About the Class
Monday 14th September – Sunday 13th December
£12 (Conc. £10) - Single Class
This class is also available to book as a course!
Teacher: Matthew Hawkins
At Dance Base our classes feature Cunningham, Release, Flying-Low, improvisation and more.
This Gentle Contemporary course is a lot of fun for diverse movers—experienced or otherwise. The class touches carefully on a full ecology of contemporary dance moves, in an arc designed to promote well being and a fully refreshed sense of presence, right through the body. All are welcome, including those who (like the teacher) are mature movers.
Please wear comfortable clothing you can move in and bare feet. Don’t forget to bring your bottle of water!
This class will participating in our annual Christmas show!
Meet the Teachers
Matthew Hawkins
Matthew's training took place at the Royal Ballet School. His fifty-year career draws on this early experience, as increased by an embrace of wider interests.
Matthew danced with The Royal Ballet but soon found his independence, originally by dancing with Second Stride, and in Michael Clark's initial lineup. He consistently presents his own choreographic work, winning a Jerwood Choreography prize, a Dance Artists Fellowship from Arts Council England, a Herald Angel award and Professional Development/Choreographic Futures support from Creative Scotland.
Matthew began teaching by giving open classes in contemporary technique at London's Pineapple studios. During his ten years there he also took time to hone his teaching philosophy and methods in university settings in the UK, France, China, Turkey and Venezuela. He has also enjoyed guest teaching for Rambert Dance Company, Studio Wayne McGregor and Scottish Dance Theatre.
In a process that can only happen at a place like Dance Base, Matthew has found a way to shape the essentials of his dance experience into classes that inspire newcomers and encourage people who want to make dancing an ongoing recreational pastime.
He teaches by specifically demonstrating aspects of movements that are enjoyable to share, bringing an art of dancing to immediate access.
How to prepare
Wear comfortable clothing with room to move.
You are not required to have dance uniform of leotard and tights, but you are welcome to wear them, if you wish.
Don’t forget your bottle of water.
Join us for Gentle Contemporary in Edinburgh!