Blog Archives

embodiology with dr. ama wray

1/27/2019

UMA is delighted to be hosting and Embodiology workshop with Dr. Ama Wray on Feb 3, 2019.
1 -2:30 pm
$15 Tickets can be purchased in advance here.
$20 at the door.

What is Embodiology®?
“Movement that Inspires Mind”
Embodiology® is a culturally inclusive approach to improvisation or freestyling, a neo-African improvisation-as-performance methodology. It is a practice which priorities embodiment of rhythm and building collaborative relationships between performers. You will learn how to play with and navigate through rhythm’s multidimensionality, embody its features (silence, tonality, repetition, speech-patterns) enabling you to create spontaneously and confidently. Workshops includes live music.

Dr. S. Ama Wray
Dr. S. Ama Wray is the creator of Embodiology®, a practical strategy, replete with techniques for skill development, to discover and sustain a vibrant creative life-force that can be utilized in the professional or private space. She completed her PhD at the University of Surrey, developing the practical and theoretical landscape that is Embodiology®.

She has taught improvisation and creativity at such institutions as: The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Temple University, Florida International University, Middlesex University, University of Ghana, Legon and New Waves Institute, Trinidad and Tobago. Her Embodiology® practice and research into improvisation extends to working with scientists, medical doctors, and entrepreneurs interested in how improvisers collaborate, invent and navigate life. Publications include: “A Hybrid Neo-African Improvisation-as-Performance Practice Distinguished by Dynamic Rhythm," is forthcoming in The Oxford Handbook of Improvisation in Dance. She is currently an Associate Professor of Dance at the University of California, Irvine and the Artistic Director of JazzXchange.

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ben baker hip hop choreo class january only!

1/4/2019

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Ben performing at July 2018's WORKINONIT, our in-studio works in progress cabaret.

Since moving to Philly Ben has danced with Academy of Phresh and Penn student group Strictly Funk, plus he teaches pop-up classes and attends freestyle battles when he gets the chance. In the meantime, he's almost completed his PhD from Penn in Philosophy of Mind. His thoughtful side comes out in his choreography and teaching, which he's been developing for about 10 years. He wants his classes to push students to explore the music with their bodies' full range of motion. Come get immersed in soundspace with him!

In Ben's words:
"This class is great for developing choreo pick-up, musicality, and the control and understanding of your body's motion. It offers choreography that surfs from rhythm to rhythm, exploring diverse possibilities for illustrating sound and intention. The pieces draw on a range of styles that have influenced UMA's teachers, including hip-hop, popping, and house."

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Locations

812 Chestnut St

Search 'Urban Movement Arts @ 812 Chestnut' on Google Maps

2100 Chestnut St. 2nd Flr

*entrance is on 21st! between Rione Pizza & Monde Market*

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