N I G H T F I R E Workshops & Classes

Workshops & Classes		"Irena's Dreaming a Place Workshop blew me away. As a person who spends a lot of time outdoors, I was surprised at the newly profound relationship I was able to create with the natural world and the universe. I experienced a deep state of grace, awe, and beauty. It is something I can draw strength from in my everyday life. Irena's authentic and powerful connection with nature and movement, along with her creative guidance, set the stage for me to easily open up to a new level of celebrating life. I can't wait to do this again." -- Joseph Kraut, Michigan
Dreaming a Place: Environmental Dance and Movement Meditation November 3, 6 PM Island Park, 1450 Island Drive, Ann Arbor Meet by the arched bridge Starting on time with whoever's there then, because of the autumn sunset time! Probable route, if you know Island Park: Arched bridge area to meet initially Near big beech tree Somewhere on the riverbank, probably the spot where there is a bench Across the river: Cross big bridge that goes toward Fuller Park, turn immediately left onto little path along river through woods Back to big beech tree Open field in middle of park Again feel free to call till about 5:30 if you think the weather is questionable! A session of environmental dance and movement meditation. Participants will tune in to elements that compose a place, and allow them to speak through the human body, hands and voice. Moving in partnership with elements in the environment enables us to enter into a heightened sense of our seamless connection with nature. Following a breathing exercise and warm-up, participants dance, move or meditate in response to elements in the environment: trees, grasses, running water, wind, clouds, or anything in its dynamic, multilevel composition. This session will conclude after sunset; we'll experiment with the possibilities for connection during twilight and early nighttime through enhancing senses other than the visual. This dance is not a performance. There is no focus on what it might look like to viewers. The warmup will introduce techniques for minimal strain and optimal flow. The purpose is to experience a sense of partnership and dialogue with the environment, to allow its expression in movement and stillness, to celebrate our oneness with it and to be fully present. No dance experience necessary. Participants should bring anything they need for protection from the elements, allergens, etc. Children are welcome when accompanied by a responsible adult. Bring warm, nonalcoholic drinks if desired; optional indoor gathering following the session! $5-20 sliding scale (734) 996-1772 Dreaming a Place: Environmental Dance and Movement Meditation Thursday, June 2, 7 PM Nichols Arboretum, 1610 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor Meet in the peony garden area MOVEMENT MEDITATION CLASS through U-Move at the University of Michigan Rm. 3060 Central Campus Recreation Bldg., Ann Arbor, MI 48109 Noon-12:45 PM on Thursdays, Jan.-April, beginning Jan. 13, 2011 >>DREAMING A PLACE: ENVIRONMENTAL DANCE AND MOVEMENT MEDITATION October 17 3:30 PM Nichols Arboretum, 1610 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor Meet in the peony garden area >>CATS IN THE GROOVE: TWO DANCE SESSIONS AND A HALLOWEEN PARTY Saturday, October 30 1-3, 6-8 and 8-11 PM AACT Studio, 322 W. Ann St., Ann Arbor "DANCING THE CAT : Express Your Inner Cat" 1-3 and 6-8 PM $15 adult, $10 child, $20 family Free to volunteer assistants A PURRFECT HALLOWEEN: DANCE PARTY AND PERFORMANCE 8-11 PM $5 For more info : Dreaming Earth, 734-996-1772. MOVEMENT MEDITATION with Irena Nagler, through U-MOVE at the University of Michigan DREAMING A PLACE: ENVIRONMENTAL DANCE AND MOVEMENT MEDITATION: with Irena Nagler August 22, 3:30 PM - Also, Sept 5 Camp Hilltop and Bird Hills Nature Area, Huron River Drive Meet in parking lot of Barton Nature Area, Huron River Drive, first small lot to right after exiting from Main St. and freeway (M-14 at US-23) (734) 996-1772 A FEW MORE WORDS ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DANCE AND MOVEMENT MEDITATION In the film "Avatar", connection with the natural world is made through a tuft of hairs that is part of each person. In essence, we can live like this on our planet. Our "connection hairs" may be invisible. But when we touch the ground or a tree, move with clouds and water or send a glance to dart into sunlight with a passing insect on gauzy wings, we are finding our way back to something our species might once have done as easily as breathing. We hold these movement sessions hoping to contribute to the gradual forging of a new relationship with the elements that compose both the near environment and the macrocosm of which it's a part. DREAMING A PLACE: ENVIRONMENTAL DANCE AND MOVEMENT MEDITATION led by Irena Nagler JUNE 13 3:30 PM Possible rain date: June 20: call to confirm FOSTER PARK (West Barton Nature Area), Huron River Drive near Bird Rd., call for directions to nearest parking area or see note below DREAMING A PLACE: ENVIRONMENTAL DANCE AND MOVEMENT MEDITATION: IRENA