Summer Intensive 2025
July 7th-11th 2025
9AM - 3PM
CHI Movement Arts Center
1316 S. 9th St, Philadelphia, PA
Teachers
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Somatics + Jam Facilitator
kaijo caggins (they/he) is a Black trans performance artist, educator and doula. they observe improvisation and defiance through pleasure in their performance practices. kaijo works within the body, sounding and disorientation; with an emphasis on queerness, somatics and liberation as life force. they facilitate a queer Contact Improvisation jam + teach CI based classes. Living within land home to the Lenni-Lenape People of Lenapehoking, he is currently in community with local CI enthusiasts, multidisciplinary artists, families and the rivers. kaijo will be pursuing their MA in Women’s, Gender + Sexuality Studies at George Washington University.
instagram - kjocaggins
substack - @kaijoooooo
website - https://kaijocaggins.squarespace.com/
queer ci jam whatsapp - https://chat.whatsapp.com/GRUQc633SqPGYHWTBpLbVm -
Technique + Somatics
Sydney Donovan is a Philadelphia performer, choreographer, educator, and healer. She graduated from the University of The Arts in 2019, receiving her dance BFA. After graduating, Donovan continued working with Uarts as guest choreographer in 2023 where she premiered her work Thy Spirit like Thy Flesh (2023). As a freelancer, Donovan was principal dancer with Opera Philadelphia through her role as the coyote in The Listeners (2024) choreographed by Raja Feather Kelly. She collaborated with Paul Matteson in his work How Many Times (2020); performed in Lilach Orenstein’s She Will Come on Her Own (2021) and Zoe Scofield’s work The Other Shore (2021). She choreographed an evening length trio titled TRINE, that premiered March 2024 at The Decon Phl. Donovan is a guest choreographer and adjunct dance faculty member at Drexel University.
instagram: @sydneydonovan
website: www.sydneydonovan.art -
Technique
TAMMY CARRASCO (she/her) is a nomad and an avid nester and has lived, created, and taught in Raleigh-Durham, New York City, Columbus, OH, Rochester, NY, and St. Pete, FL, and currently finds her heart and home in Philadelphia. She has presented her work at Boston Contemporary Dance Festival, Dumbo Dance, Jennifer Mueller/The Works, Triskelion Arts, Movement Research at Judson Church, among east coast Fringe Festivals. Tammy has performed professionally in her own work and with Heidi Brewer, Robbie Cook, Cara Hagan, Dana Katz, Melinda Mcguire, and Helen Simoneau, to name a few. She is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Bryn Mawr College, received an MFA in Dance from The Ohio State University, BFA from University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and is a Walnut Hill School for the Arts alum. For more about Tammy and her creative work, visit tammycarrasco.org
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Creative Practice
Paul Matteson's research explores imaginative movement within collaborative choreography. He was a member of the Bill T. Jones / Arnie Zane Dance Company and has also worked with Jennifer Nugent, David Dorfman Dance, Lisa Race, Terry Creach, Peter Schmitz, Susan Sgorbati, Neta Pulvermacher, and others. He received a BESSIE award for his body of work as a performer. He is a Bennington B.F.A. Dance faculty member. Matteson was an Associate Professor in the School of Dance at the University of the Arts. He earned his MFA in Choreography from Bennington College and is currently pursuing an MDiv degree at Naropa University, focusing on hospital chaplaincy.@paulmatteson_
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Somatics
Ali Lodise (she/they) is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Pilates instructor and movement artist. Ali attended Drexel University where she studied health sciences, dance and somatics and Temple University where she studied physical therapy. While at Temple they developed and administered a functional dance screen, a Dance Injury Awareness and Injury Prevention lecture and a research study evaluating the injury prevention educational initiative for dance students. She believes in a holistic approach to movement and personal empowerment. Ali currently dances with Burgundy Blue Dance Company and practices PT and Pilates in the greater Philadelphia area. Follow Ali @alilodise or contact her at alexandra.lodise@gmail.com.
