Master Class: Improvisation Performance with Guest Artist Sarah Starkweather

Saturday, May 29th

6:30-7:20pm

Pioneer Farms

10621 Pioneer Farms Drive, 78754

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Dancers ages 13-18 are invited to participate in Sarah Starkweather’s “Master Class - Improvisation Performance.” Under Sarah’s direction, dancers will work together to build a one-of-a-kind site-specific dance performance on the grounds of Pioneer Farms. This spontaneous creation, viewed by arriving guests, will open this year’s festivities. Read all about Sarah below!

Cost: $30

The $30 fee covers the cost of the Master Class plus entry to the entire festival.

Please note: Youth dancers who are already performing in the festival can take Sarah’s Master Class for free. Those dancers do not need to pre-register for the class, either. However, all other community dancers 13-18 should pre-register and pay the $30 fee which covers the cost of the class and entry to the festival.

Pre-Registration: Dancers must register in advance by Thursday, May 27th. Fill out this google form and make your $30 payment via Kathy Dunn Hamrick Dance Company’s PayPal Donation Form. (Austin Dance Festival is a project of Kathy Dunn Hamrick Dance Company.) You’ll be directed to PayPal’s secure donation page upon completion of the google registration form. When making your payment, please type the dancer’s name in the comment area.

Google Form Link - Register Here

When you arrive at the festival: Plan to arrive at 6:10. Check in with our staff at the entrance to Pioneer Farms. Your name will be on Sarah’s VIP list. After your class and performance, stay and watch live performances by local professional and pre-professional dance companies. At dark, grab your blanket and enjoy Dance on Film on Rocket Cinema’s 40 ft. outdoor screen.

What to bring: This is an outdoor event. Wear shoes that are appropriate for dancing on the ground. Bring your mask and plenty of water! To get the most out of Austin Dance Festival, bring a picnic and blanket and/or chairs.

Sarah Starkweather is a dynamic performing artist, athlete, and business leader. After childhood involvement in gymnastics, dance team, and martial arts, her classical training started at 19. She studied with artists from The Royal Ballet and The Cuban National Ballet, along with six years at STEPS on Broadway via their work-study program. She has danced professionally with New York City based artists Jennifer Archibald, Ashlé Dawson, and Amanda Selwyn, as well as St. Louis based artists Jennifer Medina and Ashley L. Tate. Sarah is a current board member of Smashworks Dance (NYC) and founding member of San Antonio Dance Fringe. In addition to performing and teaching dance, she enjoys instructing kickboxing, barre and pilates mat classes. She aims to elevate the performing arts field by encouraging dancers and other creatives to take charge of their voice and confidently make art that impacts the community.

Artist Website

Safety Protocols at the Festival: We will enforce safety protocols as determined by the venue and by the City of Austin, such as masking up when moving about the space or when social-distancing is not possible. These protocols can change often, so please check the website’s FAQs for updates.

For more information, contact: roxy@austindancefestival.com

Photo Credit: Hayim Heron