Twenty five Musical Theatre Dance Workshops for Grades 4,5, and 6 took place during April and May 2021. Students were learning remotely due to health protocols in place re the pandemic.
About the Workshop:
The Artist’s approach – This Musical Theatre workshop is a jazz-based class filled with a mixture of broadway style dance and music. It will begin with a warm up with some familiar pop songs to get the students moving and ready to learn a dance combination. The dance combination will consist of some jazz, musical theatre, and a little bit of hip-hop.
All levels. No dance experience required.
This is a fun and exciting class for both students and teachers to attend!
About the Artist: JASON SERMONIA was raised in Mississauga, Ontario and has called Stratford (Ontario) home for last 10 years. At a young age, Jason trained extensively at the Canadian Dance Company (Mississauga) and the Performing Dance Arts (Woodbridge) specializing in jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, acrobatics, musical theatre and hip-hop. At age 18, he made his theatrical debut in the Toronto production of The Lion King. Other selected credits include: Dirty Dancing, We Will Rock You (Mirvish Productions); Billy Elliot, Little Shop of Horrors, Music Man, Rocky Horror Show, A Chorus Line, Crazy For You, Sound of Music, Carousel, Guys & Dolls, Anything Goes (Stratford Festival), West Side Story (Citadel/Theatre Calgary), Mary Poppins (Drayton Entertainment); The Lion King (Disney Theatrical-Las Vegas); We Will Rock You (1st US National Tour); Jesus Christ Superstar (Stratford/La Jolla/Broadway Revival); Miss Saigon (Broadway Revival). Jason also appeared in the hip-hop dancing movie “Honey” starring Jessica Alba and the Oscar award winning for best picture “Chicago” starring Richard Gere, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renee Zellweger. He also performed on the 66th and 71st Annual Tony Awards, 37th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, Live With Regis & Kelly Show and Dancing With The Stars. Awards: Derek F. Mitchell Artistic Director’s Guthrie Award (Stratford Festival-2016); Brian Macdonald Choreographer Guthrie Award (Stratford Festival-2018)
Preparation for the Workshop:
- Gymnasiums should be scheduled and taped off in 6’ squares to accommodate protocols re social distancing;
- A wifi or hard-wire connection to the internet and equipment to project the artist on a large screen so all students can see the presenter throughout the duration of the workshop;
- Students should wear comfortable clothing and footwear;
- Students may bring water bottles to their square in the space.
Materials Needed: None Curriculum
Expectations: This workshop meets expectations outlined in the Dance section of the Ontario Arts Curriculum.
Workshop Space and Numbers: Up to 25 students, providing there are enough six foot blocks in the space in positions where the students can easily see the instructor.
Foundation Expectation: Our artists are in the classroom to provide an enjoyable learning experience for everyone. Please credit the Foundation for any references to the Dance Workshop in your newsletters or on school websites. If available, digital photographs of the workshop would be appreciated for the Foundation.