Dunham Technique is a vibrant African American dance form that engages the body, mind and spirit! Created by dance pioneer Katherine Dunham, the technique is informed by the traditional dances of the African Diaspora, as well as by modern and ballet. Dunham Technique creates strong, dynamic dancers who embody rhythm and grace. Classes will offer a variety of experiences, including breathing, isolations, barre work and progressions.
In this open level class, dancers will learn foundational movement of the Dunham Technique and be introduced to Dunham Technique’s Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian influences.
Artist BIo
Ysaÿe Alma is a dancer, choreographer and teaching artist from Chicago, IL. She is currently a 3rd year Dunham Technique Instructor candidate, an apprentice with Viver Brasil and studying Tahitian dance and culture at Nonosina Polynesia under the direction of Tiana N. Liufau. Ysaÿe graduated magna cum laude from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a BFA in Dance and Minor in Philosophy in 2013. She has also had the honor of studying dance at the Taipei National University of the Arts where she performed in work by Ming-Lung Yang. She has performed with professional dance companies such as Viver Brasil, Red Clay Dance, Aloha Chicago, The Humans, Momentum Sensorium, The Untitled Project and more. Since 2014 Ysaÿe has been a resident choreographer, ensemble-builder and ensemble member for Teatro Luna. Some of the recent plays she has choreographed include the play adaptation of The House on Mango Street directed by Alexandra Meda at Greenway Court Theater, The Real Life Adventures of Jimmy de Las Rosas at Free Street Theater directed by Ricardo Gamboa and Cinderella: The Remix directed by Coya Paz at Depaul University. In July 2020 Ysaÿe earned her Mind-Body Wellness and Social-Emotional