*delete* Embodiology Immersion with Dr. S. Ama Wray

ABOUT EMBODIOLOGY

During this week long dance workshop, participants will exponentially increase their capacity to innovate, whilst enhancing their wellbeing, vitality and empathy.Embodiology® uses specific principles drawn from indigenous performance methodologies to shape an optimizing mindbody practice. Programs, workshops and coaching sessions are designed for any age or physical ability; intergenerational participation is appropriate, encouraged and highly beneficial.Embodiology® is a product of action research in Ghana, mainly from within an Anlo-Ewe community. And in respect to drawing upon their indigeous knowledge, resources are returned to their community each time Embodiology® principles are shared in full or in part.About Embodiology®No matter what the discipline or practice you pursue, Embodiology® advances performance in all areas of human endeavor.

What Makes Embodiology® Different? Embodiology® originates from a study of improvisation within traditional West African performance practices through which six principles were identified. These principles were then iteratively tested in western performance contexts to attain their performance efficacy. They are now being translated and applied to different areas of human communication. It utilizes a combined movement, music and sensory practice that builds mind body dexterity to build skills of empathy and communication, with additional outcomes of improved physical agility and abundant creativity.

Embodiology®️ fosters innovation regardless of your field of expertise.

Embodiology®️ recognizes the entirety of who you are; both mind AND body.Embodiology®️ advances your awareness of bodily sensations, physical environment, intuition, cognitive activity, motor skills and imagination, thereby transforming your creative capacity.

The Embodiology®️ method teaches you how to pay attention to your body. Sensory intelligence is a gateway to knowing, connecting, and communicating with others more effectively.

ABOUT THE FOUNDER/CREATOR ~ S. AMA WRAY, PH.D.

Dr. S. Ama Wray is the creator of Embodiology®️, a practical strategy, replete with techniques for skill development, to discover and sustain a vibrant creative life-force that can be utilized in the professional or private space. She received an Emerging Scholar Award from the International Comparative & International Education Society in 2018. She completed her PhD at the University of Surrey, developing the practical and theoretical landscape that is Embodiology®️. Dr. Wray demonstrates how her movement inspires her mind in her TEDx Talk entitled, Bodily Steps to Innovation. Institutions seeking her expertise to demystify improvisation and creativity include: The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Temple University, Florida International University, Middlesex University, University of Ghana, Legon and New Waves Institute, Trinidad and Tobago. Embodiology®️ practice and research into improvisation now extend to working with scientists, medical doctors, entrepreneurs who have learned about the capabilities that improvisers have to collaborate, invent and navigate life wholesomely. Publications include: “A Hybrid Neo-African Improvisation-as-Performance Practice Distinguished by Dynamic Rhythm," in The Oxford Handbook of Improvisation in Dance, edited by Vida Midgelow (2019). Routledge also published an introductory iteration of its grounding concepts in a chapter entitled, "Just after the Pulse, Rhythm Takes All: The Inside Habitat of Improvisation," in British Dance, Black Routes, edited by Christy Adair and Ramsay Burt (2016). Her creative work has always been inspired by jazz and multidisciplinary collaborations have been in abundance. Wray is the founding Artistic Director of JazzXchange Music and Dance Company, elevating jazz music and dance on the concert stage. She has collaborated with musicians and composers including Wynton Marsalis, Bobby McFerrin, Derek Bermel, Gary Crosby, OBE, Zoe Rahman and Julian Joseph, OBE. Her work continues to be performed and commissioned on three continents. She is an Associate Professor of Dance at the University of California, Irvine where she leads The Africana Institute for Creativity, Recognition and Elevation, a multidisciplinary concern that focuses on solutions to problems encountered in populations that have been mis-served. Emanating from AICRE she is a lead collaborator on the AI4Afrika initiative that is functioning as a content partner to the United Nations in Geneva to move the globe toward realizing the sustainable development goals.

CARMEL DANCE FESTIVAL & HIDDEN VALLEY PARTNERSHIP

Carmel Dance Festival is managing the registration for the workshop and Hidden Valley is managing the registration for Room & Board.

ELIGIBILITY 

• Age 16+
• Previous movement experience (dance, yoga, pilates, martial arts, sports)
• Passion for or Curiosity About Improvisation
• Appreciation for Music
• Desire to adapt, create, connect, and contribute
• Proof of vaccination (To those who are not able to be vaccinated  or choose not to vaccinate, we hope to dance with you in the future!)

