September 9 to 12, 2024
The schedule differs during the week. See below:
Monday, September 9th — 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (at Studio 303)
Tuesday, September 10th — leaving at 8 am, returning at 1 pm (at the farm)
Wednesday, September 11th — leaving at 8 am, returning at 1 pm (at the farm)
Thursday, September 12th — 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (at Studio 303)
Friday, September 13th *rain check — leaving at 8 am, returning at 1 pm (at the farm)
Full week: $125 (Tax included)
Drop-in: N/A
Language of instruction: Frenglish (mix of French and English)
Questions can be asked in English and French
CATEGORY
OBJECTIVE
Led by Dorian Nuskind-Oder (choreographer) and Catherine Chénier (horse trainer and horse riding instructor), this workshop is an opportunity to explore the notion of leadership within creative practice through the unique experience of movement with horses.
Throughout the week, participants are invited to observe their own physical and energetic habits when they occupy the role of “leader” and to explore new approaches related to this role. With the help of horses, who are both very sensitive and non-judgmental, we will practice, among other things, the qualities of clarity of intention, listening, and patience.
This workshop is for choreographers, dancers and other artists who lead creative processes. No previous experience with horses is required.
CONTENT
This workshop includes studio time in Montreal as well as visits to an equestrian center (horse farm) on the north shore. In the studio, improvisation exercises, both in pairs and groups, will be used to explore various ways of taking on the role of ‘leader’ in movement. At the equestrian center, we will explore the disciplines of “groundwork” (directing a horse using a long rope) and “liberty work” (directing a horse moving freely in space using only gestures and energetic signals, without physical contact). All work with the horses is done on the ground; we do not ride them.
Throughout the workshop, there will also be moments for discussion and reflection.
| Workshop Pace | Workshop Features |
| Slow | Standing up for a long time Subgroups exercises Short verbal applications Physical contact between participants |
BIOGRAPHY
Dorian Nuskind-Oder is a choreographer and cultural worker. Her works include Looper (2024) a collaboration with circus artist Elena Lev; Speed Glue (2019) a choreographic score for two table tennis players; and Memory Palace (2016) a performance for three people with a background in social or folkloric dance forms. She is co-director of Le Radeau, an artist-run creation and production company.
Catherine Chénier is a certified instructor and trainer with over twenty years of professional experience in the equestrian field. Catherine has extensive experience in the process of educating young horses, as well as instructing riders of a variety of levels and ages. Both her training and teaching practices are marked by a patient, methodical approach which emphasizes biomechanical efficiency, listening and empathy. Her work is further informed by supplemental training in Reiki, Polarity Therapy, and Fasciatherapy.
This workshop created a space to share about leadership in the arts from an intellectual and embodied space. Leadership in creative teams and in an artistic practice. I’m walking away with a better understanding of what kind of leader I want to be, what I need to keep working on, and a desire to keep trying to find tools for self-care as a leader.
— Alida