Open Level

The language of gaga originated from the belief in the ‘healing, dynamic, and ever-changing power of movement’. Gaga offers a creative framework to listen deeply to our bodies. We work with our physical sensations, in search of freedom and pleasure and to connect conscious and unconscious movement. Participants are guided through a series of multi-layered tasks with a sensitivity to who is in the room. Gaga encourages exploration between our weakness and strengths, awakens numb areas, and addresses physical habits. The classes offer a workout to investigate our form, speed, and effort while enhancing our flexibility, agility, and coordination. At the same time navigating through an array of physical qualities such as texture, delicacy, and exaggeration, culminating in a multisensory and physically challenging experience. With no mirrors or spectators, comfortable clothes, accompanied by music there is an air of non-judgmental exploration.

Alvin Collantes is a certified Gaga teacher, photographer and dance artist based in Toronto, Canada and Berlin, Germany. He completed the Gaga Teacher’s Training Course in 2018 under the artistic direction of Bosmat Nossan. During the course, he participated in Gaga Intensives and took company classes at Batsheva Dance Company under the artistic mentorship of Ohad Naharin. His work has been featured in numerous shows including International Dance Day, Toronto’s Original Choreographer’s Ball, Toronto Fringe Festival, Nuit Blanche Toronto. He is a guest faculty member of Western University, Centennial College, H.B Beal Secondary School and Toes for Dance.