Luigi Jazz For Bellydancers
Workshop with Tanya Picard

Tanya Picard, professional choreographer and master teacher, will offer a workshop in Luigi Jazz Dance Technique for bellydancers.  Luigi Technique focuses on strengthening the core of the body and developing flexibility and stamina without inducing injury.  Luigi always says, "Work from the inside out.  First, feel the physical connections the body is making and then reach out beyond yourself to others and your audience." 

Although Luigi has been called “teacher and choreographer to the stars,” thousands of the “not-so-famous” – dancers of all types seeking an effective way to warm up the body and protect themselves from long-term injury, people who enjoy dance and want to keep fit, and even individuals who use Luigi Technique as part of their physical therapy – have flocked to Luigi’s studio in New York to study his approach to movement.  Luigi has been Tanya’s teacher and one of her mentors since childhood.

Luigi developed his dance technique as rehabilitation for himself following a near-fatal car accident that left him partially paralyzed and unable to walk.  His determination to dance led him to create a series of exercises to help him regain control of his body and maintain his equilibrium.  These exercises eventually evolved into what is now the Luigi Jazz Dance Technique.  Within two years of the accident, he was cast in MGM’s On the Town with Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra.  He has appeared in over 40 films, including An American in Paris, Singin’ in the Rain, and White Christmas.  His students include Liza Minnelli,  Susan Stroman, Twyla Tharp, Ann Reinking, Valerie Harper, Bette Midler, and John Travolta. 

Luigi has taught all over the world, and his studio in New York is still a gathering place for dancers of all ages from amateur to professional.  He was the recipient of Dance Teacher Magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003, and was the Grand Marshal of the 2008 New York City Dance Day Parade.  He just celebrated his 87th birthday, and is currently involved in doing professional development classes for the New York City Dance Educators.  When he was honored at the Los Angeles American Choreographers Awards Ceremony, he said:

I believe the body should be a sound.  The body parts are instruments put together from the heart and conducted by the soul. . . .  To dance, put your hand over your heart and listen to the sound of your soul.

About the Workshop

During this workshop, participants will be able to take 2 technique classes as well as view video of Luigi and some of his work.  The first class will be a Style Class, which will introduce students to Luigi’s approach to movement and will focus on some of his basic exercises which target the strength and flexibility of the core of the body.

The second class will build on the first and will incorporate some floor work and moving combinations.

ATTIRE:    Dress comfortably. Bare feet are fine. Bring jazz shoes for moving combinations, if you have them.

Date Sunday July 8, 2012
Location Synergy Rhythm and Dance studio
Luigi Style 1:00-3:00pm
Luigi Technique 3:30-5:30pm

NOTE: Students may take both Style and Technique or Style only. It is not possible to take only the technique class.

Registration

Full Workshop: Style + Technique, $40 if paid by June 24, $50 thereafter
Style Workshop only, $30