SEATTLE FESTIVAL OF DANCE + IMPROVISATION
TRAIN MODULE
July 17 – August 6
The TRAIN Module (formerly Strictly Seattle) is an immersive summer dance experience for adult dancers of all levels from beginning through professional. Immerse yourself into three weeks of daily dance and movement training that will build your dance skills and (re)connect you to your body and community. Daily classes with awesome and supportive local faculty will build stamina, movement skills, and artistry. Then you’ll bring those skills into a new dance creation process led by a local choreographer, culminating in final performances to share with friends, family, and the wider Seattle dance community. Whether you’re a dancer looking to connect to the Seattle dance scene, or someone who has never tried dance but always wanted to, we can’t wait to move with you this summer!
faculty
ZOE SCOFIELD
JARET HUGHES
ALETHEA ALEXANDER
CHRIS MONTOYA
DANI TIRRELL
MARKEITH WILEY
NOELLE PRICE
HILARY GRUMMAN
CHARLES SLENDER-WHITE
MARK HAIM
VICTORIA WATTS
JODY KUEHNER
SLOWDANGER
faculty
ZOE SCOFIELD
MARK HAIM
NOELLE PRICE
JODY KUEHNER
CHARLES SLENDER-WHITE
DANI TIRRELL
ALETHEA ALEXANDER
MARKEITH WILEY
JARET HUGHES
VICTORIA WATTS
HILARY GRUMMAN
CHRIS MONTOYA
SLOWDANGER
COHORTS
We call our TRAIN Module levels “cohorts” to get at the group dynamic and relationships created at SFD+I. Your cohort will be your team over the three-week module. You’ll take class together daily while you co-create a new dance piece with a choreographer. Then you’ll share the excitement of being onstage together in the theater, performing what you made together.
We’ve indicated the general level of dance experience each cohort is designed for, but reach out to us if you have questions or need help picking your cohort.
The Professional Cohort is for dancers at an advanced-to-professional level of training. Participants have the opportunity to train with Seattle-based artists and build relationships that can kickstart a professional career in this city and beyond. The Professional Cohort is a daytime intensive training experience where you’ll dance all day in challenging morning technique classes, mid-day skill-building labs, and afternoon rehearsal and new-work creation process with one of two choreographers. A casting workshop on July 17 (registration day) will confirm level and casting.
CHOREOGRAPHERS: Zoe Scofield + Markeith Wiley
FACULTY: Hilary Grumman, Jody Kuehner, Charles Slender-White, slowdanger, dani tirrell, + more
CLASS + REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
MON – FRI, JUL 17 – AUG 6 | 12th Ave Arts
9 – 10:45 AM | Technique class
11 AM – 1 PM | Research Lab (M-TH) + Lunch+Learn (F)
2 – 5 PM | Rehearsal
OTHER IMPORTANT DATES
SUN, JUL 17 | 12th Ave Arts
11 AM – 2 PM | Casting Workshop
5 PM | Opening Circle
FRI, AUG 5 | Erickson Theater
8 PM | Performance
SAT, AUG 6 | Erickson Theater
2 PM | Performance
8 PM | Performance
10 PM | Farewell Cast Party
The Open Level cohort is an evening program for adult dancers with a few years of dance training who want to take their technique and artistry to the next level. This cohort will be a mix of levels, but we suggest participants enroll if they would feel comfortable in an intermediate-level dance class. This cohort is also great if you have a background in dance, but work during the day. Participants take daily classes in contemporary and ballet, and develop a new work in collaboration with one of two celebrated Seattle choreographers. Level and casting will be confirmed in the first technique class on July 18.
