Artist in Residence – Kait Ramsden

Beginner contemporary dance class is for exactly who you think – beginners! Trying something new is hard, and this class holds space for the bravery of showing up for yourself and trying something new. This class is loosely based in “release technique” which is a way to describe different ways to roll around and get in and out of the floor. During our workshop we will explore rolling, joint mobility, balance, strength, jumps, and breathwork for grounding and healing. Kait will act as a guide throughout the class, but encourages participants to listen to their body as the ultimate guide. Any forms of movement or modifications in class are welcome. Class will be accompanied by live electronic musician Big Zen who will support our movement with lush ambient sounds and big electronic beats.

Participants will be encouraged to wear comfortable clothing with long pants and sleeves to assist with sliding on the floor. Suggestion to bring yoga mat to offer padding if needed when learning new moves.

$20 (sliding scale accepted)

image credit Mat Simpson

Performance artist and movement facilitator Kait Ramsden will guide a 40 minute meditation for deep contemplation of the cycle of life and death. The meditation will be accompanied by live ambient electronic music created by Big Zen, and will be followed by snacks, refreshments, and discussion. This meditation will focus on imagery of the four seasons as a way to conceptualize the cycle of life and death, as well as offer the time and space to feel big and small sensations in the body as another cycle of change. This workshop draws upon Ramsden’s practice of looping and ritual as both an aesthetic technique and tool to process change and loss.

Participants will be encouraged to bring an object of their choosing to contribute to the shared altar, which will be incorporated sonically into the looping live ambient music.
Also please bring a yoga mat, and suggestion to also bring a pillow and a blanket to add extra support to the body for relaxation.

$20 (sliding scale accepted)
Pre-registration preferred, as space is limited.

This is an adult workshop.
Older teens (16+) are welcome if accompanied by an adult, as subject matter is sensitive.

image credit Angela Fama

Kait Ramsden (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist and dance educator. She is of settler descent working and living between the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and Sel̓íl̓witulh Nations/Vancouver and Tio’tia:ke/Montréal. 

She co-founded the dance-film collective Projet Contrabête (2015-2018) alongside Lara Oundjian, where she produced five dance films that have been shown in nine Canadian film festivals. Her choreography BALLS premiered at Festival Quartiers Danses (Montreal, QC) and was shown at Festivals Vue Sur la Relève (Montreal, QC) where it won the “coup de coeur” prize.