Dance Workshops

Dance Workshops

Are you a studio owner that would like to explore ways to help your dancers connect emotionally to their performance onstage? 

If so, then these workshops are for you.

  • The Power of Gesture® helped my dancers to think outside of the box, challenge them to explore new ways of moving and communicate their emotions more effectively through movement. They gained new insights and skills that will serve them well in their future. They left feeling inspired, energized, and empowered to take their dancing to new heights.  The students connected with each other's stories that they told through their gestures, creating a deep bond and truly understanding things they might not have known before. This workshop brought them so close!

    Anne Brodsky - Founder of Encore Dance

  • Jen's unique approach to empowerment and somatic experience is deeply rooted in her extensive background as a dance educator and her understanding of Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences. Through her innovative method, The Power of Gesture®, Jen invited us to explore the profound connection between emotional intelligence and physical movement. By using simple hand gestures, my team and I were guided to tap into an aspect of ourselves and then express that quality through gesture. Jen deftly led the group and crafted a workshop that was meaningful and long lasting. The experience deepened my team’s connection to self and to each other.

    Christy Abate

    Co-0wner of The Angel Cooperative® and Activation Guide

The Power of Gesture® Workshop for Dancers

The Power of Gesture® Workshop for Dancers is carefully crafted to empower dancers in bridging the gap between their emotions and choreography. In today's tech-saturated world, children often find themselves disconnected from their feelings amidst the chaos of life. The result? Emotional turbulence and a sense of disconnection from their own experiences of joy, sadness, and everything in between.

The Power of Gesture® rejuvenates dancers, equipping them with the tools to not only recognize their emotions but also express them through movement. By tapping into their emotions, this workshop offers dancers a pathway to personal growth, enhancing their skills both on and off the stage, and ultimately, fostering a deeper enjoyment of performance.

Watch the video below to witness firsthand the transformative impact of this workshop on dancers' lives.

Outcomes

Strengthened choreographic voice

Deepened connection to self and community

Boost positivity and overall emotional well being

What People are Saying

What People are Saying

Jen's ability to help humanity feel, express and emote is masterful. Within an hour, my community embodied their personal story and turned it into the most brilliant form of authentic, self expression. Jen is an exceptional example of the work she teaches. She knows how to easily help others remember how to love and accept themselves.

Gina Pero - Founder of The Peroettes

Jennifer Aks, is a gifted teaching artist and choreographer whose work with children and fellow teaching artists is nothing short of extraordinary. Having collaborated with Jen through her association with National Dance Institute (NDI), I have witnessed her rare combination of artistic excellence, compassionate teaching, and an innate ability to inspire both students and educators.

Jen has been a pivotal part of NDI’s mission, as a lead teaching artist, director of our 2019 Event of the Year at NYU Skirball, and as a superb trainer of teaching artists in New York and with NDI affiliate programs across the country. 

Jen’s approach is deeply thoughtful and reflective of her values: she consistently prioritizes the growth and creativity of the children and mentees she works with. 

Her classroom is a space where every child feels seen and celebrated, and her choreography highlights their individual strengths while building community and collaboration. As a mentor in our ‘train the trainer’ programs, Jen excels in cultivating warm, respectful relationships with the teaching artists she guides. She balances encouragement and constructive feedback with exceptional skill, helping mentees grow in confidence and competence. Her ability to communicate effectively, combined with her meticulous organization and artistic vision, sets her apart as a leader and role model.

Jen embodies authenticity, care, and professionalism in every project she undertakes. Her talent, coupled with her unwavering dedication to the children and educators she serves, makes her an invaluable asset to any educational or artistic endeavor. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking an extraordinary teaching artist, mentor, or trainer.

Kay Gayner- Artistic Director of National Dance Instituteoettes