NAGLER Sunday May 23 and Sunday May 30, 3:30 PM Nichols Arboretum, 1610 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor Meet in peony garden area MASKS AND ANIMALS: CREATIVE DANCE AND MOVEMENT MEDITATION: Irena Nagler April 10, 3-5 PM Omstudio, 218 N. 4th Ave., Suites 203/204 A session of participatory creative dance and movement, with a focus on dancing in masks and on learning elements of movement from other animals. Preceded by a short performance and a discussion of the history and practice of masked dance and theater. Masks will be provided, but participants may bring their own. $30 (734) 996-1772 DREAMING A PLACE: ENVIRONMENTAL DANCE AND MOVEMENT MEDITATION: IRENA NAGLER Sunday April 18, 3:30 PM, location TBA Island Park, 1450 Island Drive, Ann Arbor DANCING THE CAT: CREATIVE DANCE AND MOVEMENT MEDITATION: Irena Nagler April 24, 3-5 PM Ann Arbor Civic Theater Studio, 322 W. Ann St. This participatory dance and movement session will focus on learning to move like a cat. Natural history and mythology, dance and movement techniques, lighting and music will take participants on a dreamlike journey into a feline world. Preceded by a short performance. Feel free to bring cat masks; some will be provided. Opportunity for voluntary participation in future dance theater performance. $30 734 996-1772 ELEMENTAL ENERGY DANCE (Earth/Water/Air/Fire) Saturday, March 13, 3-5 PM Ommoves Studio, 218 North 4th Ave. Suites 203/204, Ann Arbor A session of guided creative dance, with focus on the four ancient elements of earth, water, air and fire. Participants will be encouraged to transform everyday motions into improvisational energy dance from the inside out. Designed for people of all ages and abilities who would like to dance with freedom and creative expression, and unite with the flow of energy, music and rhythm. No partner or experience necessary. $30 734 996-1772 DREAMING A PLACE: ENVIRONMENTAL DANCE AND MOVEMENT MEDITATION Sunday, March 21, 2:30 PM Island Park, 1450 Island Drive, Ann Arbor Environmental Dance and Movement Meditation with Irena Nagler/Nightfire From 2-3 PM at the ANN ARBOR FALL RESKILLING FESTIVAL (more info below) Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009 Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor - High School 2230 Pontiac Trail Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105 Free admission to both this dance session and the festival
DREAMING A PLACE: Environmental dance Workshops with Irena Nagler Sunday, Oct. 18 3:30 PM Foster Park, Ann Arbor Huron River Drive near Bird Rd. Call for directions to nearest parking area. Sunday, Oct. 25 , 2009 - 3:30 PM Ann Arbor, Nichols Arboretum. Meet near peony garden and Washington Heights entrance.
Creative Energy Dance (Water/Air/Earth) with Irena Nagler February 28, 3-5 PM Guild House, 802 Monroe St., Ann Arbor A session of guided creative dance, preceded by a short performance by Nightfire dancers, and with focus on a the elements of water, air and earth. Participants will be encouraged to transform everyday motions into freestyle dance, both relaxing and energizing. Designed for people of all ages and abilities who would like to dance with more freedom, creative expression and attunement to music and rhythm. No partner or experience necessary. $5-20 sliding scale 734 996-1772 www.twofeather.com/nightfire Creative Energy Dance (Fire): Irena Nagler January 31, 3-5 PM GUild House, 802 Monroe St., Ann Arbor 1st in a series of four on fourth Saturdays from Jan. to April; forthcoming locations TBA A session of guided creative dance, preceded by a short performance, and with focus on a theme of the fire element. Participants will be encouraged to transform everyday motions into freestyle dance, both energizing and relaxing. $5-20 sliding scale 734 996-1772		My 11 year old daughter and my 9 year old son have had the pleasure of dancing and performing with Irena. Their confidence in performing dance has increased 10-fold under her gentle direction and encouragement. They genuinely look forward to every opportunity to dance with Irena and ask frequently when the next dance will be. -- Jennifer Benson
CREATIVE ENERGY DANCE Mondays, 6:30-7:30 beginning Feb. 9 Sunward Cohousing Common House, 424 Little Lake Dr., Ann Arbor Each session includes movement meditation on one or more elements and themes, and shows how one can translate everyday motions into dance. Designed for people who would like to free their dancing spirit, feel alive and present in body, extend range of expressive motion, and become more attuned to music and rhythm. Sessions conclude with freeform dancing to eclectic music, to uplift, relax and energize!		Irena Nagler is a great teacher and gifted artist, expressing the internal flow of energy, connection and relation through words and movement. I have worked closely with her for 3 years in personal practice, workshops and performances, and I never cease to be amazed by her talent, inspiration and visionary orchestration of story and dance. She is gentle, compassionate and dynamically effective in her facilitation of creative dance experiences with any age/number of participants, bringing collective inspiration to life with an empowering and healing sense of acceptance, freedom and support. Her special skill is bridging the worlds of human and nature, physical and essential, through creative listening, exercise and exploration. Irena provides a safe, nurturing space for every person, of any ability, to discover and draw out what is within and enjoy the process of attuning, unfolding and expressing the deeper flow and vitality of their being. -- Jennifer Kovach
