Contemporary Dance

Workshop with Dylan Parton

Exploring Counter Directions

Free Community Class on June 29 and
Sundays in July at 4 pm

This contemporary dance class tught by Dylan Parton will explore the dynamic use of counter directions to deepen movement quality, expand spatial awareness, and enhance expressive range. Dancers will engage with floorwork, improvisation, and phrasework that challenge habitual patterns by introducing opposing forces—whether through momentum, weight shifts, or spatial intention. The class emphasizes contrast and tension, encouraging dancers to embody clarity and fluidity while navigating multidirectional movement.

Benefits of This Class

Enhanced Movement Quality – Deepen your understanding of how opposing forces create richer, more dynamic movement patterns
Expanded Spatial Awareness – Develop a stronger sense of your body in space and how to navigate multidirectional movement with intention
Improved Expressive Range – Discover new ways to communicate emotion and story through your movement vocabulary
Challenge Habitual Patterns – Break free from movement habits and explore fresh approaches to familiar sequences
Clarity and Fluidity – Learn to embody both precision and flow as you navigate contrasting movement qualities
Confidence Building – Gain confidence through both structured technique and creative improvisation
Technical Growth – Strengthen your contemporary dance foundation through focused floorwork and phrasework
Creative Expression – Explore the balance between structured movement and intuitive, improvisational dance

This class is designed to cultivate understanding and appreciation for dance as a powerful art form, where technique, confidence, and improvisation come together naturally. The environment is supportive and inclusive, where every student feels valued and confident, regardless of background or experience. Whether you’re new to movement or have years of dance training, this class welcomes all levels of movers looking to explore the expressive possibilities of contemporary dance through both structured and intuitive movement.

Come ready to discover new ways of moving, challenge your body in gentle yet dynamic ways, and connect with the joy of creative expression through dance.

You have helped me believe more in myself not just in my dancing but in life in general and I will forever be grateful for that.

I became a lot more confident in my body and that reflects in my dance moves.

I have grown so much as a person by taking your class. I was an extremely shy person and your class has given me an outlet to be myself. This class has built my confidence up.

DYLAN PARTON

Dylan, a native of Raleigh, NC, started her dance training at North Carolina Dance Institute, under the direction of Kirstie Spadie. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Contemporary Dance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, under Dean Susan Jaffe and Associate Dean Brenda Daniels.

Dylan has had the privilege to perform choreographic works by Douglas Dunn, Martha Graham, José Limón, Ming-Lung Yang, Patricia Casey, Juel D Lane, Renay Aumiller, Chris Yon, and Taryn Griggs. Dylan has attended summer programs at UNCSA, American Dance Festival (ADF), and North West Dance Project. She has performed free-lance dance works through ADF.

Dylan’s credits include choreographing and performing a solo work ‘A reaction to Marsha Cottrell’s Exhibition Black and Light’ at CAM Raleigh. She is currently sharing her passion for choreographing and dance through teaching emerging young artists at local studios and as Clayton High School’s Dance Teacher.