Masterclass Schedule

July 19th-20th, 2025

All classes & panels are held in Butler’s Lilly Hall 3rd floor (4741 Clarendon Rd)

Classes are open to dancers of all levels aged 13+ (unless noted) including pre-professionals, professionals, serious students, and adults.

Need-based scholarships are available. Please contact indydancefestival@indydancecouncil.org for more information.

Professional dance photographer John Crowe from Crowe’s Eye Dance Photography will be offering his creativity and expertise this year at the festival.

Take advantage of this FREE mini session and bring your favorite dance costume, tutu, or flowing fabrics to make your images unique to you. You’ll also get a free download of your favorite image via your own personal gallery!

John will be set up in the 3rd floor lobby, right outside the elevators. Sessions will be first come, first served.

Saturday 19th

11:00am – 12:00pm

Community Class – FREE

Ballet & Dance for 50+

Led by Roberta Wong

Ballet and Dance for 50+, in conjunction with Dance Every Journey, is designed to promote well-being while learning and discovering, in a calm and pleasant atmosphere. Suitable for experienced and novices, this all-standing class includes barre work and standing center with helpful modifications to keep you dancing through your lifetime. Dance shoes or socks, wear comfortable clothing you can move in.

12:15pm – 1:30pm

Cultural Dance of West Africa

Ronne Stone

Level: Open level

Experience the energy, rhythm, and tradition of West African dance in this dynamic workshop! Participants will explore traditional movements rooted in cultural storytelling, accompanied by live drumming.

Bhangra 101

 

RJ Bhangra Academy

Level: Open Level

Learn the energetic and joyful moves of Bhangra, a traditional folk dance from Punjab, India. This class is open to all levels and will get you moving, smiling, and feeling the beat!

1:30pm – 2:30pm

Lunch & Learn Panel Discussion – FREE

Jack of all styles or master of one?

A conversation about trends in dance education and the benefits of diversifying your training – bring your lunch and join the conversation!

2:45pm – 4:00pm

Contemporary Partnering & Improvisation

Joshua Manculich

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

In this class, partnering skills will be taught and explored. Students will walk a way with choreographic and tactical tools for developing their own contemporary partnering and dancer-to-dancer connections. Please note that this class will require the use of touch and weight sharing.

3:00pm – 4:00pm

Community Class – FREE

Led by Sean Gehlhausen of  BOLD Benefits of Learning Dance

All abilities and disabilities are welcome to experience this BOLD (Benefits of Learning Dance) ballroom dance class.  BOLD is a local nonprofit organization that specializes in ballroom dance instruction for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

 

4:15pm – 5:30pm

Countertechnique

Jennifer Lott

Level: Open Level/Intermediate

A virtuosic contemporary class. Within a clear structure of warm-up exercises and phrase work, 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.

House

Robert Burden

Level: Open Level

House dancing is a culture that promotes freedom of expression, sharing, a sense of family and an honest connection with the music.
This class we will explore dance vocabulary of The Old School style of House and Hip Hop dance and movement. We will go into movement that is very loose and lots of bouncing. The
class will be non stop movement we will have to learn to pace inside the class. Many of the combinations will be repetitive with variations of themes. Be prepared to sweat, bring a water bottle and a sweat towel.

5:30pm – 6:15pm

Photography Workshop – FREE

How To Take Better Dance Photos & Videos

In this quick class, learn some helpful tips on how to create better photos and videos using your phone or camera. Get a better understanding of how to see available light, add light & take advantage of the spaces available to you.
Join Crowe’s Eye Dance Photography and learn how to create better compositions and stand out with more contrast utilizing simple but effective techniques.

Sunday 20th

11:15am – 12:30pm

Ballet

Sean Aaron Carmon

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

This class will focus on developing proper classical technique through barre and center exercises, emphasizing alignment, strength, flexibility and musicality. Students will refine their skills with combinations that challenge coordination and artistry.

Musical Theatre/Jazz

TBD

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

12:30pm – 1:30pm

Lunch & Learn Panel Discussion – FREE

Honoring Legacy: Words from our elders

Making time and space to listen to those whose shoulders we stand on – bring your lunch and join the conversation!

12:30pm – 1:30pm

Community Class – FREE

Kids Movement Workshop (ages 8-12)

1:45am – 3:00pm

Breakin

Phil Wood

Level: Open Level

Tap

Justin Lewis

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

3:15pm – 4:30pm

Waving

King Koi Roi

Level: Open Level

No experience necessary! Mastering the art of waving will enhance your body control and elevate your dance repertoire with captivating, illusionary movements.

Saucy Stilettos

Lalah Ayan

Level: Open Level

A confidence-boosting heels class that blends sensual movement, feminine energy, and beginner-friendly choreography. Come feel sexy, strong, and saucy while building technique, stage presence, and self-expression.

Accessibility

All accessibility requests should be made via email to Sarah at indydancefestival@indydancecouncil.org by June 30th, 2024. We strive to accommodate all requests to the best of our abilities and encourage all interested participants with access needs to reach out as soon as possible.

ASL interpreters are available for all classes and panel discussions upon request. Large print materials are available upon request.

Lilly Hall and the Schrott Theatre are ADA compliant and accessible via ramps and elevators. Further information on accessible parking and services on Butler’s campus can be found here.

“Dance is for everybody. I believe that the dance came from the people and that it should always be delivered back to the people.” ~Alvin Ailey

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