Contemporary dance combines the strong but controlled legwork of Ballet, with elements of Jazz dance, focusing on the contract and release of the body, and the unpredictable changes in rhythm, speed and direction. It also employs floor work, fall and recovery, and improvisation characteristics of Modern dance.
Key components of contemporary dance class:
Strength and Flexibility: The contemporary dance style focuses on core strength for flexible movement, and it emphasizes muscular strength in the torso. Having a strong base in Ballet and Jazz can be helpful when learning this style.
Freedom of Expression: One of the key elements that separates contemporary dance from other styles is the focus on expression. Contemporary dancers strive to convey emotion and story through their movements, making each performance unique. You might be asked a lot of questions to help you think through your intentions.
Warm-Ups: A contemporary dance class is very physically demanding,Warm-ups in contemporary dancing are intended to enhance balance, coordination, alignment, and body awareness.
Stretching: Flexibility is important for contemporary dances, which need the ability to create innovative shapes. The goal of these dance stretching exercises is to reduce the risk of injury while performing.
Floor Work: In contemporary dance classes, floor work is an essential component. Floor work involves performing exercises while standing in the middle of the room or traveling from one end to the other across the floor. In contemporary dance you interact with the floor a lot, so be prepared to spend time down on the ground. These activities help to improve dancers’ balance, coordination, and strength. They also allow dancers to explore different ways of moving their bodies.
Because of all the key components of Contemporary Dance and it being paired with the adult body, we have decided to put prerequisites in place for our school. These prerequisites are in place to ensure the safety of all our dancers.
In order to take Contemporary Class at Tournesol, you must be in a level 4 Jazz and at least a level 4a ballet class.
Tournesol Dance is bringing back this eccentric, family friendly ballet! Come join us for this holiday tradition as we retell this imaginative tale in a fun-for-all-ages premiere ballet. Watch as this all-adult dance school brings The Pumpkin Queen and the characters of Halloween Town to life while performing favorites such as “This is Halloween,” “What’s This?” and “Oogie Boogie.” It’s the perfect way to start the holiday season!
Where: The JCC of Rochester
When: Saturday October 29th, at 7:00 pm and Sunday October 30th at 12:00pm
Ticket Cost: $10 (tickets can be purchased online at the link below or at the door!)
We are excited to announce that in February 2022 we will be adding another location to Tournesol Dance! Our second location will be right down the street from the original studio in the Piano Works mall. This space will offer us a larger studio, sprung floors and dressing rooms. Construction has already started and we can’t wait to see you all dancing in the new space!
This Halloween, come watch as Tournesol Dance brings this eccentric family holiday tradition to the stage and retells this imaginative tale in a fun-for-all-ages premiere ballet. Watch as this all-adult dance school brings The Pumpkin Queen and the characters of Halloween Town to life while performing favorites such as “This is Halloween,” “What’s This?” and “Oogie Boogie.” It’s the perfect way to start the holiday season!
Where: OFC Creations Theater Center, 3450 Winton Place, Rochester NY
For our first annual production of “A Nightmare Before Christmas” – Presented by Tournesol Dance
Open auditions for all ADULT dancers (18+) in the Rochester, NY area. We will cast company dancers, Tournesol Dance students, and community dancers – this means you!
Virtual Audition Options Available, must be submitted by May 15th
In Studio Auditions are on May 1st and May 2nd, starting at 1pm (limited spots available) Please email info@tournesoldance.com to register for an in studio audition. Tournesol Dance, 234 W. Commercial Street, East Rochester
All levels of dance experience accepted!
No Audition Fee!
Performance dates – Late October 2021 & Early November 2021
If interested in performing as a “Soloist” or “Main Character” you must audition in person, space is limited, please contact the studio at info@tournesoldance.com to request an in studio audition.
Please arrive 15-30 min early to warm up and fill out paperwork.
For additional questions please contact info@tournesoldance.com
As of Monday November 23, 2020 our studio location has been included in the Orange Zone – warning zone. As of right now this does NOT affect our ability to stay open and hold classes. We are classified under Sports and Recreation and as per the NYForward website which states: “If open, appropriate social distancing of at least six feet among individuals must be abided, acceptable face coverings must be worn by individuals who are over the age of two and able to medically tolerate such coverings, and frequent cleaning/disinfection measures must be in place for hard surfaces and objects frequently touched by multiple people (e.g., handrails, benches).”
We will continue to update everyone on our status as we navigate through this.
We are excited to welcome you to our new studio and get back to dancing! Things will be different and it will take some time to adjust, but it’s nothing we can’t handle! We have developed a safe plan to protect our Tournesol Dance family and staff.
Please take the time to read the following COVID-19 Guidelines and Procedures.
Guidelines and Procedures
A COVID-19 Liability Release Waiver must be signed by any dancer before taking any class at Tournesol Dance. Each day a small questionnaire must be signed.
Upon arrival we will be using a “no touch” thermometer for all people entering the building.
We ask that you show up 15 minutes before class time to make this transition smooth and that way we do not take away from class time.
Each dancer will come into the building one at a time.
When entering the building a face mask is required. If you forget your mask we have disposable masks available for purchase.
Only dancers, teachers and staff will be allowed in the building.
Shoes will be left at the door. Hand sanitizer will be available.
Dancers should arrive dressed for class. There will be no use of dressing room. Dance bags and hand bags will be stored in cubbies or on marked places on the floor.
Dancers may remove masks upon entering the dance room, if they would like. Teachers will have masks on at all times.
Once class is over dancers will be directed, one at a time, to put their mask on, collect their belongings and find their way back to the door.
Upon exiting dancers will receive more hand sanitizer and be on their way.
Cleaning
All equipment used will be cleaned after each class. (Ballet Barres, door knobs, etc.)
Dance floors will be cleaned regularly every day.
Restrooms will be cleaned regularly through the day.
Teachers, staff and dancers will wash hands regularly and practice social distancing 6 feet apart.
What it will be like in the studio
There will be no hands-on adjustments by teachers to students.
No shared equipment between dancers besides Ballet Barres, keeping 6 feet in mind.
The floor will be marked in 6 foot squares that dancers must adhere to.
Class sizes will be reduced down to 8 dancers per class (per room).
There is space for teachers to walk the perimeter of the room so no dancer will feel unnoticed.
The drinking fountain will NOT be available for use, so please come prepared with water.
At all times social distancing will be practiced, if you are unable to maintain 6 feet apart at any time a mask must be worn.
**Please note that these guidelines, procedures and cleaning are subject to change per CDC Guidance.
At Tournesol Dance, we believe dance is for everyone! We’re creating a supportive yet motivated community of people who share a common drive and goal to constantly improve, work hard, and support each other along the way.
If your dream is to dance, no matter who you are or what walk of life you are from we will help you learn to dance! Whether you are new to dance, ready for the next level, or returning from a long break, we can help! We offer coaching designed for adults of all shapes, sizes, and skill levels. Whatever your goal may be, dancing en pointe, performing your first solo, or just getting to dance on stage we are here to help.