CHOREOGRAPHERS: Mark Haim + Noelle Price
FACULTY: Mark Haim, Chris Montoya, + more
CLASS + REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
MON – FRI, JUL 17 – AUG 6 | 12th Ave Arts
6:15 – 7:45 PM | Technique Class
8 – 10 PM | Rehearsal
OTHER IMPORTANT DATES
SUN, JUL 17 | 12th Ave Arts
2-4 PM | Registration
5 PM | Opening Circle
FRI, AUG 5 | Erickson Theater
8 PM | Performance
SAT, AUG 6 | Erickson Theater
2 PM | Performance
8 PM | Performance
10 PM | Farewell Cast Party
This Dance Fundamentals Cohort is for adult dancers who have no dance experience or less than a year of training. Participants will learn the basics of contemporary and ballet movement and work together toward creating a new work in collaboration with a local choreographer.
CHOREOGRAPHER: Victoria Watts
FACULTY: Erricka Turner Davis + Victoria Watts
CLASS + REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
MON – FRI, JUL 17 – AUG 6 | 12th Ave Arts
9:30 – 11 AM | Technique class
11:15 – 1 PM | Rehearsal
OTHER IMPORTANT DATES
SUN, JUL 17 | 12th Ave Arts
2-4 PM | Registration
5 PM | Opening Circle
FRI, AUG 5 | Erickson Theater
8 PM | Performance
SAT, AUG 6 | Erickson Theater
2 PM | Performance
8 PM | Performance
10 PM | Farewell Cast Party
This Dance Fundamentals Cohort is for adult dancers who want to learn hip hop basics and develop a new work in collaboration with veteran choreographer Jaret Hughes. This fun, high-energy cohort gives participants confidence with hip hop moves and rhythms.
CHOREOGRAPHER + FACULTY: Jaret Hughes
CLASS + REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
MON – FRI, JUL 17 – AUG 6 | 12th Ave Arts
5:15-6:15 PM | Technique class
6:15 – 7:45 PM | Rehearsal
OTHER IMPORTANT DATES
SUN, JUL 17 | 12th Ave Arts
2-4 PM | Registration
5 PM | Opening Circle
FRI, AUG 5 | Erickson Theater
8 PM | Performance
SAT, AUG 6 | Erickson Theater
2 PM | Performance
8 PM | Performance
10 PM | Farewell Cast Party
DROP-IN CLASSES
+ LABS
Can’t make the immersive festival experience this year? Drop-in to classes and labs during the TRAIN module, and get a chance to move this summer on a more flexible schedule. Drop-ins are available for all technique classes. You can also register for one 4-day Professional Cohort research lab as an a-la-carte workshop.
Browse the schedule and register through MindBody in the table below. Individual classes are $18, or purchase class passes to receive a bulk discount. Professional Cohort research labs are 4-day workshops for $300.
DROP-INS
RESEARCH LABS
REGISTRATION
+ PRICING
HOW TO SIGN UP
Registration for this year’s festival is online through Mindbody. To sign up:
- Find the option for which you would like to sign up.*
- Click the sign up button next to that option.
- Click next, then sign in with your Mindbody profile or create a new Mindbody profile.
- Click next, enter your payment information, including selecting the pay-in-full or deposit option, and click check out.
You will immediately receive a confirmation email that your payment has been processed. You did it!
Within seven business days, you will receive a second email from us that either confirms your registration, or asks for more information to finalize your enrollment.
*Full SFD+I Pass, TRAIN Module (all cohorts), and RESEARCH Module payments include a $250 non-refundable deposit.
PRICING
$1400 | Full SFD+I Pass*
Includes registration for the TRAIN Module (any cohort), RESEARCH Module full week, which includes one 5-day intensive, one 4-day intensive, one 3-day intensive, all workshops, jams, + more, and two tickets to all SHARE Module performances (more information coming soon!)
TRAIN Module Cohorts*
$1050 | Professional Cohort
$750 | Open Level Cohort
$750 | Dance Fundamentals: Contemporary Cohort
$650 | Dance Fundamentals: Hip Hop Cohort
A la Carte (available on July 1)
$18 | Drop-ins
$300 | Professional Cohort Research Labs
*Full SFD+I Pass, TRAIN Module (all cohorts), and RESEARCH Module payments include a $250 non-refundable deposit.
