ABOUT

The Frame Dance Community Ensemble is an invitation for dance-makers of ALL abilities  (ages 12-99) to show up authentically,  grow as a dance artists, collaborate in the creative process, and share their unique stories, challenges, triumphs, and deep wisdom through the art of movement.

Led by artistic director, Lydia Hance, we focus on creating site-specific work grounded in modern dance technique that challenges perceptions and expectations about who dance is for and where it takes place.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Our vision is to explore the potential for artistic expression by people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities through the art form of modern dance. Our focus is on developing each dancer holistically, in a safe, encouraging, inclusive environment. The year-long Frame Dance Ensemble program includes technique classes, dancer wellness workshops, and performance.

TECHNIQUE CLASSES:

We offer dancers 3 weekly technique classes to choose from. The requirement for performance is 1 weekly class in addition to our weekly Ensemble class, the encouragement is to participate in all.

2024-2025 Schedule: Program begins September 9, 2024

• Modern Technique: Mondays, 7-8:15pm
• Modern Technique: Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm
• Modern Phrase Work: Fridays, 10:30 – noon

Rehearsals: Thursdays, 6:30-8pm

PERFORMANCE:

The Frame Dance Ensemble creates about two performances each year. Each work is new, evolving from the unique group. The Frame Dance Ensemble premiers these works in public spaces, theaters, and dance films for the screen. We are commissioned by other organizations for additional collaborations.

DANCER WELLNESS:

In addition to our technique classes, we host a variety of monthly workshops to support dancer physical, mental, and spiritual health.

FALL 2024

• September 29 – Alisa: Finding Length: Somatic Awareness
• October 20 –  Jamie:  The Life, History, and Work of Irmgard Bartenieff
• November 3 –  David: Dancing with the Camera
• December 15- Jamie: Irmagard Bartenieff’s Patterns of Total Body Connectivity

SPRING 2025 (Tentative)

• January 12 – Kerri: Looking to Move: Dancing the Visual Arts
• February – Ashley: Costumed & Propped: a movement exploration
• March – Jamie: Space Harmony Workshop
• April – Lydia: Dancing on Site: Galveston
• May – Lori Yuill: Practicing Performance
• June: Carolina: Yin Yoga & Season Reflection Journaling

WHO, WHEN, WHERE

The Frame Dance Ensemble is open to dancers ages 12-99 of all experience levels interested in moving,  collaborating, and creating for at least one year. Classes, rehearsals, and community events take place at Frame Dance Studio (between West U and River Oaks.)

Have questions? Ready to join? Fill out the form below and we’ll reach out asap!

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INVESTMENT

PAST PERFORMANCES

Although not a professional dance company, FDE aspires to work to professional standards and the group experience ranges from professionals, former dancers, and novices, working together to create innovative, thought-provoking work that inspires and elevates Houston’s vibrant arts community. Over the last 10 years, the Community Ensemble has performed in a variety of iconic and unique venues throughout Houston.

·         At Play, a collaboration with Kinetic Ensemble, May 2024, MATCH

·         Bach on the Lot, a collaboration with cellist Patrick Moore, January 2024, First Presbyterian Church Parking Lot

·         Speak Softly Like Flowers, an expansive outdoor site performance at the McGovern Centennial Gardens

·         I have to wash my hair, MATCH, January 2020

·         My Beloved, a immersive dance theater work set in a Prom scene from the 19080s

Learn from our ensemble members and one of its most celebrated works, Family Mantra, in the video below: