Ailey Dance Class: Dunham Technique
Sun, Oct 20, 2024
12–5 pm
Dunham at Ailey Extension. Photo by Kyle Froman.
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Floor 3, Theater
October 20 at 12–1 pm and 4–5 pm
Created by dancer, choreographer, and anthropologist Katherine Dunham, the Dunham technique uses spinal twists and undulations, polyrhythms, and a grounded use of the feet to propel the body through space to the rhythm of drumming. Dunham studied African and Caribbean dance forms as well as classical ballet and modern dance and fused them into a signature style, blending polyrhythms and steps from ancient ceremonial dances with European styles.
This technique concentrates on building strength, flexibility, and the ability to undulate your torso and hips fully and rapidly. Accompanied by live drumming, students are fully immersed in the magic of the Dunham technique.
Instructor
April Berry is a dance director, master teacher, dance educator, and internationally acclaimed former principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Born and raised in New York, Berry began her professional training in ballet at the National Academy of Ballet and Theatre Arts under the direction of founder Thalia Mara, also founder of the prestigious International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi. As a young dance student, she was a scholarship student and a company apprentice with the Dance Theatre of Harlem under directors Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook.
As a former principal dance artist with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Berry traveled the world working under Alvin Ailey and Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison. She has been actively involved in dance education and community engagement since 1992. Berry is a certified master instructor in Dunham technique, having successfully completed all certification requirements after extensive work with American dance pioneer Katherine Dunham. Berry has taught at Dance Theatre of Harlem, Charlotte Ballet, and BalletMet, and has created award-winning dance scholarship programs and served as an artist-in-residence, guest lecturer, and adjunct faculty member at some of the most prestigious universities around the United States. Since 2024, she has been Director of Education and Community Engagement at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.