Freeform Dance and Movement: Tutoring, Classes and Performances Relaxing, energizing and empowering for Small groups of families and friends (all ages) One-on-one tutoring for women/girls Parties and gatherings (all ages) I can assist you in freeing the joyous, uninhibited and creative dancer in you. I will work with you toward your goals. We can focus on simply opening to the flow available in dancing freely, and/or create dances based in poetry, mythology, your own history or process, and other sources. Masks, fabric and other props can be incorporated. We can choose a location suited to your wishes and needs, which may take into consideration factors like lighting, privacy, presence or absence of mirrors, and nature of the flooring. Your home, my basement, or a local dance studio or church recreation area are some of the options. For outdoors: I teach environmental dance, attuning to elements in Nature: Relaxing, uplifting and flowing with life's own amazing dance. It will welcome you home! I'm available to perform and teach dance at parties and other gatherings, and to assist in clarifying and carrying out dreams and schemes for them. Additional dancers and live musicians may be available as well. My background: 21 years experience facilitating community dance gatherings; eleven years performing and producing original, collaborative dance theater works with people of all ages; two years teaching workshops and classes. My rates for tutoring and classes vary according to number of participants, location and other factors: Sliding scale from $10-50 per hour, with an introductory rate of $5-10. Performing and teaching at parties: $150-200 sliding scale; negotiable for nonprofit organizations or similar groups. I am open to barter/alternative exchange. References available from students, employers and artistic collaborators. Contact me: Irena birena@umich.edu (734) 996-1772 www.twofeather.com/nightfire
DREAMING A PLACE: Environmental dance Workshop with Irena Nagler September 21, 2008 - 3:30 PM also October 12, 2008 - 3:30 PM Nichols Arboretum: Meet near peony garden and Washington Heights entrance
DANCING IN MASKS: DREAM IMPROVISATION with Irena Nagler
Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007 3:30 to 5:30 Call or email for historic location in downtown Ann Arbor, MI	Participants at this extended-Halloween workshop are invited to bring forth hidden aspects and dreams, while extending range of dance movement and exploring shapeshifting lore. Masks provided, or bring your own. We'll be in an atmospheric setting that includes some mirrors placed where use of them is optional. Structured improvisation will be combined with freeform dance, and suggestions for enhancing and amplifying dance expression from the inside out. The emphasis will be on fun, be nonjudgmental, and encourage creativity and an attitude that we all can dance. The workshop is followed by a mask-optional dance party with food and world music. No experience necessary. All ages welcome (under 16 accompanied by adult.) $5-20 sliding scale. Alternative trade considered. 734 996-1772 Irena Nagler has been dancing in masks since age 5. Her more recent experience includes ten years of directing and performance with Nightfire Dance Theater, and twenty involved in coordinating community dance events. She teaches workshops in dance improvisation and environmental dance.
	DREAMING A PLACE Environmental dance, poetry and art Workshop with Irena Nagler Sept. 23, 2007 - 3:30-5:30 PM County Farm Park, Ann Arbor


DREAMING A PLACE - Environmental dance, story and art Workshop with Irena July 15, 2007 - 3:30-5:30 PM Meet at Bandemer Park shelter, Ann Arbor (at end of drive)

Children of the Fire: Improvisational Dance With Irena Nagler
	April 14, 2007 3:30-5:30 PM Sun Moon Yoga Studio, 404 W. Huron, Ann Arbor http://sun-moon-yoga.com/ This work/playshop on dancing from the inside out is designed for people of all ages and abilities who would like to dance with more freedom, creative expression and attunement to music and rhythm. Participants will dance to eclectic music and occasional silence, drawing on kinesthetic sense and imagery based in natural elements, especially the building of a fire. No partner or experience necessary; the setting will be a studio with soft lighting and no mirrors. The facilitator has been producing community dance events since 1987, including creative dance theater and freestyle improvisational dance sessions. Have fun! Become the music! Ignite the spark! $10, $5 students/seniors Alternative exchange/barter also considered Contact: 734 996-1772