Personal Narrative Workshop

Creating movement through writing and improvisation

about.

Yaa Samar! Dance Theatre is committed to working with marginalized communities and deepening the intercultural conversation around the discovery and development of personal narrative and identity. YSDT has special interest in working with high school students, young adults, survivors of abuse, and adults with developmental disabilities.

Utilizing writing and movement skills, the company seeks to empower these communities with tools for creative self-expression and self-validation.

curriculum.

YSDT’s personal narrative workshop introduces and engages students without a dance background to the choreographic process through the mirrored action of written composition. Workshops span from four to eight sessions of one to two hours each. Through the course of the workshop students will develop:

• A personal narrative/monologue on a subject of their choosing which will act as the base for their choreographic phrase.

• Basic dance technique to develop a movement vocabulary as well as enhance body awareness and coordination; build strength and endurance; and increase flexibility.

• Improvisational methods and choreographic skills to create movement based on their written composition.

• Tools for constructive criticism with their peers. Students will also receive one-on-one coaching with YSDT staff.

• An informal showing of their finished works during the final session of the workshop.

Read and see video from some of YSDT’s other outreach workshops!