Payment Options
To reserve your spot you can either pay in full* or hold your place with a non-refundable $250 deposit. Full payment to confirm your registration is required by June 30.
Registration for a la carte intensives, classes, workshops, and jams in both modules will open on July 1 and spaces will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. To register a la carte you will pay in full, though let us know if you need to discuss a payment plan.
Please contact Shirley Wong, operations@velocitydancecenter.org, for any questions or clarifications about registration or payment.
*Full SFD+I Pass, TRAIN Module (all cohorts), and RESEARCH Module payments include a $250 non-refundable deposit.
Refund Policy
Velocity’s refund policies were created to offer as much flexibility to our community as possible, while still protecting SFD+I from risk and instability.
The refund schedule for the Full SFD+I Pass, TRAIN Module (all cohorts), or RESEARCH Module is:
- Before June 30: All registration fees, less the $250 non-refundable deposit, are fully refundable for any reason.
- After July 1: All registration fees, less the $250 non-refundable deposit, are 50% refundable for any reason.
- After your first class begins: All registration fees are non-refundable for any reason, including illness or injury.
The refund schedule for all a la carte intensives, workshops or classes (available after July 1) is:
- After you register: All registration fees are 50% refundable for any reason.
- After your first class begins: All registration fees are non-refundable for any reason, including illness or injury.
WORK/STUDY
Velocity’s Summer Work/Study program provides the opportunity for participants to receive discounted attendance to the Seattle Festival of Dance + Improvisation in exchange for festival support. This deadline has passed, but please reach out to summer@velocitydancecenter.org if you need assistance attending the festival.
TBIPOC Tuition waiver
As a part of Velocity’s Seattle Festival of Dance + Improvisation we are providing $10,300 in fee waivers to dancers who identify as Transgender, Black, Indigenous, and/or as People of Color, in an effort to shift power to Transgender and BIPOC communities. This deadline has passed for 2022.
COVID-19 SAFETY
While we are doing all we can to keep the studios a healthy space, everyone must manage your own health and risks accordingly. We are requiring masking in all indoor classes, workshops, backstage, technical rehearsals and performances (both onstage + audience). We will also require all participants to show proof of vaccination.
If you are unvaccinated, you can provide a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test within 72 hours of each class. If you are an ongoing unvaccinated participant, we suggest that you test twice a week. We’ll check with you on Monday and on Thursday. If you are a drop-in participant, we’ll check before each class.
The studios you will be dancing in at 12th Ave Arts have robust air filtration systems and we will monitor class sizes to allow for adequate distancing. We have ongoing cleaning protocols in place.
If you have any questions, please reach out to operations@velocitydancecenter.org.
FAQ
WHEN IS the train module?
TRAIN Module classes are M – F, July 18th – August 6th.
There is an opening circle event on July 17th that we encourage participants to attend, and the final performances and sharings of work created by each track are the evenings of August 5 + 6, plus a matinee performance August 6. The final performance will be followed by a closing party.
There are also events and opportunities to connect with the SFD+I TRAIN community on the weekends.
where are the festival classes?
All classes and events will take in-person at 12th Ave Arts. Click HERE for directions to the studios.
How do I access the festival as a drop-in participant?
Advanced/Professional morning technique classes and Intermediate evening technique classes are open for drop-ins. Registration for these classes will be through MindBody, where drop-in participants can register and pay.
Registration for Drop-In classes will open on July 1.
Until then, you can register for the full SFD+I festival or full TRAIN Module above or one of our ongoing classes HERE.
WHAT LEVEL SHOULD I BE IN?
To choose your level, consider the kind of experience you would like to have this summer! The festival ideally offers you a balance between challenges and growth. Talk to a teacher or instructor who knows your dancing well, and have a conversation about what level you would thrive in. Click HERE to visit our cohorts descriptions.
