Spencer Dennis

Contemporary for Dancers

01.06. – 05.06.2026, 12:00–13:30

Training for Dancers

bio

Spencer Dennis is a dancer and movement practitioner from Phoenix, Arizona.  Spencer’s teaching explores the integration of diverse movement practices including yoga, soft acrobatics, modern dance, and contemporary floorwork while connecting his teaching to the actions and movements of everyday life. He has danced for several companies in the United States including CONDER|Dance, Groundworks Dance Theater, Hawkins Dance, The Difference Between, and Soulescape. He has most recently been presenting original solo works in the American Southwest. He has been twice awarded as an Arizona Artist of Promise for both his choreography and performance. Spencer is currently adjunct faculty at both Arizona State University and Scottsdale Community College and a faculty member with Revive Dance Convention. In 2024 Spencer will be traveling to share his work internationally in Cuba, Peru, Spain, Germany, and more.

class description

In class, Spencer asks students to engage deeply with their own physicality as they crawl, roll, invert, and release. Class is divided into three segments; study, practice, and play. Each segment embodies a different core aspect of the artistic experience. During study a new movement pattern or technique will be taught and then examined as a group using concepts from kinesiology and physics to further understanding. Practice allows students to begin to absorb and experience the concept in action while being asked to examine their kinesthetic awareness and begin the process of embodiment. Finally, Play is a moment in class that asks dancers to apply their own perspective onto what they’ve learned and explore how these techniques can be expanded or abstracted.

This class engages deeply with concepts from floorwork and upside down modern. While not strictly necessary, please come prepared to use knee pads, shoulder coverings, and pants. Jewelry, zippers, and piercings may restrict attendees from fully experiencing the class offerings.