Pro Dance Oxford Workshop with Sam Hall

Countertechnique Class and Improvisation Workshop

This workshop consists of a Countertechnique class and improvisation where participants will find greater availability in their bodies to fall effortlessly through space.

What to expect:

In this workshop, participants will learn ways to move with greater freedom and availability in their bodies, allowing them to explore ideas around falling through space and moving sequentially. The workshop will begin with a Countertechnique class to warm up the body and research specific ideas, before moving into improvisation where participants can explore these ideas in their own movement practice. The aim is for participants to play with the sensation of falling, and how they can harness this to effortlessly enter and exit the floor. We will also explore this in subtler ways, researching how the beginning of falling can influence movement pathways for greater ease and availability.

Sam Hall:

Sam Hall is a performer, choreographer, and teacher born in New Zealand and now based in London. He graduated from the New Zealand School of Dance in 2016. He then went on to work for numerous companies around the world including Punchdrunk, Norrdans, and Australian Dance Theatre to name a few. In 2022, he became a certified Countertechnique teacher after studying the technique for 8 years. Sam has taught Countertechnique around the world for various levels of dancers. He enjoys connecting with dancers and sharing this technique to find more freedom and joy when dancing.

Brief Outline of The Day:

10:00 – 12:00 - Countertechnique Class

12:00 – 12:15 Break

12:15 - 12:45 – Post Class Discussion

12:45 – 13:45 – Lunch

13:45 – 15:00 - Improvisation

15:00 – 15:15 – Break

15:15 – 16:00 – Improvisation/Creation Task

A note of level:

Professional and Advanced movement level. Countertechnique is a Contemporary Dance technique so participants should have knowledge in Contemporary techniques.

*Please note all of our workshops are for adults (18+)

When and where to arrive:

The Old Fire Station has three entrances, we would advise you to use the entrance on George Street which will take you directly to the reception area.

We would recommend arriving about 30 minutes before the workshop start time. There are changing rooms on site, a member of Pro Dance Oxford will be around should you need anything, and the Arts at Old Fire Station Café do an amazing cup of coffee!

Suggestions for the Lunch Break:

Oxford has an incredible independent food and drink community including the wonderful Damascus Rose Kitchen who are based out of the Arts at The Old Fire Station Café (The falafel wrap is our favourite!)

Other local hotspots that are all a short walk from the theatre are:

The Handle Bar (Coffee and Food) on St Michaels Street

Alpha Bar (Salad and Sandwiches) in Oxford’s Covered Market

The Art Café (Coffee and Food) opposite The Westgate

The Gloucester Green Market also has an amazing range of street food stalls and is open Wednesday-Saturday - it also is on the doorstep of The Old Fire Station if you use the Gallery Entrance!

Supported by Arts at The Old Fire Station, Dancin' Oxford, Thomas Page Dances and Oxford City Council (Community Impact Fund)