Online Teaching

Elke began teaching online in early 2020 and leads online classes regularly.

All classes are based in improvised task and greatly influenced by her history in contemporary dance, Fighting Monkey and mindfulness practices. She has two types of classes (Improvisation/Dance as a Practice and Pleasure Practice) that are available livestream and via recordings.

Each class offers different ways in which we can gather information about ourselves via improvised movement tasks. Tasks are proposed that elicit and tune movement in myriad ways and qualities and offer insights into methods of internal communication and our responses to the external pressures of task-based work.   

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Improvisation/Dance as a Practice

the class is inspired by the Fighting Monkey improvisation methodology and practice philosophy. These classes are for those interested in exploring danced task and aim to expand movement capacity/variability, increase mobility/strength/endurance and sharpen qualities of movement (among other things). Open to movers of all disciplines who are wanting to train intensively and mindfully. 

THE NEXT sERIES BEGINS September 9TH - INFORMATION and sign-up here.

Online Improvisation/Dance as a Practice Classes - 6 x 1hr (+ 10 mins optional post-class chat)

Dates/time: Mondays September 9th, 16th, 23rd, October 7th, 14th, 21st @ 19h EET (Helsinki time)/12pm EDT (Toronto time)

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Pleasure Practice

Rooted in task-based improvisation, this class reflects Elke’s ongoing interest in reclaiming pleasure and the senses as important elements of a movement practice. This is a practice that values curiosity and bodily empathy and is for those interested in exploring danced tasks as a way to access and inhabit a deeper state of awareness. The work will investigate movement capacity/variability while reclaiming sensuality (being fulfilled by the communication with our senses). A trauma-informed practice.

The next series begins September 21st - information and sign-up here.

Online Pleasure Practice Sessions - 6 x 1hr (+ 10 mins optional post-class chat) 

Dates/time: Wednesdays & Saturdays (alternating weeks) (*Please check the times below)

Saturdays: September 21st, October 5th, Oct. 19th @ 17h EET (Helsinki time)/10am EDT (Toronto time)
Wednesdays: Sept.25th, Oct. 9th, Oct. 23rd  @ 19h EET (Helsinki time)/12pm EDT (Toronto time)

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Intensive training series:

Improvisation for teachers and somatic practitioners: an introduction to constructing, leading and integrating task-based practice

What we will do: three 2 hour online livestream sessions that include lecture, physical practice, Q & A/community chat. Sessions are recorded and will be available for participants until Dec 31st/24. You can join live or via the recordings.

Also included: Q & A support with me via voice memo recordings. During the month of the classes and for one month after you can send any questions you have about the material or your own practice via voice memo and I will send you a voice memo response. (Memo exchanges available until November 30th/24)

For: those interested in incorporating task-based movement practice/improvisation into their work with leading others. 

Topics covered:

• - What is task-based improvisation and why use this approach?

• - How to build improvised tasks, what to consider in the construction of task

• - parameters and considerations for delivering relevant, clear and concise instructions. 

• - How to observe practitioners and give feedback; how to tune/evolve the tasks

• - Practical examples of how to integrate task in different teaching landscapes eg. dance, yoga, athletics, caregiving, somatic practice.

• - The value of self-practice and reflection.

• - Supporting information eg. music, space and environment, online vs. in-person 

This series begins September 28th - information and sign-up here.

Dates: alternating Saturdays - September 28th, October 12th, October 26th

Time: 16-18h EET (Helsinki time) / 9-11am EDT (Toronto time)

Cost: 150€ / $225 CAD 

You can receive a 20% discount on any series or class purchase in 2024 if you are joining the "Improvisation for Teachers and Somatic Practitioners Intensive Series".

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Patreon

Elke’s Patreon is for those interested in task-based improvisation practice and would like guidance in how to incorporate it into their personal practice. Access is given to Weekly Inspire Little Fires. These short videos detail improvisation tasks with evolving variations and are intended to offer ways in which practice can be organized, expanded and evolved. For all movers who want to engage in a physical practice.

More information and registration here.