Oct. 16th to 20th, 2023– 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (Mon.,Wed.,Fri.) // 8:00 am to 1:00 pm (Tue.,Thur.)
Full week rate : $115
Drop-in class rate : N/A
Language of instruction : mix of English and French
Questions can also be asked in : English and French
Places are limited
Open to artists of all disciplines
The mask could be mandatory for some activities as an accessibility measure for our teachers or participants. For more information, click here.
CONTENT
Led by Dorian Nuskind-Oder (choreographer) and Catherine Chénier (horse trainer and riding instructor), this workshop is an opportunity to explore leadership within creative practice through the unique experience of moving with horses. During three days of in-studio discussion, participants will reflect on the practical, ethical and relational implications of assuming the role of leader within a group. This work will be complemented by two visits to a farm to explore the disciplines of ‘ground work’ (directing a horse via a lead rope) and ‘liberty work’ (directing a freely moving horse through space using gesture and energetic cues). Over the course of the week, participants will be invited to observe their own physical and energetic habits when occupying the role of ‘leader’ and to explore new approaches to this role. With the help of the horses, who are both highly sensitive and non-judgemental, we will practice qualities like clarity, empathy, listening and patience.
This workshop is for choreographers, and other artists who lead creative processes. No previous experience with horses is required.
ACCESSIBILITY
The in-studio part of this workshop will include discussion, personal reflection time and some short physical exercises. The part of this workshop conducted with horses will take place outside, on a farm. We will be standing and walking on uneven ground for extended periods of time. Folding chairs can be provided to rest, but unfortunately, the facility is not adapted to people who use wheelchairs, or other mobility aids.
BIOGRAPHY
Dorian Nuskind-Oder is a choreographer and cultural worker. Her works include Speed Glue (2019) a choreographic score for two table tennis players; Orchestrated Accidents (2018) a durational performance installation/game about destiny, and Memory Palace (2016) a performance for three people with a background in social or folkloric dance forms. She is a 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.