presented at the 2020 CHOP SHOP: Bodies of Work Contemporary Dance Festival and will be presented, online and live, at the upcoming PRISMA International Dance Festival in Panama, the Jerusalem International Choreographic Competition, and the Palm Desert Choreography Festival. Learn more about Omar Román De Jesús and Boca Tuya at bocatuya.com. Instagram: @bocatuya____

Accessibility

For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please contact Lizzy at Lizzy@chopshopdance.org.

FAQs

How do I join the class?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are offering the CHOP SHOP Master Class Series - and all our festival programming - online. Once you've registered for the class, you'll receive a confirmation email that includes a link to join the class via Zoom. Don't worry: we'll also send you a reminder email with the link shortly before the class begins!

How much does the class cost?

All 2021 CHOP SHOP Master Class Series classes are being offered on a pay-what-you-can / sliding scale cost - we recommend a suggested donation of $10, but please select the price that feels comfortable and appropriate to you. All proceeds from the CHOP SHOP Master Class Series will go to the teaching artists.

Are there minimum age and dance experience requirements for the CHOP SHOP Master Class Series?

The CHOP SHOP Master Class Series is open to all dancers over the age of 12 working at an intermediate / advanced level. We recommend a minimum of 3 years of dance experience.

How should I prepare for the class?

Please dress in the same type of clothing you would wear for an in-person dance class. Depending on what type of flooring you have at home, you may be most comfortable barefoot, in socks, or in tennis shoes - please be sure that whatever option you choose isn't too slippery or too sticky on your flooring. We also recommend taking a moment to clear a small space with level flooring where you can dance. Check the area carefully to ensure there are no items you might trip over or bump into, including any items overhead.

What other programming do you offer?

In 2021, CHOP SHOP Contemporary Dance Festival offers a fully online program of events, including no experience necessary dance classes, dance films, master classes for experienced dancers, artist talks, and more. You can learn more about all festival programming at chopshopdance.org.

I have a different question - how can I get in touch?

Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions you may have at 206.799.6004 or info@chopshopdance.org and we'll be happy to help!

Photo: Omar Román De Jesús and Ian Spring of Boca Tuya perform Omar Román De Jesús' Like Those Playground Kids at Midnight at CHOP SHOP 2020, photo by Jim Coleman.