Louder than Words presents a workshop with Anna Smith, with generous support from the Cultural Industries Development Initiative and Neighbourhood Dance Works. Anna Smith is a dancer, teacher and choreographer from Australia who has also worked in Canada (1995- 1997). She received her Bachelor of Education in Dance and Drama in 1987 from Victoria University and she has just completed her Masters in Choreography at Melbourne University.

In Australia she has danced and taught with Tasdance, performing for major choreographers; Nanette Hassel, Neil Adams, Beth Shelton, Helen Herbertson, Leigh Warren and Sandra Parker (1989-91). She has choreographed several pieces for the Victorian College of the Arts on from 15 to 22 dancers (1994-97), as well as choreographing solos and smaller group works for Canberra Dance, Drolwa Theatre, Kodak Australia, Tasdance and Dancefocus (1990-94).

In Canada, Anna has danced with Company Tusket and Jane Mappin. She also worked as a sessional and guest teacher of technique classes at Studio 303 in Montreal, teaching what she calls a relaxed Cunningham Method. In January 1997, with funding from the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council, Deborah Hartery, brought her here to teach in St. John's for a week. Everyone who did these classes was very enthusiastic about her teaching style and ability, as well as her approach to choreography. She was refreshing and invigorating and created a comfortable environment to learn in.

Given the opportunity to work with Anna Smith again, Louder than Words, whose members know her teaching skills first hand, took action to make this workshop a reality. Anna's extensive experience in contemporary dance training, choreography, teaching and integration of dance with theatre, music and community events, makes her a valuable asset for the St. John's dance community. We have organized several different types of classes to meet a range of dance interests and backgrounds. We invite dancers and performers of all types to participate in these classes.

The intensive component of this workshop will consist of daily technique classes followed by a choreography session, taking place at the BIS on Military Rd. These will run Tuesday March 10 through Friday March 13 from 10:15 am to 2:15 pm with a short break. Class time for Saturday March 14 is TBA and then the 10:15 - 2:15 class time will resume Monday March 16 through Friday March 20. It is important that participants can commit to the full session so that material can be accumulated and developed. These classes are open to anyone who has an interest in movement and choreography. The cost of this session is $60.

There will also be evening classes at the Kittiwake Studio, at 163 Water St. (3^rd floor). These will be Modern technique classes based on Cunningham Method with a potential for some choreographic work, depending on interest. Classes will be Tuesday March 10 through Thursday March 12, and Monday March 16 through Thursday March 19 from 7:30 - 9:00 pm. These classes can be attended on a drop in basis and are open to beginner students as well as more advanced students. The cost is $30.00 for the whole session or $6.00 per class.

On Sunday March 15, there will be a choreography workshop held at the BIS on Military Rd. From 2:00 - 4:30 pm. If you have ever wondered how to create your own choreography, THIS is your chance! This workshop is open to everyone, whether you have a dance background or not. The cost of this workshop is $10.00 and it is free for anyone participating in the full evening session at Kittiwake Studio.

On Saturday March 21 at 8:30 pm. there will be an informal showing of material that has come out of this workshop. The location will be announced on March 16 and this information will be available along with general information about the workshop by calling Alison at 722-4852. If you have any questions about classes or wish to register, feel free to call this number anytime and please leave a message if you get the machine.