Contemporary with Heidi Weiss

Class description
Heidi Weiss teaches a structured contemporary technique class (weissmann technique) which has strong roots in modern dance. The class combines strengthening elements with release-based exercises that emphasise breath and flow. The training begins with a focus on the center through basic yoga poses and continues with technical movement exercises (plies, foot work, floor work, curves/swings) which allow the body to open, creating length and volume. Directional changes, use of weight, fusion of fluidity and groundedness are all key elements, along with rhythm and musicality. The class progresses from center to across the floor, followed by a longer combination and/or jumps. The concepts explored in the warm-up are called upon again, challenging dancers to test their edge in the end phase of class. Aside from developing an understanding of the weissmann style and building upon ones technical skills, the main goal of the class is to discover the intention behind the movement. In addition, dancers are encouraged to move with authenticity, curiousity and passion.
Trailer

Bio
Heidi Weiss received her BFA in modern dance from the University of the Arts in 1992. She choreographed and performed with Group Motion, a Philadelphia  based Company, from 1992-96. In 1997 she moved to Germany and founded Zen in theBasement Co, with Jennifer Mann. They have created many works together which have been presented in theaters and festivals in the EU and abroad.Heidi  has been teaching various modern techniques such as Graham, Horton, Limon, improvisation and composition  for many years.
She has developed with Jennifer Mann, the weissmann technique*, which she continues to teach in workshops, festivals, private schools and in Universities. Heidi was a Professor at Palucca Schule Dresden from 2004-07. She has been a guest artist in residence at Virginia Commonwealth  University (USA), in addition she has been a guest at Duncan Conservatory in Prague, London Contemporary (the place) in London, SEAD in Salzburg and at  the Danceworx in New Delhi. In 2016 she spent a semester as guest  foreign Professor at the  National University of Arts in Seoul, Korea ( K´arts ) In 2019 she spent a semester as guest Professor at the esteemed FOLKWANG University, where she also created a half evening length work on the students. Heidi is a faculty member of USF ( University of South Florida) study abroad program- which she has been adjunct to since 2016. She has also given training to many companies such as Sasha Waltz and DV8. She also gives training for professional dancers at Marameo Berlin, NRW in Düsseldorf and K3 in Hamburg. For over 10 years Heidi taught  contemporary dance in schools with TANZZEIT.
She assisted in creating the American modern dance workshops together with Gina Kleist in 2014, which she gives yearly seminars in these traditional techniques, including weiss-mann.
Heidi is a guest faculty member at IWANSON school in Munich.
In 2022 she premiered a new evening length work, `interbeing`. The work will continue to be played in Germany in 2023
heidi-weiss.com

Heidi Weisss ©Christian Schneider

Please note that the schedule is subject to changes.

Registration-Form

Profitraining Zentralschweiz is a training on a professional level.  Wednesday and Thursday classes as well as workshops will also be open to non-professional dancers and advanced level students.
Non-profis can only participate after a positive evaluation of their level by the IGTZ. This decision is binding.

Info: profitraining@igtz.ch