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Technique
Arabia Richardson is a Philadelphia based Performer, Collaborator, Choreographer. She earned her MFA in Dance in 2022 and graduated cum laude in 2019 with a BFA in Dance from University of the Arts (UArts). After graduating, Arabia held the title of administrative assistant to the interim executive director of Philadanco, Gaynell Sherrod. She was also the rehearsal director for Juel D. Lane, rehearsal assistant to Kim Bears-Bailey, co-choreographer with Wayne St. David, rehearsal director to Marguerite Hemmings and creative associate for the School of Dance at UArts. Currently, Arabia is an Assistant Professor at Temple University and a Dance Teaching Artist at the Rock School for Dance.
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Creative Practice
Nicole Bindler–dance-maker, Body-Mind Centering® practitioner, writer, and activist–has practiced contact improvisation since 1997. Her work has been supported by numerous grants and fellowships, and presented on four continents. Recent projects include curating an evening of Palestinian dance films; somatic research on the embryology of the genitalia from a non-binary perspective; a workshop on neuroqueering embodiment; co-producing the Consent Culture in Contact Improvisation Symposium; and a solo dance, The Case for Invagination, in which her scars speak candidly about trauma and desire. She is co-editing a book, Gathering Sparks: Jewish Arts and Somatics that will be published by punctum books. nicolebindler.com, instagram.com/nicole_bindler
Participation Options
Want to participate in the entire intensive? Would you rather just drop in to a few classes?
No worries; you have options! Scroll down to explore the possibilities, and hit us up if you have any questions!
Full Intensive
Full Intensive
Participation in the entire intensive includes 14 classes and communal activities.
Purchase a package to attend the entire intensive. The rates are sliding scale, pay what you can!
Drop In Classes
All drop in classes are pay what you can, $0, $5, $10, $15, $20, no one turned away for lack of funds (NOTAFLOF). All classes on the schedule are open to be dropped in to, including the Contact Improv Jam on 7/11.
NOTAFLOF: Do you have skills that you can offer to PDS? Let us know and we can make an arrangement for skills, services, or volunteering in exchange for free class!
Click on the image to read the full class description for each class!
MONDAY
9:00-10:45AM
Soft Power: Contemporary Movement Practice
This class is about connecting to and enlivening our deep engines in movement so that the peripheral layers of the body can yield. We will ‘activate’ so that we can let go, transmuting energy into movement specificity and a personalized sense of embodied pleasure. Class begins calmly by awakening awareness to breath, gravity, and locations of strength. Movement sequences invite participants to identify sensation, weight, and shape, as we will pass in and out of traditional form and the power that resides there. Sometimes we start standing, sometimes we progress from earth to sky. Ultimately, class concludes with choreography that embraces multiple centers of the body and luscious phrase work.
11:00AM-12:00PM
listening to my center(s)
listening to my center(s) is a guided movement meditation practice. this class focuses on tuning into the body through improvisation. listening to my center(s) is a preparation towards feeling our availability for dancing, partnering, learning phrase work, and navigating our inner and outer worlds.
LUNCH BREAK
12:00-1:00pm
1:00-3:00PM
Artist as Alchemist
The inevitable tensions within creative processes - rather than limiting our vision - have the potential to realize our deepest desires and wishes. This two-day explores the malleability of perception within art making. We will engage in collaborative, contemplative, choreographic, emotional, and imaginal practices that empower the “problems” of body, mind, and heart as sources of discovery. We will focus on finding a joyful effort in the body that extends into dance-oriented improvisation and making challenges. Artists across all disciplines are welcome and encouraged to share their own magical strategies for transforming lead into gold.
TUESDAY
9:00-10:45AM
Morning Moves
Join me for an energizing and fun-filled Jazz Dance Technique class that will help you build strength, refine your musicality, and push your limits in jumps, leaps, and turns. Whether you're a beginner or have some dance experience, this class is designed for all levels who are eager to improve their technique while having fun!
In this class, we will focus on:
Strength & Stability: Building the core strength and balance needed for powerful, controlled movement.
Musicality: Learning to move with the rhythm and emotion of the music to express yourself fully.
Jumps & Leaps: Improving your air time, form, and fluidity in all your jumps and leaps, adding dynamic energy to your dancing.
Turns: Sharpening your spotting techniques and increasing your ability to sustain turns with grace and control.
Throughout the class, we’ll emphasize collaboration—working together, supporting each other, and growing as a group. We’ll also explore ways to add performance quality to every movement, so you can dance with confidence and charisma.
