CDF presented a series of workshops and discussions in Spring 2006 to explore the role of Dramaturgy in Dance.

Dancemakers are increasingly collaborating with dramaturgs to create new work. A dramaturg is an artistic collaborator who brings historical, cultural, theoretical or practical perspective to the creative process. This series explored the concept of dramaturgy in dance and asked, through workshops and discussions, what the role of dramaturgy means to artists working in theater and dance today.

Writer and dance director Ain Gordon (NYC) returned to Chicago and led two three-hour workshops with local choreographers to highlight ways in which a dramaturg can aid the dancemaking process.

Exploring Character in Dance: Saturday, February 11, 10:00am - 1:00pm. This workshop focused on developing character or persona in movement-based work.

Exploring Narrative in Dance: Saturday, February 11, 2:30pm - 5:30 pm. This workshop focused on the use or inclusion of narrative in movement-based work. Understanding the multiplicity of narrative (emotional, linear or non-linear), questions arose such as: Is movement an embodiment of emotional narrative or is movement a tool to convey linear narrative? Is your intention for the narrative to be visible to the audience?