Education Programme

“For me dancing is this constant metaphor of ways of looking at yourself as if you are walking around with a mirror all the time, inside. In that, you really have to be bold enough to look at yourself and really try to reflect on what your strengths are and what your weaknesses are, and really have to face them.”
– Dam Van Huynh

We believe it is essential to engage and give back to the community and keep an open dialogue with the wider audience. Creative learning is one of the pillars of the company and we engage with the public through a regular range of activities.

We offer a range of packages, although our current work is most suited to higher education at undergraduate – post graduate level. The work is technically and creatively demanding and students will need to be prepared to be challenged. We do however work with groups of all abilities.

We collaborate with a broad range of Universities, conservatoires and companies both nationally and internationally. These have included:

  • The Place
  • Hong Kong University
  • Northern School of Contemporary Dance
  • Trinity Laban
  • Dance United
  • Bath Spa University
  • Canterbury Christchurch University
  • Dundee and Angus College
  • Intoto Dance

THEMES

Origins of the work: Torso experiment

Based upon the idea of further dividing the torso into ten different fragments, the objective is to clearly define each part. Each division – which we call “chambers” – is independent of one another. Participants in the workshop are given opportunities to experience this vibrant and innovative working method which holds its fundamental ethos of harnessing strength from within movement flow, rather than imposed externally.

Van Huynh Co - Education Programme

Van Huynh Co - Education Programme

Revealing individualities

The workshops are led through movement exploration from core principals of Eastern philosophy of energy flow, connecting dynamic movement from its origin, sensing internal music and focusing attention towards revealing individual personalities within the present moment. Participants are guided through a series of exercises which move through muscles and bones by creating channels for motion. The workshop yields a sensory awareness focusing on personal qualities.

Exploration

Pushing participants’ boundaries and encouraging them to break through their inhibitions, exploring new territories of movement through a series of guided imagery and physical exercises to broaden kinesthetic awareness. We are extremely sensitive to each individual’s unique needs and accompany them in the process through our tailor-made activities. Exchange of ideas within the workshop will be fundamental to open up new perspectives and access a more grounded sense of movement quality.

Van Huynh Co - Education Programme

Structure of workshops

We deliver ‘one off’ workshops, short and longer term residences suitable to students at all levels of experience. These will be led by Dam Van Huynh and/or company dancers. 
We are very happy to tailor a package to suit the needs and requirements of your institution.

Here are some options:

Two-hour Workshop
Students will be led through technical dance exercises and learn a section of company repetoire.

Half-day Workshop
As above, but will also include creative exploration.

Full-day Workshop
Class, creative work, lecture.

Choreographic Workshop
Half or full day. Students will be introduced to Dam’s way of working through creative exploration and repertoire.

4 – 5 day Residency
Students will be led through daily class and the learning of a short piece.

All of the above include the option of a performance of a company piece with optional Q and A and/or lecture demonstration if requested. We are happy to discuss the possibility for student placements with the company where applicable. Please feel free to Contact Us with any enquiries.