weissmann teacher training modules

One module consists of 12 hours of study ( with the exception of * Module 10)
Saturday 10:00 – 13:00 + 14:00 – 17:00 Sunday 10:00 –13:00 + 14:00 – 17:00 Each module will begin with a short class and will continue with either theory, teaching skills or an exploration of the weissmann principles.

Module 1 – February 11. + 12.2023

WMT_3x4_12

Arriving and Grounding

  • how to arrive in present moment
  • yoga and core exercises
  • establishing middle axis, spine mobilization
  • first weight shifts, awakening a stable yet soft base in feet
  • introduction to weissmann principles
  • reflections on modern dance history

Module 2 – March 04. + 05.2023

WMT_Hoch_11a(Nina)

Strength and Expansion

  • plies: technical precision, anatomic awareness
  • discovering connection between pelvis and floor, increasing weight shifts
  • expanding from the center into extremities, arm and leg articulation
  • awakening hip rotators + strengthening legs
  • deep curves and stretch 
  • adagio sequences
  • anatomy with Nina Wehnert

 

Module 3 – April 22. + 23.2023

WMT_3x4_09a

Dancing with Gravity

  • quick weight shifts
  • relationship of the body with gravity 
  • three dimensional traveling and changing directions
  • gliding + covering space
  • swing, release
  • percussive, rhythmic movement 
  • floor work
  • airtime
  • building stamina

 

Module 4 – May 20. + 21.2023

WMT_3x4_11a

Leading and Inspiring

  • review of modules 1–3
  • giving instructions: exploratory and prescriptive
  • using your voice, cueing
  • the use of imagery
  • analyzing the building blocks of a weissmann exercise
  • how to begin a combination, finding inspiration
  • integrating class elements in phrasing
  • practice teaching parts of a weissmann class

 

Module 5 – June 24. + 25.2023

WMT_Hoch_12a(Emre)

Becoming Music

  • deepening focus on musicality, creating musical phrasing
  • how to create sequences that cycle across the floor
  • how to work with a live musician, with Emre Kesim
  • choosing music for your class: creating a journey with your playlist
  • playing with a wide range of dynamics
  • the body is a musical instrument

 

Module 6 – September 09. + 10.2023

WMT_3x4_06

Refining and Experiencing

  • reviewing and refining the weissmann principles
  • deepening of yoga and mindfulness in relation to the weissmann technique 
  • including improvisation in your class, introduction to Group Motion structures 
  • creating a class map: sequencing, theming, intention setting
  • Q+A question and answer sessions
  • personal feedback
  • practice teaching parts of a weissmann class

 

Module 7 – October 07. + 08.2023

WMT_Hoch_10

Pathways to Creativity

  • deepening improvisation 
  • composition: developmental movement patterns, spatial planes and laban scales
  • learning and experimenting with weissmann repertoire
  • practice teaching parts of a weissmann class

 

Module 8 – November 11. + 12. 2023

WMT_Hoch_08

Integration

  • anatomy with Nina Wehnert
  • demonstrating and cueing 
  • hands on support
  • designing a class for different target groups / levels 
  • creating a syllabus 
  • principles of learning 
  • teaching ethics, student / teacher relationship
  • practice teaching parts of a weissmann class

 

Module 9 – December 09.+10.2023

WMT_Hoch_09

Finding Your Voice

  • encouraging discipline and teaching class etiquette
  • time management
  • seeing and sensing the room
  • developing a bag of tricks
  • input / output: how to refuel as a teacher
  • clarifying your vision as a teacher  
  • marketing and networking
  • reflection on relationship between our modern dance ancestors and the contemporary dance world
  • how to give and receive feedback 
  • practice teaching parts of a weissmann class

 

Module 10 – January 12.–14.01.2024 *3 day intensive module

WMT_16x9_07

Culmination

  • final teaching demonstration of a 45 min. weissmann class 
  • written reflection about your journey 
  • feedback from fellow students and mentors