DOES THE TRAIN MODULE HAVE AN AGE LIMIT?
The TRAIN Module is designed as an adult program, so we set our age minimum to 16 years of age.
If you do not meet the age minimum but still feel this opportunity is where you need to be, please feel free to reach out to Shirley Wong, our Operations Manager, at operations@velocitydancecenter.org
How will PROFESSIONAL/ADVANCED and OPEN COHORT Participants be sorted with Choreographers?
PROFESSIONAL COHORT
On Opening Day on July 17th, Velocity will hold a Casting Workshop from 11 AM – 2 PM, followed by registration. During this casting workshop, the TRAIN choreographers will get to know the TRAIN dancers. Afterwards, the choreographers will select their casts and dancers will be notified the next morning.
OPEN LEVEL COHORT
On the first day of technique class, July 18th, the TRAIN choreographers will observe and get to know the TRAIN dancers. Afterwards, the choreographers will select their casts and dancers will be notified immediately in time for rehearsals.
DOES VELOCITY PROVIDE FINANCIAL AID, SCHOLARSHIPS, OR WORK/STUDY?
We’re offering two programs to help make the festival more accessible:
- We are offering 100% tuition-waivers for the 2022 Summer Festivals to TBIPOC dancers. To learn more and apply, click here.
- The work/study program is open to everyone, and participants receive a 50% discount to the festival. To learn more and apply click here.
How many people will be in my technique class?
Advanced/Professional and Intermediate classes will have a core group of up to 20 participants each, with drop-in attendees in morning and evening technique classes. Both Dance Fundamentals Cohorts are not available for drop-ins, and have a limit of 15 participants each.
What is Velocity's refund policy for SFD+I?
Velocity’s refund policies were created to offer as much flexibility to our community as possible, while still protecting our beloved SFD+I from risk and instability.
The refund schedule for the Full Festival Pass, Train Module (all cohorts), or Research Module (full week) is:
- Before June 30, 2022 all registration fees, less the $250 non-refundable deposit**, are fully refundable for any reason.
- After July 1, 2022 all registration fees, less the $250 non-refundable deposit**, are 50% refundable for any reason.
- After your first class begins, all registration fees are non-refundable for any reason, including illness or injury.
**When you purchase a Full Festival Pass, Train Module (all cohorts), or Research Module your $250 deposit is non-refundable. If you pay in full, your deposit is included in your payment, and is still non-refundable.
The refund schedule for any a la carte intensives, workshops or classes is:
- After you register, all registration fees are 50% refundable for any reason.
- After your first class begins, all registration fees are non-refundable for any reason, including illness or injury.
I'm coming to SFD+I from out of town. Do you provide housing options?
To be announced. Velocity has worked with on campus housing at the UW, Cornish Commons, and Seattle University to house SFD+I participants in past years. Due to the uncertainty of 2022, this year’s partnership is still unconfirmed, though we hope to solidify plans soon.
Please email Shirely, at operations@velocitydancecenter.org to be the first to learn more information about 2022 housing options.
Are the studios accessible?
12th Ave Arts is fully accessible for wheelchairs and walkers. The lobby and bathrooms are at street level, and seating is available without the need for an elevator or stairs. The venue is also equipped with an Assistive Listening Device. For special needs, advanced word to the event producer can help in preparations.
OTHER QUESTIONS?
dani is teaching Research Lab July 25 – 28, 11 AM – 1 PM.
dani is the founder and current artistic director of The Congregation a movement/art group. dani is currently teaching at Northwest Tap Connection and University of Washington Seattle and Bothell campuses. dani has created work for Dance This (Northwest Tap Connection), Strictly Seattle (advance/professional track), Seattle Repertory Theater, Nina Simone Four Women (Directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton). dani is an Arts Matter Fellow, Artists Trust Fellow (Seattle) and 4Culture Arc Fellow (Seattle). dani is the Artist in Residence at Velocity Dance Center (2020/2021) and one of 6 Artists in Residence at On the Boards (Seattle, WA)
Photo courtesy of dani tirrell
Mark is teaching contemporary technique July 18, 21, 25, 28, August 1, 6:15 – 7:45 PM + creating a work with the Open Level Cohort.
