EVENTS

Dancer Auditions

Elements Contemporary Ballet is currently accepting audition inquiries for future company positions.

Elements Contemporary Ballet does not offer seasonal contracts, but rather compensates dancers on a per-project basis. The company presents 15-20 programs per year, including lecture-demonstrations, outreach performances, an annual gala, festivals, workshops, and seasonal engagements. Dancers are offered free company class with rehearsal 2-3 times per week, shoes, and performance pay. There is flexibility in the rehearsal schedule to allow for outside work conflicts. A limited number of unpaid company apprentice positions are also available.

Dancers interested in working with the company may audition by submitting video of performance or studio work, dance photograph, and resume to info@elementsballet.com, or by standard mail to:

Elements Contemporary Ballet
4920 N Glenwood Ave #1
Chicago, IL 60640

Dancers may also request a live audition for the company at Artistic Director Mike Gosney's open ballet class at Visceral Dance Center, held Tuesday mornings 10-12pm. Please contact our office in advance to set up your audition. Normal fees for class will apply. For location and further information on Visceral Dance Center, visit www.visceraldance.com.

The Elements Summer Workshop 2013

Study contemporary ballet this summer at the Elements Summer Workshop, a rigorous 3-day ballet intensive at Chicago's Visceral Dance Center. Work with Artistic Director Mike Gosney and company artists on cutting edge repertory and improve your technique in specialized classes based in the unique "Four Elements Training Method":

Don't miss this once-a-year opportunity to study with Chicago's only contemporary ballet company!

Wednesday-Friday, August 7-9, 2013
Visceral Dance Center
2820 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Level II (Advanced and pre-professional, ages 15-22)

Register by July 15th for 10% off! Register Today:

Allegro Dance Boutique is the Official Sponsor of The Elements Summer Workshop 2013
www.allegrodanceboutique.com

The Elements Summer Workshop Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average class size of The Elements Summer Workshop?
Classes generally run from 20 – 30 students per level. We do limit the class size to 30 students maximum, so if you are interested in attending, be sure to register or contact us to reserve your spot by the early registration deadline on July 15th, 2013 (you will also get 10% off tuition if you register by then!).

I am between ages 14-16 and unsure of what level I should sign up for.
If you are not sure what level would suit you best, you can send us a photo or video link of your most recent dancing to info@elementsballet.com, as well as let us know how many years you’ve been dancing and what disciplines you’ve trained in and we will recommend a level placement for you. Alternately you can attend Mike Gosney’s Tuesday morning 10am-12pm ballet class at Visceral Dance Center as a placement audition class – just let us know in advance when you’ll be coming.

Is there a chance my level placement could be changed?
Yes, if the workshop instructors feel you may be misplaced, they may recommend a level change for you  after the first day of workshop classes.

Will there be a workshop performance?
Yes. On the last day of the workshop, the last half hour of classes for each level will be open for family and friends to come in to the studio and view the material the students have been working on in an informal performance along with the Elements company dancers. There will also be opportunities over the course of the workshop for dancers to audition for featured roles in the performance.

Can I take the workshop en pointe?
Dancers in Level II that would like to take any of the classes en pointe are encouraged to do so as they please, though no one is not required to take the workshop en pointe (material learned that is intended for pointework will be noted by the instructors). Dancers in Level I interested in dancing en pointe must receive the permission of the instructor before doing so.

Who are the instructors for The Elements Summer Workshop?
Most classes are taught by Elements Artistic Director Mike Gosney, though guest teachers such as Elements’ resident choreographer Joseph Caruana and other company dancers and guest choreographers do teach select classes.

Do company and professional dancers take class?
Yes, many Elements dancers and guest professionals will pop in and out of the workshop to take select classes, as well as perform alongside the students in the workshop performances.

I have never taken any of the “Four Elements Training Method” classes before. Will I be able to follow them?
If you have studied ballet for a minimum of three years, then yes. All of the “Four Elements Training Method” classes are designed for dancers that have a general understanding of ballet exercises and vocabulary – though dancers trained in modern, jazz, and contemporary styles will greatly benefit from them as well.

I am nervous to try improvisation – I have never done it before!
Then this is the perfect workshop for you. The “Four Elements Training Method” is a fantastic way to learn to improvise in a safe, comfortable environment. The coaching given by the instructor in the guided improvisation classes is intended to effectively teach dancers who have never previously improvised, while also offering new paths of exploration to the most experienced of improvisers.

What repertory will I learn at the workshop?
Elements repertory includes original contemporary ballet work by company directors Mike Gosney and Joseph Caruana, as well as work by guest choreographers Brian Enos, Benjamin Wardell, Victoria Vargas, and Nick Pupillo, among many others. Material learned at the workshop will be from a selection of current company works, plus new material not yet premiered on the company.

Is food provided at the workshop?
No. Students must provide their own lunch and/or snacks. There are many restaurants and convenience stores located within walking distance from Visceral Dance Center, though only short breaks will be given from classes.

Is Visceral Dance Center easily accessible?
Yes. Public transportation, directions, and parking information can be found on their website at http://www.visceraldance.com/location.html. Visceral is also a short drive from the Lakeview and Lincoln Park shopping districts, and about a ten-fifteen minute drive from downtown Chicago.

Are there any scholarships offered to the summer workshop?
No. Presently Elements is not able to offer scholarships to The Elements Summer Workshop (though we hope to in the future!).

I already paid for my registration, but now am unable to attend. Can I get a refund?
Elements will refund your entire payment if you cancel your registration before the early registration deadline of Jul y 15th, 2013. However, because space is limited, we will not be offering refunds for registrations canceled after this date.

Will there be any Physical Therapy seminars offered at the workshop?
Yes! Dance medicine professional Dr. Lisa M. Schoene will offer a one-hour lunchtime lecture demonstration on injury prevention on Friday, August 9th, that both levels are invited to attend.

Is there an opportunity for me to win a free spot in The Elements Summer Workshop?
YES! At the Allegro Dance Boutique Summer Sidewalk Sale in July. One spot will be raffled off for each level of the workshop. More details at www.allegrodanceboutique.com.