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Modern Dance and Choreography

Cocoon Theatre has a full range of programs in modern dance and choreography. We offer an extensive dance class program. All classes and performances are held at our studio/performance space on 6384 Mill Street (Route 9) in Rhinebeck, acrosss from Beekman Arms.

For more information, please call us at 845-876-6470

Cocoon Theatre Modern Dance Company

Directed by choreographers/dancers Marguerite and Andres San Millan, the Cocoon Theatre Modern Dance Company began in 2002, giving its first concert, Unfinished Business, with an 11-member ensemble of mixed ages (11-55 yrs.). It was a two-hour evening of two pieces choreographed by Mr. & Mrs. San Millan (half the concert was devoted to each). It was a huge undertaking with a lot of material taught in a short amount of time on a large group of untrained dancers.

Afterwards, a decision was made to do the following:

  1. Streamline the company down to seven members (scheduling problems have been dramatically reduced)
  2. Require dancers to take technique class twice a week (which they have been doing for over a year now with strong results)
  3. Separate the choreographer’s work (to allow more intense focus to one style and one piece at a time).

This has all been smoothly accomplished and the company presented its second full concert Listen choreographed by Andres San Millan in Sept. 2003. They continued with Shipwrecked with choreography by Marguerite San Millan in 2004 and are now preparing "Peace" by Andres San Millan, holding auditions Sept. 2, with the added idea of touting the concert to different locations throughout 2005. Marguerite San Millan will begin in 2005 with her new piece (Material TBA)

Auditioning at DTW (Dance Theatre Workshop) in NYC - 2003. In late 2003, we expanded our horizons, trekking to New York City and auditioning at the DTW (Dance Theatre Workshop). The photo at left shows us in New York...warm at last.

Cocoon Theatre Choreography Company
Cocoon Theatre Choreography Company at Bard College in 2003. The auditions held in May 2003 for the modern dance company yielded many young dancers, ages 11-18. Mrs. San Millan was excited so many young people wanted to dance that she felt it her duty to service the request being made. But, she felt it inappropriate to use them in the adult company, who had reached a high skill level. She decided to create an "apprentice company," where these young people would also be required to take technique twice weekly, and would be taught basics of choreography as well.

San Millan feels that a useful dancer is not only technically trained, but also aesthetically trained (how to give and receive an idea, how to work theatrically, how to create phrases from one’s own body language, etc.) San Millan strongly feels that Cocoon’s philosophy is more than merely mounting a production. The process of rehearsal needs to involve the performers creatively, so that they learn and grow as individuals, as well as performers. Creative growth is very important to Cocoon. This choreography company is thus being taught both dance and choreography simultaneously to foster thinking, questioning, and giving performers.

Mrs. San Millan created this "workshop" of seven females, ages 11 to 15, who do the following:

  1. Meet weekly to share assignments they have been given
  2. Rehearse weekly on dance phrases
  3. Learn choreography basics and work on sections of their own creation
  4. Take field trips to see other pieces of choreography in the area
  5. View film clips of great pieces of choreography and dancing.

This company, thus officially formed, received its title of Cocoon Theatre Choreography Company and presents its first concert in February. The concert, The Lanterns, is based on a symbolic play by Maurice Maeterlinck called The Seven Sleeping Princesses and deals with the idea of one "keeping one’s lantern filled."

Performances

See a listing of our past performances and our 2008 calendar of events.

Past Performance: Shipwrecked

This project was made possible, in part, through a grant from the Dutchess County Arts Council, administrator of public funds through NYSCA'S Decentralization program. It was held March 5, 6, 12, and 13, 2004.

'Shipwrecked' The Cocoon Theatre Modern Dance Company is a 6-member core of dancers who have been working together for two years, taking weekly class and performing several times throughout the year. They recently received the above-mentioned grant and an audition at DTW (Dance Theatre Workshop) in NYC.

Shipwrecked was performed by 4 dancers: Kazim Ali, Carly Repko, Magdalene San Millan and Stasha Rosen. Marguerite & Andres San Millan are the choreographers & artistic directors of the company who often perform with the company and in separate concerts themselves. In this production, Marguerite was choreographer and Andres was artistic production director.

'Shipwrecked'

Visit the Shipwrecked gallery and read the preview from the Taconic Weekend, March 4, 2004.

Class Semester Program

Our Spring 2008 Modern dance and Movement Semester Classes start January 14.

Choreography Workshop

For teens & adults, this workshop allows students to present original choreography works. Spring classes begin January 19, 2008. Audition required. Performance is in May.

When: January - March: Thursdays, 5-9 p.m. *No class 3/27
April: Tuesdays, 5-9 p.m., Saturday 12-4 p.m. (3/29 and 4/26) *No class 4/1
Audition: Tuesday, January 17, 5 p.m.
Tuition: $400
Performance: May 1-4 (possibly May 8-11).

Adult Dance

A basic, thorough Modern Dance class with center and floor work, traveling combinations and phrases. This class is ongoing throughout the year with no showings. (teens accepted)

When: Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30 - 7:15 p.m., and Saturdays, 10:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Tuition: Single class for $12
Class cards: 10 classes for $110, 20 classes for $210.
Register for this class

Modern/Ballet for Children and Pre-School Movement

These classes stress creativity with a strong emphasis on modern dance. Ballet terminology and movement vocabulary is also included. All classes include: improvisation, small dance phrases, traveling phrases, spatial exploration, emotional focus, character development, use of props or other outside devices, medium exploration, use of varied speeds, choreographic introduction, music and rhythm, floor work, focus on accomplishing a specific skill, use of story or imagery, entrances and exits, floor patterns.

See the dance classes gallery for pictures of the kids enjoying these classes. These classes and the rest of the modern dance classes that Cocoon offers are described below.

Modern/Ballet

Combines modern and ballet techniques; teaching vocabulary, bar, repertoire, floor work, and phrases.

A: 8 - 10 years, Tuesday, 4-5 p.m., *No class, 3/25
A: 11 - 13 years, Wednesday, 4-5 p.m., *No class, 3/26
Tuition: $175
Class showing: Saturday, April 19, 1:00 p.m.
Register for this class

Creative Movement (5 - 7 years)

Explores movement through games with music, using ballet and modern vocabulary.

Monday, 4-5 p.m. *No class, 3/24
Tuition: $150
Class showing: Saturday, April 19, 1:00 p.m.
Register for this class

Improvisation (8-13 years)

A fun-filled hour exploring character & plot development; voice & body work.

Thursday, 4-5 p.m. *No class, 3/27
Tuition: $150
Class showing: Saturday, April 19, 1:00 p.m.
Register for this class
Cocoon Theatre    6384 Mill Street (Rt. 9), Rhinebeck, NY 12572     (845) 876-6470