This class is a chance to try new things, challenge yourself, and refine your skills while focusing on retention and improving your overall technique. Come with an open mind, a positive attitude, and get ready to sweat, learn, and have a blast!
11:00AM-12:00PM
hands that hold
hands that hold is a bodywork centered practice working with small groups. through guidance and intention, we will offer touch, massage, lengthening and relaxing sensation to our partners. this space prioritizes asking each other questions, offering feedback verbally & through the body, and naming intentions & desires.
LUNCH BREAK
12:00-1:00pm
1:00-3:00PM
Artist as Alchemist
The inevitable tensions within creative processes - rather than limiting our vision - have the potential to realize our deepest desires and wishes. This two-day explores the malleability of perception within art making. We will engage in collaborative, contemplative, choreographic, emotional, and imaginal practices that empower the “problems” of body, mind, and heart as sources of discovery. We will focus on finding a joyful effort in the body that extends into dance-oriented improvisation and making challenges. Artists across all disciplines are welcome and encouraged to share their own magical strategies for transforming lead into gold.
WEDNESDAY
9:00-10:45AM
Alchemy through Contemporary Ballet
Beginner - Intermediate level contemporary ballet technique. This class will further develop students' alignment, line, muscular stamina, flexibility, movement vocabulary and artistry. Not only will we focus on training our bodies but also training our minds. Classical ballet can hold many stigmas that attach to our emotional relationship with our bodies. Through this class we strive to alchemize any past negativities ballet previously held into joy, play, and pleasure.
11:00AM-12:00PM
Dancing & Creating with our Higher Self
This an open level improvisation/composition class that can be looked at as a body meditation where we’ll be prompted with different images, sensations, and general movement tasks to interpret in our own unique way. We start with our eyes closed and try to avoid seeing our image in hopes of drawing our attention to how the body feels while moving intentionally and dynamically. Using the chakra system as a movement score, we investigate the properties and functions of each of the seven chakras (energy centers in the body) through physical interpretation. Through intention, focus, and guided movement tasks our goal is to open blocked chakras and connect to the most healed and evolved version of our future self. Once we have warmed up our energetic system and tapped into our inner creator we will use prompts to create movement poems/ phrase work. We'll take this channeled choreography and use it as a playground to connect with each other and the space. This class is a time for you to feel embodied and empowered.
LUNCH BREAK
12:00-1:00pm
1:00-3:00PM
Invagination: we are enfolded by space
Invagination–not to be confused with the anatomical vagina–is a fold, or the act of folding. It is a biological process, a state of being, an embrace, and a way of relating to space and others. We originate as a simple structure that divides and complexifies, enabling us to perform more refined processes through increased surface area. The embryological development of the various tissues in the body go through a fractal process of coiling, creasing, and differentiating – producing infinite folds. In these classes we will practice invagination and develop a queer, feminist reimagining of space through somatic research, embodied embryology, ensemble dance improvisation, and performance practice. All levels of experience are welcome and all genders are encouraged to engage in this work!
THURSDAY
9:00-10:45AM
Soft Power: Contemporary Movement Practice
This class is about connecting to and enlivening our deep engines in movement so that the peripheral layers of the body can yield. We will ‘activate’ so that we can let go, transmuting energy into movement specificity and a personalized sense of embodied pleasure. Class begins calmly by awakening awareness to breath, gravity, and locations of strength. Movement sequences invite participants to identify sensation, weight, and shape, as we will pass in and out of traditional form and the power that resides there. Sometimes we start standing, sometimes we progress from earth to sky. Ultimately, class concludes with choreography that embraces multiple centers of the body and luscious phrase work.
11:00AM-12:00PM
Somatics and the Body
On Thursday, Sydney Donovan will be leading a somatics and body mindfulness class. They will cover how to care for and prepare the body for movement. On Friday, Dr. Ali Lodise will be leading an interactive class on how to create your own dance warm up.
LUNCH BREAK
12:00-1:00pm
1:00-3:00PM
Invagination: we are enfolded by space
Invagination–not to be confused with the anatomical vagina–is a fold, or the act of folding. It is a biological process, a state of being, an embrace, and a way of relating to space and others. We originate as a simple structure that divides and complexifies, enabling us to perform more refined processes through increased surface area. The embryological development of the various tissues in the body go through a fractal process of coiling, creasing, and differentiating – producing infinite folds. In these classes we will practice invagination and develop a queer, feminist reimagining of space through somatic research, embodied embryology, ensemble dance improvisation, and performance practice. All levels of experience are welcome and all genders are encouraged to engage in this work!