Mark Haim (he/him, they/them) has been choreographing for over 35 years. He has created and restaged dances for companies such as the Nederlands Dans Theater, Ballet Frankfurt, the Limon Dance Company, The Joffrey Ballet, the Bat-Dor Dance Company of Israel, and the Juilliard Dance Ensemble. His full evening solo project, The Goldberg Variations, premiered at the ADF, and performed at Danspace Project, The Kennedy Center, On The Boards and other venues in the U.S, Europe, and Asia. This Land Is Your Land, opened the ArtDanThe Festival in Paris, and was seen at the Joyce Theater in NYC, the Nasher Museum of Art and the National Performing Arts Center in Beijing. Mark was on the faculty of the American Dance Festival 1993-2015 and has taught at universities throughout the US, companies in Belgium, Holland, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Latvia, Russia, Argentina, Chile and Japan. Mark Haim has created works for the SFADI in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019 and is happy to be returning.
Jaret is teaching class + creating a work with the Dance Fundamentals: Hip Hop Cohort.
Jaret Hughes (he/him) has over 25 years of dance experience, with Hip Hop being his specialty along with training in Modern, Jazz, Ballet and African. Jaret has over 20 years of choreographing and teaching experience with all ages, including over 21 years at Elizabeth’s Dance Dimensions in Kirkland, Washington, over 10 years at Velocity Dance Center and over 5 years as a guest instructor at Pacific Northwest Ballet. Jaret’s choreography credits include the L.A. Clippers Spirit Dance Team (guest choreographer), Seattle Supersonics Dance Team for 5 years, founder of Twisted Elegance from Seattle and LA’s debut of 2wisted Elegance with the help of his good friend Joey Cooper, Modazz Competition Teams at Elizabeth’s Dance Dimensions, Elite Dance Camps, co-choreographer and dancer for EVE in LA, and assistant choreographer / assistant Artistic Director for the “Invitation Feedback” YouTube video contest submission for Janet Jackson and guest choreographer for The Purple Lemonade Collective. Jaret has shared his choreography expertise with various high school and college dance teams throughout Washington, California and Idaho.
Jody is teaching contemporary technique August 1, 3, + 5, 9 – 10:45 AM.
Jody Kuehner (she/her), aka Cherdonna Shinatra, uses dance, drag, theater, absurdity and subversive commentary to make art. Jody is a 2020 NEFA’s National Dance Project finalist, 2017 Artist Trust Fellowship recipient, 2017 Henry Art Gallery Artist in Residence, 2016 NEFA’s National Dance Project awardee, and 2015 Stranger Genius Award winner. She has been presented locally at OtB, STG, WET, The Henry, and the Frye Art Museum. She has been presented nationally at the USF in Tampa FL, the Meanings and Makings of Queer Dance in Ann Arbor, MI, The Yard, American Dance Festival, and FringeArts, PA. Her work has been featured in ARTnews, i-D Magazine, and NBC 12 must-see LGBTQ art shows around the world.
Chris is teaching ballet technique:
July 21, 28, + August 4, 9 – 10:45 AM
+ July 20, 27, + August 3, 6:15 – 7:45 PM.
Chris Montoya started their professional career with Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago as a second company member. They continued their career with David Taylor Dance Theatre, Scorpius Dance Theatre, and Center Dance Ensemble, guesting periodically with Queen City Ballet and Legacy Dance Theater. They also enjoyed dancing on pointe with Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, performing as Doris Vidanya around the world, including Japan, Israel, France, Austria, Brazil, Chile, Finland, Spain, and Italy. They are currently a co-artistic director of Dance Conservatory Seattle.
