Dance Workshop by Anna Abalikhina /Body and Object/
The theme of the dance lab is /Body and Object/
For the first time in Riga, November-December 2026
The workshop takes place:
Riga, Baza studio
Jāņa Asara iela 13
Concept
This workshop is conceived as a series of three weekends. The sessions are devoted to exploring movement and finding one’s own dance. Through attention to sensations, imagination, and creative tasks, we will discover the body’s unexpected possibilities, be surprised by our findings, and draw inspiration from them. In each session, we will work with new objects, exploring how their shape, weight, texture, and properties help us uncover different qualities of movement, so that we can feel our uniqueness and our dance.
Approach
Unlike a traditional dance class, here we will not learn set movements or choreographic combinations by heart. We begin with a body warm-up, muscle preparation, and discuss concepts such as weight and balance, as well as touch on various dance techniques and approaches to choreography. I will gradually guide the participants through a series of simple creative tasks, each of which will serve as a starting point for personal exploration. In each session, we work both as a group and individually.
Result
We will experiment with form, rhythm, and dynamics, discovering unexpected ways for the body and object to interact. We will surprise and be surprised. Step by step, everyone will be able to create their own dance.
- •14-15 November 10.15-13.00 lab "Fragility"
- •28-29 November 10.15-13.00 lab "Support"
- •5-6 December 10.15-13.00 lab "Strength"
the studio doors open at 10.00
Teacher
Anna Abalikhina is a choreographer and director working at the intersection of contemporary dance, theatre, and opera. She creates original productions and collaborates with leading theatres and directors in Russia and Europe, including Dailes Theatre, the Vienna State Opera, the Latvian National Theatre, the Bolshoi Theatre, and others. She is a recipient of the Golden Mask Theatre Award and the Innovation Award Grand Prix. From 2020 to 2022, she was the artistic director of the contemporary theatre festivals Territory and Territory.Kids. She teaches contemporary dance and body exploration practices, and leads workshops and creative labs in different countries around the world, including JVLMA in Riga.
For whom
For everyone who loves art and is interested in contemporary theatre, contemporary dance, and body-based practices, regardless of physical fitness or artistic skill level; no dance experience is required.
Please come in comfortable clothing suitable for movement and bring extra warm layers and socks for calm floor work.
*The workshop will be held in Russian
anna.abalikhina@gmail.com
telegram: @annabalikhina
