Isadora Duncan Technique
A welcoming introduction to a classical modern dance style for all levels of adult dancers
Currently offered: 4th Saturday of each month, 10-11:15am, with Laura Tipton
Drawing inspiration from nature and believing that all movement originates from the heart center, Isadora Duncan’s technique emphasizes natural movements and wave-like patterns. Working at the turn of the 20th century, Isadora was among the first to take off her shoes and her corset and to put dance on equal footing with other art forms. She created a style that can be adapted to any space and any body. Come experience this classical modern dance with Laura Tipton, a fifth generation Duncan dancer, who studied the style of Isadora Duncan for over a decade with multiple teachers in Washington DC, Chicago, and NYC.
Class begins with a warmup on the floor, then moves to exercises at the barre and in the center, culminating with a bit of choreography from the Duncan repertoire. No dance experience is needed and all levels of dancers are welcome. Some previous ballet or modern experience may be helpful.
-
Supportive and centering warm up on the floor and at the barre
Simple combinations across the floor and in the center
Emotive movement that originates from the heart center
Traditional movements set to a variety of music, including current popular songs, to echo Duncan’s style of performing to the popular music of her own era
Step-by-step instruction with lots of explanation and detailed demonstration
Modifications for all bodies, abilities, and comfort levels
Encouraging instructor feedback
A low-pressure environment where mistakes are part of the learning process and intention matters more than shape
Each class explores a different timely theme and new choreography, making it easy to jump in at any time and join whenever your schedule allows. No catching up or long-term commitment needed!
-
Historical context and foundations about Isadora Duncan and the Grecian art that inspired her choreography
Thematic connections of Duncan movements to other dance styles like ballet and modern
Specific body positions for regular Duncan movements
Musicality and artistry, and expressing them through movement the Duncan way
-
True beginners who have never taken ballet or dance before
Adult dancers of any level – beginner, returning, intermediate, advanced
Anyone who feels intimidated by traditional studios and wants a welcoming community
Movers seeking a structured fitness option that builds strength and flexibility
Ballet dancers looking to try out a ballet-adjacent modern dance class
Modern dancers looking to find the origins of modern movements and breath work
JMU dance students who want to study a style of dance not specifically taught in college dance classes
Art history lovers who want to explore dance history
-
Mature teens who are interested in learning this distinctive style of modern dance are welcome to join with parental consent, but Isadora Duncan’s technique is about more than just the outward appearance of the movement, and younger teens may not have the emotional experience to understand the motivational context.
Please contact info@hburgdancecoop.org for specific requests.
-
Bridges the dance gap between ballet and modern
Engage with historic classical modern dance choreography in a fun way to a wide variety of different music, including current popular songs and classical covers
Follows a similar format of a traditional ballet class, but in a more relaxed way
Beginner-friendly
-
Attire: Wear clothes you can move comfortably and confidently in. Leggings, sweatpants, t-shirts, dance dresses, ballet attire, and any workout clothes work great. Tunics and silk scarves are welcome too! Layers are recommended for floor work.
Footwear: Bare feet or dance socks are ideal.
Bring: Please bring water!
A welcoming introduction to a classical modern dance style for all levels of adult dancers
Currently offered: 4th Saturday of each month, 10-11:15am, with Laura Tipton
Drawing inspiration from nature and believing that all movement originates from the heart center, Isadora Duncan’s technique emphasizes natural movements and wave-like patterns. Working at the turn of the 20th century, Isadora was among the first to take off her shoes and her corset and to put dance on equal footing with other art forms. She created a style that can be adapted to any space and any body. Come experience this classical modern dance with Laura Tipton, a fifth generation Duncan dancer, who studied the style of Isadora Duncan for over a decade with multiple teachers in Washington DC, Chicago, and NYC.
Class begins with a warmup on the floor, then moves to exercises at the barre and in the center, culminating with a bit of choreography from the Duncan repertoire. No dance experience is needed and all levels of dancers are welcome. Some previous ballet or modern experience may be helpful.
-
Supportive and centering warm up on the floor and at the barre
Simple combinations across the floor and in the center
Emotive movement that originates from the heart center
Traditional movements set to a variety of music, including current popular songs, to echo Duncan’s style of performing to the popular music of her own era
Step-by-step instruction with lots of explanation and detailed demonstration
Modifications for all bodies, abilities, and comfort levels
Encouraging instructor feedback
A low-pressure environment where mistakes are part of the learning process and intention matters more than shape
Each class explores a different timely theme and new choreography, making it easy to jump in at any time and join whenever your schedule allows. No catching up or long-term commitment needed!
-
Historical context and foundations about Isadora Duncan and the Grecian art that inspired her choreography
Thematic connections of Duncan movements to other dance styles like ballet and modern
Specific body positions for regular Duncan movements
Musicality and artistry, and expressing them through movement the Duncan way
-
True beginners who have never taken ballet or dance before
Adult dancers of any level – beginner, returning, intermediate, advanced
Anyone who feels intimidated by traditional studios and wants a welcoming community
Movers seeking a structured fitness option that builds strength and flexibility
Ballet dancers looking to try out a ballet-adjacent modern dance class
Modern dancers looking to find the origins of modern movements and breath work
JMU dance students who want to study a style of dance not specifically taught in college dance classes
Art history lovers who want to explore dance history
-
Mature teens who are interested in learning this distinctive style of modern dance are welcome to join with parental consent, but Isadora Duncan’s technique is about more than just the outward appearance of the movement, and younger teens may not have the emotional experience to understand the motivational context.
Please contact info@hburgdancecoop.org for specific requests.
-
Bridges the dance gap between ballet and modern
Engage with historic classical modern dance choreography in a fun way to a wide variety of different music, including current popular songs and classical covers
Follows a similar format of a traditional ballet class, but in a more relaxed way
Beginner-friendly
-
Attire: Wear clothes you can move comfortably and confidently in. Leggings, sweatpants, t-shirts, dance dresses, ballet attire, and any workout clothes work great. Tunics and silk scarves are welcome too! Layers are recommended for floor work.
Footwear: Bare feet or dance socks are ideal.
Bring: Please bring water!