APPLY

There is no fee to apply.  Please send the following materials to: Lillian@carmeldancefestival.org

• Video Statement of Interest (talk to camera about yourself and why you are interested in participating in the Embodiology Immersion
• Biography and/or Resume
• Links to Video(s)​, website, or portfolio
• Vaccination status (provide proof of vaccination or written statement of intention to be fully vaccinated before the program begins)

COST​ ~ $1350 for Tuition and Room & Board

$650  1-week (check-in on Sunday between 2-4pm and check-out on Friday between 7-9am)

$250  Non-refundable security deposit

$700  Room & Board (see guidelines below)

FINANCIAL AID ~ November 1st by 5:00 pm PST

Attendees who apply and are accepted are eligible to apply for financial aid. Carmel Dance Festival is NOT offering scholarships for Room & Board. To be considered for a tuition scholarship:

Step 1 - apply

Step 2 - receive notification of acceptance

Step 3 - send the following materials to: Lillian@carmeldancefestival.org

• Written Statement of Financial Need

      +

• Three References (with emails and phone numbers)

      or

• Two Letters of Recommendation

LOCATION ~ Carmel Valley Village, CA

Among the rolling hills and grapevines of Carmel Valley, California, you'll find vineyards, tucked-away inns, championship golf courses, award-winning restaurants, rugged hiking, and horseback riding. And it's all just a short, stunning drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur.

HIDDEN VALLEY MUSIC SEMINARS ~ ABOUT THE CAMPUS

Hidden Valley's eight acre campus comprises a 300 seat theatre, a dance studio, rehearsal gazebos, a classroom, a dining/recreation hall, and seventeen lodging rooms.  Large outdoor decks are adjacent to the dance studio and the theatre.  All facilities are on the ground floor and easily accessible.

Hidden Valley Music Seminars was born out of a deep concern for the development of extraordinarily talented young artists.  Programs in the fields of music, theatre, opera and dance have occupied most of the time and energies of the staff and faculty since its inception in 1963.

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The Master Class concept has always been a part of the Hidden Valley project and through the years, students from around the world have benefitted from the teaching of some of the great musicians of our time.  The Dance Center was initiated in 1973 and, through enthusiastic community support, became one of the most popular of Hidden Valley's programs.

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In 1983 Hidden Valley joined the educational centers worldwide which were offering Elderhostel programs.  Within four years, Hidden Valley became one of the 75 "supersites" in America presenting at least 40 Elderhostel/Road Scholar weeks per year.  The interaction between the older and younger students has become one of the exciting aspects of the Institute's campus life. The constant thread  throughout Hidden Valley's existence has been an uncompromising interest in the careful selection of students and faculty to represent the highest quality of each possible.  Founder and General Director, Peter T. Meckel, notes, "As members of a wonderful local community and an international musical family, we treasure our connections to friends and supporters.  We pledge our unwavering dedication to quality and substance in all aspects of our work."

ROOM & BOARD

For COVID-19 safety precautions, workshop attendees/auditioners are required to stay on campus at Hidden Valley Music Seminars, An Institute of the Arts. (This policy applies to locals as well, for bonding and networking purposes.) See below for more information.

COST

$700 per week for double occupancy room with 3 meals per day

$900 per week for   single room with  3 meals per day

$300 non-refundable security deposit

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ABOUT THE ACCOMMODATIONS

The WADDELL CENTER Residence Hall has 17 simple, clean and cheery, non-smoking rooms. Each room has two twin beds, a dresser, and bathroom with a shower, toilet, and sink.  All rooms exit directly to a deck or walk via sliding glass door, which can be locked from the inside.  Each room has an individually controlled heater, bed linens and towels.  If you will need an alarm clock or hair dryer, you should bring these with you. LUBLOW LODGE is a beautiful new residential center, adding six spacious double-occupancy rooms with a queen bed, a twin bed, air conditioning, and bathroom with shower, toilet, and sink. The Hidden Valley campus provides free wireless internet access. There is a computer and printer available for guests in the Fireside Room. There are no telephones in the campus rooms.  Important calls may be directed to our main office (831) 659-3115 and we will post messages immediately on the door to your room.  Outgoing calls may be made from the front office.  Additional nights in a Waddell Center or Faculty Lodge room outside the dates of the program you are attending can be arranged, on a space-available basis.

FOOD ALLERGIES

Please specific any and all food allergies when registering for Room & Board. The kitchen does serve some vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options. However, if you have major dietary restrictions, you might want to bring some of your own food with you to supplement the menu.

MORE INFORMATION & TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM

Link for more information:   https://www.hiddenvalleymusic.org/lillians-resident-dance-workshops.htm

Email: info@hiddenvalleymusic.org

Call: (831) 659-3115