During the summer months, many take the opportunity to connect with nature or learn a new skill. If you want to learn a new dance style or just enjoy the art form of dance in general, The Vanaver Caravan’s "SummerDance" program is for you.
This annual summer dance and music intensive is nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley at the beautiful Lifebridge Sanctuary in Rosendale. The program starts July 29 with a culminating evening at the historic Rosendale Theatre on Aug. 9 at 6 p.m.
The Vanaver Caravan is a Hudson Valley-based nonprofit organization that performs original, world-infused choreography and music both locally and internationally. Drawing from their ever-expanding repertoire of dance and music traditions, The Vanaver Caravan also provides cross-cultural dance education through in-school arts residencies and after-school classes.
Their mission is to inspire, through dance and music, the harmonious co-existence of world cultures and traditions, to promote peace, and to celebrate our humanity.
"SummerDance" invites aspiring dancers and musicians (ages 9-18 and adult drop-ins) of all levels and backgrounds to a nurturing environment to learn from professionals in an array of styles including modern dance, ballet, jazz, world and folk dance traditions, swing dance, Afro-Caribbean Soca, Appalachian clogging, songwriting, music for dancers, and percussive dance.
“For 35 years we have seen the growth of this program from its original intention of allowing teens to learn from special teachers to building wonderful comradery among participants with a tremendous amount of dance resources,” says Artistic Director Livia Drapkin Vanaver. “No matter your experience level, everyone feels challenged and included.”
The program is split into two sections: "Immersion Week" July 29 through Aug. 2, where dancers will explore new styles and techniques, relieve stress, and nurture their creative spirit; and "Performance Week" Aug. 5-9, in which dancers will have the opportunity to showcase their talents on stage. Daily sessions and drop-ins are available for each section.
This year, "SummerDance" is also offering new electives in song-writing and music for aspiring musicians, Flamenco, World Dance and Performance, Advanced Swing, Afro-Carribean Soca, as well as a chance to book aerial flight lessons (group or solo) with 5th Wall Studio.
This year’s faculty includes Ariana Brisport, Wiley Basho Gorn, Lily Horowitz, Talli Jackson, Timna Jahoda Kligler, Jonathan Kligler, Brian Lawton, Rafal Pustelny, Charlotte Stickles, Livia Drapkin Vanaver, and Gabriel Vanaver.
The final showcase on Aug. 9 will be in a vaudeville theme. “It’s thrilling for the students to share with family and the community,” Timna Jahoda Kligler stated. “We’ve got a fantastic line-up with a special generational component where some of the faculty were once students of this wonderful program.”
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Whether you are from the area or will be traveling here to visit, this well-kept secret is a secret no more. Expand your knowledge of these art forms and sit back, relax, and take in the final performance put forth by participants.
If you go
What: "SummerDance" Intensive/Classes
Where: Lifebridge Sanctuary, 333 Mountain Road, Rosendale, NY 12473
When: July 29 - Aug. 9
What: "SummerDance" Performance
Where: Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main Street, Rosendale, NY 12472
When: 6 p.m., Aug. 9
More information: vanavercaravan.org/summerdance, 845-256-9300
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: What to know about Vanaver Caravan's 'SummerDance' intensive, performances this summer
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