FRIDAY
9:00-10:45AM
Morning Moves
Join me for an energizing and fun-filled Jazz Dance Technique class that will help you build strength, refine your musicality, and push your limits in jumps, leaps, and turns. Whether you're a beginner or have some dance experience, this class is designed for all levels who are eager to improve their technique while having fun!
In this class, we will focus on:
Strength & Stability: Building the core strength and balance needed for powerful, controlled movement.
Musicality: Learning to move with the rhythm and emotion of the music to express yourself fully.
Jumps & Leaps: Improving your air time, form, and fluidity in all your jumps and leaps, adding dynamic energy to your dancing.
Turns: Sharpening your spotting techniques and increasing your ability to sustain turns with grace and control.
Throughout the class, we’ll emphasize collaboration—working together, supporting each other, and growing as a group. We’ll also explore ways to add performance quality to every movement, so you can dance with confidence and charisma.
This class is a chance to try new things, challenge yourself, and refine your skills while focusing on retention and improving your overall technique. Come with an open mind, a positive attitude, and get ready to sweat, learn, and have a blast!
LUNCH BREAK
11:00AM-12:00PM
12:00-1:00PM
Create Your Own Dance Warm Up
Join Dr. Ali Lodise for an interactive class to create your own dance warm-up. Learn components of a proper warm up and how to structure a warm-up for best results. Class will include a brief lecture followed by interactive activities and a group movement session. Each participant will be given a hand out to follow throughout class.
1:00-3:00PM
Special Event!
Split Bill @ Mascher Space
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Split Bill @ Mascher Space 🏝️
Presented by Philly Dance Share and Mascher Space Cooperative
As part of the PDS 2025 Summer Intensive
Wednesday July 9th
Doors open at 7PM
Show starts at 7:30PM
@ 1170 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Tickets are sliding scale, $10-$25.
NOTE: The $0 ticket option is ONLY available for those participating in the full intensive!!
CAPACITY: Only 25 tickets are available, reserve yours today!!
Make an additional donation to support the artists!! All donations will be evenly split between the artists presenting work!
About the Show
This is a split bill between choreographers Tammy Carrasco, Sydney Donovan, and Paul Matteson!!
Buy tickets to the right (reserve for free if you are doing the full intensive!), and see info about each piece below! This will be a low tech production, but high in dynamic movement, curiosity, and authentic expression.
The Pieces
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In ISLAND, dancers make permeable the boundary between observer and performer in an interplay between formality and the quotidian, infusing the mundane with the extraordinary. Using the urban and historical architecture of Philadelphia as a catalyst for movement creation and improvisations, dancers cultivate and build danced connections with one another. Through movement, dancers source natural occurring designs and the geometries of water, plants, root systems, and soil, connecting our built and natural landscapes to the nuanced construction of human relationship. With human form as a living bridge between constructed realms of urban landscapes and the evocations of our natural world, this work underscores built architecture as both immersive art space and an interloper of nature, moving from within the paradoxes of destruction and creation, connection and isolation.
ISLAND is a travelling dance that invites audiences into their own embodied and mobile experience of viewership. Seating is limited in some spaces but will be provided to those who need it.
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Jack and Jill historically is a cautionary tale of consequences for our action and priority towards our responsibilities. This work dives deeper into the lore, looking at the human condition and why thinking about death gives us permission to live fully. It is a continued exploration of energy through the spiritual concept of balancing one’s divine feminine and masculine energies, regardless of gender. With the help of whimsy and wonder the work is an ode to finding an authentic expression of self and trust for the path we find ourselves on.
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Know Me Patience (Work-in-Progress - First Half)
Performance: Paul Matteson
Text: Śāntideva’s Bodhicaryāvatāra (The Way of the Bodhisattva), Chapter 6
Music: Gavin Bryars
A hard-won effort to draw 134 sacred verses on patience into the bones and blood of the body, with the hope of finding just a little more common space.