Mocean Dance Week

immerse your community in a week of energizing and empowering dance

Mocean Dance Week is a week of movement and creation-based activities. This 5-day event hosts a series of community activities including daily Moving with Mocean classes for the community, afternoon Studio to Stage creation workshops, workshops for kids, as well as evening dance classes open to the public. The week has been designed to offer something for everyone, and culminates with a community performance showcasing the work of the Studio to Stage Creation Intensive participants as well as a “Flash Mob,” where all participants will put into practice a dance they have learned throughout the week.

Mocean Dance provides 2 to 4 dance instructors and a musical accompanist who all thoroughly enjoy sharing their love of dance, creation, and movement with people of all ages and skill levels. Creative workshops and classes led by Mocean Dance are collaborative, supportive experiences designed to leave participants feeling positive and energized. Youth, adults and special populations can all engage in a wide range of fun, lively and educational activities during the Mocean Dance Week!

Mocean Dance Week proposes to engage communities in active participation, develop knowledge, skills, and interest in dance, and build audiences for dance performance. Mocean firmly believes that the arts have the unique ability to empower individuals—this event is beneficial not only to members of different communities, but also to the Mocean Dance team. As artists who are committed to keeping artistic work relevant and innovative, remaining connected and rooted in the communities around Nova Scotia is important to us.

Class Offerings Include: Modern, Ballet, Hip Hop, Creative Movement for Kids, African drum and dance and Moving with Mocean, a gentle movement class designed for all ages and abilities. Mocean will work with your community interests to build a program that works for you.

Since its founding in 2001, Mocean has consistently shown itself to be an organization that is dedicated both to fostering excellence in dance, and also to bringing dance directly into relationship with the individuals and organizations with whom we interact. We hold a unique place in the Atlantic dance milieu – no other dance organization is able to work at so many different levels across a wide range of communities. We are inspired and motivated by the communities with whom we live and work, and are excited to engage with your community in a deep and impactful way.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE 
*Please note, this sample schedule and roster of classes can be adjusted as necessary to suit community interests, budget, etc.

Tuesday—Friday (Daily)
10:00am-11:00am — Moving with Mocean Community Class
12:00pm-3:00pm — Studio to Stage Creation Workshop
6:00pm-7:00pm — Open Dance Class (Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop)

Pop-up Classes
- Creative Movement for Kids (3:15-4:00 Weds & Fri)
- Drum & Dance (4:00-5:00, Thursday)

Saturday
1:00-3:00 - Public performance including Studio to Stage Creation performance and Community “Flash Mob” Celebrations
 

ACTIVITY & WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

Moving with Mocean
Moving with Mocean is our most popular outreach program. Mocean has been running this series in local libraries, community centres and senior living facilities for many seasons, and continues to be in high demand. Taking place in central, open areas where passers-by can join in or watch as they please, these classes are designed to be accessible, enjoyable and empowering. They are led by Mocean’s co-artistic directors and/or by company dancers – all of whom are also experienced and capable teachers. Below is a description of our MWM class:

Engage your body-mind connection with a movement class led by Mocean Dance. Designed for inclusivity and aimed to create a sense of community in a creative atmosphere, this open community class will awaken your mind and body and bring a little extra movement excitement to your day. We will lead class participants of all ages and abilities through gentle movement that will engage the senses and invite a playful approach to dance. This class will use a variety of music to lift your spirit and challenge your rhythmic flow. Classes will take place outside or indoors when possible, and will follow COVID safety protocols. Wear comfortable shoes and layered weather appropriate clothing.

Studio to Stage Creation Workshop
This creation-based workshop is designed to engage youth, ages 12-18, in the development and premiere of a new work in a collaborative setting. Led by Mocean Dance artists, participants will learn the various stages of the creative process and will put this knowledge into practice. Participants will learn the basic elements of composition, space, shape, timing, dynamics and solo vs group structures. Activities will include guided improvisation, creative movement, generating and composing movement with participant input and learning dance phrases. At the end of the process, a choreographic work and performance will be presented to an audience.
 

DANCE CLASSES

Ballet
Ballet develops understanding and maintenance of strong dynamic alignment, helps establish a range of movements within your natural capabilities and develops the physical ability to communicate through movement in an expressive and artistic way. This introductory-level class will include barre work, centre work, as well as stretching and toning exercises. Improve your flexibility and strength in a fun atmosphere!

Hip Hop
Hip hop dance is a traditionally Black street style form that was influenced by hip hop music & culture. In this class, participants will learn choreography and popular dance steps & movements. Participants are encouraged to bring their own individual style and personality to the movements they learn!

Creative Movement for Kids
Children’s creativity and imagination will flourish in this class! Creative Movement enhances social interaction and individual development skills. This class uses singing, games, floor patterns, and basic dance steps to develop motor skills and spatial awareness in a fun and creative atmosphere!

Drum & Dance
Explore the amazing world of African drumming with our musical accompanist! Participants of all ages will learn various African drum rhythms in an environment that promotes multiculturalism, musicality and creativity.