Comfy Pro Class

This morning class is for dancers with a current, emerging, on-and-off or retired professional practice to train physically in a holistic, egalitarian and non-judgemental setting.

Using techniques drawn from contemporary, ballet, pilates and yoga, we will work through low-impact, whole-body exercises and ergonomic sequences with a focus on efficient, adaptable and fluid movement.

This class is designed to cater for experienced and vocational dancers who enjoy the typical pace and structure of pro class, while also being responsive to individuality and a desire to move with comfort and self-definition.

Is this class for me?

If you are:

• a dancer or physical theatre practitioner with professional experience, recent or not

• someone who enjoys fast-paced but inclusive classes, and exploring nuanced movement skills for strength, flexibility and fluidity

• open to exploring and responding to your own body and needs in a class that treats dancers equally and respectfully across students’ individual journeys

• curious about (re-)engaging with your practice in a holistic, generative way that meets you as you are

Then this class is intended for you.

If you are:

• looking for an accessible class to begin your journey with dance

• prefer to come into classes where you'll be challenged with a lot of quick instructions and little space to listen to your own body

• solely interested in processes, techniques or values that align more with industry conventions or institutional lineages

• mostly interested in this class because you’re curious about learning from a teacher whose body is different to yours, or interested in working with or learning from disabled artists

Then this class isn’t intended for you. But feel free to check out the beginner, pro or seniors classes at your local dance organisations and companies.

Please note this class is taught by a teaching artist, not a qualified dance teacher, and techniques are drawn from the teacher’s own choreographic and movement practices. It is intended to compliment the practices of trained dancers, and is less accessible for dancers who don't have as much technical experience with contemporary or ballet. If you're not sure if you have the right experience level for this class, you're welcome to reach out to me first so we can discuss your goals and needs for participating equally in this class.

Class Plan 9:30am - 9:35am Grounding & Check-in (mindfulness and number check-in) 9:35am - 9:50am Warm-up (floor and standing) 9:50am - 10:05am Sequence 1 (floorwork) 10:05am - 10:20am Sequence 2 (standing and balance) 10:20am - 10:35am Sequence 3 (travelling) 10:35am - 10:50am Sequence 4 (devised with students) 10:50am - 11am Cool-down (stretching and self-guided recovery)

To offer a holistic and responsive learning environment for all dancers, each class is capped at 15 students.

About the teacher Patrick Gunasekera (he/him) is an interdisciplinary dancer, choreographer, producer and emerging teaching…