the workshop
community participants

Jürg Koch has been working with community dancers in an ad hoc company called the workshop at the University of Washington since 2005. The workshop offers a unique opportunity for diverse group of students and community participants to be involved in a creative process. Training, creating and practicing together the course culminates in a studio showing of the dance piece developed over eight weeks. View the archive to get an overview of past pieces and projects.

Jürg Koch has worked in integrated dance with community and professional companies alike. In particularly he was a performer, teacher and choreographer with CandoCo Dance Company in the UK and has taught with AXIS Dance Company in Oakland. Both are leading contemporary dance companies of disabled and non-disabled dancers touring and performing internationally.

The work is suitable for teens and adults who are interested in dance and performance. Previous training and experience in dance is welcomed but not a prerequisite. Openness to the process and commitment to the rehearsal schedule is a requirement. .

All interested community participants are most welcome to join the first session, Wednesday, September 24 as an orientation.

Please contact the instructor, Jürg Koch via email or phone 206 616 75 61, to indicate your interest, ask questions or register.

Participant comments:
"This course really stretched my thinking and my abilities in terms of technique and choreography."

"It was valuable to be pushed individually to move in new and different ways...to be pushed outside a comfort zone."

"The class was very challenging and it forced me to try new and scary things and I loved it!"

Read Nancy Joseph's article (Perspectives, Nov. 2004) for some more insight on the courses.