Brooklyn native Maverick Lemons began studying dance at age 16 at the Harlem School of the Arts. Maverick continued his training with The Ailey School and the Philadelphia Dance Company PHILADANCO, where he toured nationally and internationally for seven years as a principal dancer, master teacher, and tour manager. Not only is JOMDC privileged to have Maverick Lemons on faculty teaching jazz, modern, and Motown MOVE, but also as a choreographer for our Studio to Stage program and speciality workshops. This summer Maverick is teaching new One-Day Workshops and Studio to Stage programs—in addition to his existing schedule of Drop-In classes, Intro to Dance multi-session offerings, One-Day Summer Workshops, and MOVE Dance for Fitness.
We sat down recently with the talented dancer to find out what we can expect from his new offerings:
PREPARING FOR THE STAGE One-Day Workshop
Saturday, August 29, 12:30 PM–2:30 PM, JOMDC Bethesda
TELL US ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP. IS IT EXCLUSIVELY FOR DANCERS WHO WANT TO BE ON STAGE?
This workshop can benefit anyone. Not only is it appropriate for those looking for a career onstage, but also for anyone interested in increasing confidence in life. Material learned in this class can be used in daily life at home, school, or work.
WHAT THREE WORDS BEST DESCRIBE THE WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE?
Explorative, eye-opening, and self-reflective.
WHAT SHOULD STUDENTS WEAR, AND WHAT SHOULD THEY PLAN TO BRING TO CLASS?
Students should bring open minds, a pen and paper, and no fear!
FALLING One-Day Workshop with MAVERICK LEMONS
Saturday, August 15, 12:30 PM–2:30 PM, JOMDC Bethesda
WHAT CAN STUDENTS EXPECT FROM YOUR ‘FALLING’ WORKSHOP?
Students will learn how to protect their bodies when falling to the floor, and how to recover gracefully with both jazz and modern dance genres.
WHAT SHOULD STUDENTS BRING TO CLASS?
The Falling Workshop will be FUN, but it will also include utilizing core and upper-body strength. Students should bring kneepads, which can be ordered for $10 here. For addition support, gel knee pads can be ordered here.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO TEACH THIS WORKSHOP?
My students inspired me to create this workshop, especially those in my Modern classes. Many dancers seem to dread going to the floor, which I hope to change through this workshop. Part of the essence of Modern dance is about committing to the floor, so I thought it would be effective to provide specific education for getting both up and down.
TRENDING PERFORMANCE 9-Week STUDIO TO STAGE Program
Tuesdays, June 23–August 18, 9:00 AM–10:30 AM, JOMDC Atlas
HOW IS ‘TRENDING PERFORMANCE’ DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER STUDIO-TO-STAGE OFFERINGS?
The Trending Performance Studio-to-Stage class is more of a collaborative effort between myself and the dancers.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION? HOW DOES THE CREATIVE PROCESS BEGIN?
The starting point for creating my classes is different each time; sometimes my inspiration begins with dreams, but often it comes from current events, music, etc.
YOU ALWAYS USE THE BEST MUSIC. WHAT ARE YOU PLAYING ON REPEAT THESE DAYS?
Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright”
WHO DO YOU THINK ARE TODAY’S “MODERN MOVERS-TO-WATCH”?
These days I’m interested in Jessica Lang’s work.
I’VE TRIED TO GET MY FRIENDS TO COME TO CLASS, BUT THEY’RE NERVOUS.
HOW CAN I CONVINCE THEM TO JOIN ME?
Tell them that my classes may look intimidating, but they’re so much fun; there’s always a diverse variety of dancers, levels, and abilities ability in each one of my class.
