Heidi Weiss

Contemporary Dance

Tuesdays, 19:45–21:15

Intermediate

Contemporary for Dancers

06.01. – 10.01.2025, 12:00–13:30

Professional Dancers

The Group Motion Workshop

25.01.2025, 19:00–21:30 (please note the changed time)
22.03.2025, 18:00–20:30
26.04.2025, 18:00–20:30
14.06.2025, 18:00–20:30

together with Jennifer Mann

Bio

Heidi Weiss hails from NJ, USA, she received her BFA in Philadelphia´s University of the Arts in 1992. Since 1998 Heidi has been based in Germany where she is a freelance artist in contemporary dance. She has taught in numerous Universities, Academies and studios throughout Europe as well as in Asia and America.From 2004-06 Heidi was professor at Paluccaschule Dresden. In 2016 she was guest Professor at K´arts in Seoul, in 2019 and 2023 Guest Professor at Folkwang University.
Heidi has created many evening length works over the years which have been shown in Potsdam, Berlin, Dresden, Hamburg, Kempten as well as in international festivals. She and Jennifer Mann formed “Zen and the basement “company in 1998, which is now weissmann Dance. Her latest work “interbeing” was created through a grant from the HauptstadtKulturfonds. This piece, focusing on seven mature dancers bodies, was performed in 2022 and 2023 in Berlin, Potsdam and Kempten.
Since 2020, Heidi is the co-creator of the weissmann Teacher training, aimed at supporting new and experienced teachers to sharpen pedagogic tools. This program is in its second season.
In addition, she co-leads the Group Motion workshop with Jennifer Mann that is held regularly at marameo for over 8 years.
Heidi is on the Board of marameo, where she contributes to the development of the studio.
She is a regular teacher for Toula Limonais company. Heidi is a certified yoga and meditation teacher and leads seminars throughout Germany.

Class description

Heidi Weiss teaches a structured contemporary technique class (*weissmann) which has strong roots in modern dance. The class combines strengthening elements with release based exercises that emphasise breath and flow. The training begins with a focus on the center through basic yoga poses and continues with moving technical exercises (plies, foot work, floor work, curves /swings) which allow the body to open, creating length and volume. Directional changes, use of weight, fusion of fluidity and groundedness are all key elements, as well as rhythm and musicality. The class progresses from center to across the floor, followed by a longer combination and/ or jumps. The concepts explored in the warm up are called upon again, challenging dancers to test their edge in the end phase of class. Aside from developing an understanding of the weissmann style and building upon ones technical skills, the main goal of the class is to discover the intention behind the movement. In addition, dancers are encouraged to move with authenticity, curiousity and passion!