Noelle is creating a work with the Open Level Cohort.
More details coming soon.
Zoe is teaching July 27, 9 – 10:45 AM + creating a work with the Professional Cohort.
Zoe Scofield (she/they), is a 2015 Guggenheim Fellow, and a dance and visual artist based in Seattle, Washington since 2002. Zoe is the co-artistic director and founder of zoe | juniper, a dance and visual art company. Her work has been commissioned and presented by Jacob’s Pillow, New York Live Arts, On the Boards, RedCat, MASS MoCA, The Frye Art Museum, The Joyce Theater, PS 122, Carolina Performing Arts, and The Met Museum among others. Zoe works in performance, video installation, photography, opera and film. Her most recent film, “Ordinary Grief / the people to come” was commissioned by the city of Seattle’s This is Beethoven Festival and can be seen online. Her current project, The Other Shore, is an art object, online performance, video installation premiering at Jacob’s Pillow in August 2021.
Zoe earned an MFA in Dance from the University of the Arts as part of their inaugural class.
anna + taylor are teaching:
STech August 2, 9 – 10:45 AM
+ RESONANT BODY Research Lab August 1 – 4, 11 AM – 1 PM.
anna thompson (they/them) & taylor knight (they/them) are co-founding artistic directors of slowdanger, a multidisciplinary performance organism based in Pittsburgh. Their practice centers the body, researching its relationship to other bodies, environment, sensory information, technology and the unknown.
slowdanger has been presented by the Kennedy Center for the Arts, Springboard Danse Montreal, Carnegie Museum of Art, Place Des Arts, Usine C, Andy Warhol Museum, Kelly Strayhorn Theater and more. slowdanger was one of Dance Magazine’s 2018 ‘25 to Watch’ and has been supported by The Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grant, The Heinz Endowments & Pittsburgh Foundation Investing in Professional Artists Award and more.
Countertechnique July 19, 9 – 10:45 AM
+ Movement Chats Research Lab July 18 – 21, 11 AM – 1 PM.
Charles Slender-White (he/him/any) is a San Francisco-based queer contemporary dance artist of mixed European and Roma descent. He is an instigator, organizer, dad, husband, and the Artistic Director of FACT/SF. Charles is one of 36 Countertechnique Teachers worldwide, and he has taught, performed, and made choreography across North America, Europe, Russia, and in Hong Kong and Australia. Charles is currently a faculty member at the American Dance Festival, and a Guest Curator and Resident Strategist at ODC Theater. Charles graduated with honors from UC Berkeley with degrees in English Literature and Dance & Performance Studies.
Markeith is teaching Contemporary Techniques July 25 + 29, 9 – 10:45 AM + creating a work with the Professional Cohort.
Multi-dimensional art maker Markeith (keyes) Wiley creates out of necessity while having fun. Their vast movement vocabulary spans a lifetime of influences from break dancing to musical theater & all in between. Markeith is also a cultural worker, curator, sound designer, dj dark_wiley & a community activist. Wiley has been an arts educator in Seattle since 2009 & is currently teaching age ranges 6-60 yrs.
Markeith has performed, collaborated or created work with Kitten N Lou, Dani Tirrell, On the Boards, the CD Forum, Velocity Dance Center, Gibney Dance (NYC), Cal State San Luis Obispo & many others.
Alethea is teaching Ballet Fundamentals every TUE + THU | JUL – AUG 6, 9:30 – 11 AM
Alethea [she/her] – Seattle-based dance artist and educator–centers sensation, pleasure, joy and community in her teaching and artistic works. She has taught extensively at the University of Washington, Bellingham Repertory Dance, Dance Church®, and Whatcom Community College, and as a guest at Velocity Dance Center, ODC Dance Commons, LINES Dance Center, Seattle Piano Institute, Cornish College of the Arts, and elsewhere.