COUNTERTECHNIQUE® CLASS AND CREATIVE WORKSHOP

The Technique provides tools for body and mind to deal with the demanding dance practice of the 21st century. Within a clear structure of exercises the Countertechnique® class thoroughly prepares the body for rehearsal and performance, enabling dancers to move bigger, more fluidly and more spatially, while becoming stronger and more flexible. Dancers are encouraged to be pro-active in discovering connections and solutions, to be less concerned with judging themselves and to work in a healthy way with regard to body and mind. Countertechnique® makes daily training a valuable investment in the dancer’s own development, as well as interesting personal research.

Countertechnique® was created and developed by Dutch choreographer, dancer and teacher Anouk van Dijk, former artistic director of Australian dance company Chunky Move.

The Countertechnique® class is a contemporary dance technique class. It stretches, coordinates and strengthens the body, making the dancer sweat, build stamina and really move. The class starts with a recurring set of exercises, allowing dancers to investigate the Countertechnique® principles in detail. The second half of the class consists of changing components, working towards luscious movement combinations and jumping at the end.

The Countertechnique® class results in dancers using less energy, losing their fear of taking risks and gaining speed in changing direction.

Each day we will work on a theme of the day. This will be introduced in the class and then further explored in the workshop part through improvisation, games, creative tasks and compositions in groups and
individually. Developing and expanding your own creative voice in a generous and joyful dialogue with the other participants. The themes will be inspired by some of the principles and tools of Countertechnique® and draw from fundamental knowledge dancers rely on in their work as well as my huge interest in the use of voice and breath.

Anette trained as a dancer at The Royal Ballet School in Stockholm and received acting and pedagogical training at The Stockholm University of the Arts. She started her career as a freelancer before becoming a company member of Skånes Dansteater between 2006-2022, where she has worked with numerous choreographers; Alexander Ekman, Marina Mascarell, Alan Lucien Øyen, Örjan Andersson, Angelin Preljocaj, Jo Strømgren, Ben Wright and Susanna Leinonen to name a few. Since 2018 Anette has been the Artistic Director of SpaceTimeLab and today she divides her time between creating work for the stage, teaching and working as a dancer and actor.

“I love that double presence; being aware of what’s happening in my own body while being fully present in the room dancing together with the other bodies in the space. After a long dance career, the encounter with
Countertechnique® has given me a new spark and a strong desire to keep dancing professionally. As a dancer I feel freer in my body and stronger than ever, provided with tools to assist me in all kinds of situations - physical as
well as mental.

The Countertechnique® system is sensible and well conceived. It sums up a lot of valuable knowledge for the body and mind as well as offering a well thought through and up to date approach to teaching dance. It is a faithful everyday companion, providing each individual with the possibility of making their own choices in their aim to develop and find more freedom and control.