SP24: COUNTER TECHNIQUE & IMPROVISATION

WORKSHOP with Mariko Koh

29.07. – 02.08.2024, 14:00–17:00

Level: Dancers / Advanced

Fee: 170€
140€ marameo members

 

 

SIGN UP HERE

In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a 2-hour full Countertechnique® class, followed by a 1-hour improvisation class that builds on the memories and ideas explored in the first part of the workshop.
Countertechnique® provides tools for body and mind to deal with the demanding dance practice of the 21st century. It is a movement system to help the dancer think about the dancing body, focusing on the process of incorporating information into action.
Within a clear structure of exercises the Countertechnique® class thoroughly prepares the body for rehearsal and performance, enabling dancers to move bigger, more fluidly and more spatially, while becoming stronger and more flexible. Dancers are encouraged to be pro-active in discovering connections and solutions, to be less concerned with judging themselves and to work in a healthy way with regard to body and mind. Countertechnique® makes daily training a valuable investment in the dancer’s own development, as well as interesting personal research.
Countertechnique® was created and developed by Dutch choreographer, dancer and teacher Anouk van Dijk, former artistic director of Australian dance company Chunky Move.
The Countertechnique® class is a contemporary dance technique class. It stretches, coordinates and strengthens the body, making the dancer sweat, build stamina and really move.
The class starts with a recurring set of exercises, allowing dancers to investigate the Countertechnique® principles in detail. The second half of the class consists of changing components, working towards luscious movement combinations. The Countertechnique® class results in dancers using less energy, losing their fear of taking risks and gaining speed in changing direction.
In the improvisation class, you will apply and create your own movement vocabulary and explore your own creative voice. You will work individually and in groups, using improvisation games and structures to generate movement material, experiment with different qualities, dynamics, and textures, and refine your skills in composition and performance.
Throughout the workshop, you experience the challenges and joys of dancing. You will also have the opportunity to connect with other dancers, share your experiences and insights, and deepen your appreciation of the art and craft of dance.

About Mariko Koh

Mariko Koh originally from Kyoto, Japan. She began dance training at Sachiko Sakon Ballet studio and later received a BA from Kobe College(JP) in 2012, during her studies she gained her knowledge of contemporary dance, Classical Ballet and Martha Graham Technique.
After graduation, she was a member of the Ballet junior de Genève(CH), In 2013 she worked as a soloist dancer for Stadttheater Bremerhaven(DE). After that she started working as a freelance dancer throughout Europe, joining productions of Unterwegs Theater Heidelberg(DE), the Grand Théâtre de la Ville du Luxembourg(LUX) and Forum Schlosspark in Ludwigsburg(DE).
In 2016 she started working with Steptext Dance Project(DE), collaborating with Maqoma Gregory from Vuyani Dance Company(ZA) in 2017. In 2019 she was a part of the Opera production at La Monnaie(BE) choreographed by Fernando Melo and in 2020 at National Opera Comédie(FR) as well. In 2022 she performed a piece from Natalie Wagner at Network international Danza Puglia(IT). Currently she is a guest dancer in Of Curious Nature(DE), was part of the new creation of ORT with Mattia Russo and Antonio de Rosa from Kor’sia(ES). From 2023-2014 she is rehearsal director at the same company.
In summer 2022 she became a certified teacher of Countertechnique®.