Rehearsal and classes take place at the Teatro Verdi, an exquisitely renovated 13th-century style Italian opera house. Participants from around the world are invited to collaborate with fellow composers and musicians in creating interactive performances for Pisa's exciting summer festival. Intensive rehearsals begin on the first day of classes so that productions can be realized during the three-week stay. The program is open to graduate students and upper level undergraduate students in music performance, dance, and dance education. Concentrated daily class in a selected dance technique, followed by focused improvisation and application of aesthetic principles to choreography within that style.
Rehearsal time is considered an integral and important part of the learning process.
Composition in Contemporary Dance E89.2291.099 Advanced Dance Practicum E89.1076.099 Douglas Dunn. Offered under the collaborative supervision of the directors of the New Music Ensemble and the Dance Intensive, this course provides an excellent opportunity for musicians, dancers, and choreographers to work together in an advanced and experimental forum on projects that will be presented during the summer program. Efforts are made to develop skills in interpreting, analyzing, staging, and evaluating dance composition and choreography. The New Music Ensemble is dedicated to the promotion and performance of contemporary music, particularly compositions written in the last few years. Students study and perform the works of major Italian composers as well as works by American and other composers.