In APRIL 2026, Shannon Gillen and Jason Cianciulli, and members of VIM VIGOR DANCE COMPANY will share our decade strong teaching methodology in floorwork, momentum based partnering and dance theater research practices in a month long immersive certification intensive.
Building on years of research integrating the pathways and corporeal organizational structures from modern and balletic modalities, with floorwork and somatic research, VIM VIGOR approaches learning and therefor teaching contemporary floorwork as a mode of synthesizing the information we have as humans and artists with playful inquiry and problem solving strategies. This certification platform provides gifted dancers and pedagogues with four weeks of physical practice training including floorwork and partnering, teaching methods workshops and compositional research with VIM and guest artists with performance opportunities. This program will train practitioners in foundational approaches to teaching floorwork and partnering, while also sharing modes of inquiry that broaden and personalize the approach of each educator. We are committed to supporting interdisciplinary artists with resources to engage their artistry in rich and fulfilling pedagogical careers across the US. This program is open to artists 18+ seeking to build upon their working movement and creative knowledge, through an immersive pedagogical research platform dedicated to advancing the skills and experience necessary to lead VIM VIGOR foundational and intermediate floorwork and partnering classes.
What participants can expect:
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Programming from 9am to 4:30pm / 5pm Monday through Friday, with evening research hours
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Rigorous physical training, somatic and cross training practices
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VIM VIGOR teaching methods offered in cumulative practice.
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Personalized mentorship for participants throughout the program
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Opportunities to lead community classes
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Opportunities to participate in creative research and processes that culminate in performance, free and open to the Ann Arbor community
PHYSICAL PRACTICE AND SOMATIC TRAINING
Diverse physical practice involving Contemporary Movement, Floorwork, Partnering, and Improvisation. Additional somatic courses will provide cross training and wellness practices.
PEDAGOGICAL MENTORSHIP
Certification trainees will receive ongoing pedagogical mentorship to create robust foundational and intermediate classes during the program - trainees will have opportunities to lead classes for the community at large, which we will film in sections for the trainees' reel.
PROFESSIONAL COMPOSITIONAL RESEARCH
AND PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
VIM VIGOR and guests will involve trainees in compositional research, sharing their approach to exploring choreographic and dance theater practices. This work will touch on physical languages, theatrical approaches including Meisner training, and creative approaches to structure and devising meaning through collaborative exchange. This research will challenge folks to explore the meaningful connections between physical practice pedagogy and devising creative work. Those interested are welcome to participate in a performance opportunity during the program.
BUILDING NETWORKS AND CONFIDENCE IN PRACTICE
Participating artists will build meaningful relationships with working pedagogues in both the academic and professional spheres, while developing necessary professional tools, materials and practices to thrive and innovate within their teaching practice.
ONGOING SUPPORT
Participating trainees will leave with VIM VIGOR's level 1 certification, preparing them to lead foundational and intermediate level VIM VIGOR floorwork and partnering classes. Certified practitioners will receive letters of support and recommedation letter support for the year following the program.
