‘Denise the Charming’ feminist dance workshop
Loosely inspired by many a real event, this Feminist Libretto is the backbone of a smoky tango in burlesque boots (do not fear, neither heels nor boots are necessary to embody this story). Inhaling the last sip of her pumpkin-spice sour, Denise glances at her phone: 23:58. Her gaze shifts to the stage where Hernando's kinky boots flash with each beat of her provocative tango act. As the drag queen's heels make their final kick, two minutes vanish, and the clock strikes midnight. Denise, attempting to weave through the ecstatic crowd, inadvertently leaves behind the petition documents - her last hope of saving the club from the right-wing lobby. But time is a construct when you’ve got the right boa to keep you warm in the midst of chaos, my dear feminists.
Saturday, 13 January
Neubaugasse 38, 1070 Vienna, at Tanzstudio Manhardt
16:30 - 18:30 (please arrive 10 minutes before the workshop to change and get comfortable)
The fee is EUR 24* per person: please register for the workshop by entering your name and email address in the form above and transferring the workshop fee: IBAN AT292011182361983103, Vera Djemelinskaia. In case you cannot attend and cancel up to one day prior to the workshop, I will refund the full amount.
*Artists of any discipline get a 50% discount, because being an artist under the patriarchy is a great challenge. Please mention the FeminEst code when completing the payment.
Spots are limited to insure a safe experience for all participants: there are 5 discounted tickets and 7 full-price tickets, which will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Photography: jontaylornyc.com
About the format
This is an open-level workshop centred on jazz dance and musical theatre storytelling as a method.
Two days before the workshop you will receive the full Feminist Libretto to ‘sleep over‘ the story. The first half of the workshop is dedicated to establishing trust within the group, warming up and enjoying a strength training to help you get into your body. The second half introduces the libretto as we collectively explore the character through a deconstructed choreography with some elements of improvisation.
All participants commit to moving in a safe space, where dance is a communal process and success is defined through your own choices to embody the story. No prior dance experience is needed, though practicing dancers will enjoy the challenge that a higher level of nuance in both warm-up and choreography offers.