Master Class Series + Audition: The Dance Cartel

WEDS MAR 4 / 12-1:30PM Velocity Founders Studio 1621 12th Ave $15/12 MVP drop-in Equal parts rigor and silliness, Ani’s class is a high-energy, physically-demanding 90 minutes including an upbeat warm-up, hot conditioning, brief improvisation, and substantial choreography sequences, often from The Dance Cartel’s repertory. Designed to challenge both trained dancers and enthusiastic novices, the class fuses technical elements from jazz/contemporary with hype energy and a low center of gravity. Technical precision and energetic intent are given equal priority, encouraging students to heighten their expressivity and dynamics as well as stretch their physical ability. The Cartel is also seeking 2-3 enthusiastic and professional young dancers to assist with performances and participate in a few larger group dances. The class will provide an opportunity for us to meet candidates and hold a quick meeting afterwards. But remember, you're part of the TDC community no matter what! ANI TAJ (Artistic Director + Choreographer) a native New Yorker, is a choreographer, performer, music-head and the founder of The Dance Cartel. She has choreographed contemporary musicals, plays, concerts, music videos, art parties, flash mobs and more. Ani is fueled by research trips to Brazil and loves to make dances inspired by Carnaval. Ani’s choreography has also been presented at The Brooklyn Museum, Philadelphia Museum of Art, MAD (Museum of Art & Design), Espaco Xisto (Salvador da Bahia, Brazil), and many more. In 2013, The Dance Cartel made its West Coast debut at Edward Sharpe’s Big Top and Festival Supreme (LA), and its national television debut live on Conan. The Dance Cartel received and LMCC MCAF grant for a series of site-specific pop-up performances in 2014, as well as studio support from a BAX Summer Residency and the New York Live Arts Studio Series. Ani's work has recently been featured and in music videos for Yoko Ono, Reggie Watts, Vic Mensa, Sarh, and The Sway Machinery. Ani is an Adjunct Professor teaching dance and movement at NYU (Experimental Theatre Wing, Playwrights Horizons), and regularly offers a range of high-energy movement classes around NYC. Other teaching includes Broadway Dance Center, Beyond Dance (NJ), and a host of public schools across New York City with arts and education organizations like Dance Theater Etc and Notes in Motion.