EPIK Dance Company

Approval Type

Community Based

Artistic Discipline

Dance

Program Type

Performances, Workshops, Residencies, Lecture/Demonstation

Populations/Areas of Interest

Grades K-6, Grades 7-12, In School, After-School / Out-of-School, Young Adults, Adults, Older Adults, Intergenerational, Persons with disabilities, At-Risk, Underserved

Artistic Approach

EPIK is made up of highly talented performers, choreographers and teachers. Although we come from different walks of life, what connects us is our love for dance. EPIK is not only a company, but truthfully, it is a family. We respect each others gifts and truly care for one another. Not only do we understand the value of our relationships with each other, but we, without a doubt, understand the importance of the influence that we have on those around us. We want to set the highest example, not only technically, but relationally as well. Sharing dance with others is not only our passion, it's our mission. We believe that everyone should have a chance to experience dance in their own way, whether it be by attending a show or participating in one of our many workshops or classes.

Teaching Artist Approach

Our teachers are some of the best in the biz. We have very high standard for our teachers. They must not only be able to teach at a high technical level, but they must know HOW to teach. It is more than throwing out some 8-counts. It is relating with the students; having the ability to break down choreography to its simplest form; using imagery to explain movement; having a fun personality; inspiring your students to step out of their comfort zone. Each student should leave the class fulfilled

Program Management Strategies

EPIK dancers are known to be chameleons, and this shows not only in their diversity and flexibility of switching from one dance style to the next, but in their ability to adapt to any teaching or performing situation. We are able to customize residencies, workshops and performances appropriate to each community's needs. Most of our dancers are also teachers; some at local studios and community centers, some at the public and private high schools, community colleges and universities, and some coach professional dance teams. In addition to our dancers' personal experience, EPIK, as a company, put on our own 1-day workshops every 1-2 months, and offer open company class almost every Sunday. Teaching is part of who we are. Our diverse experience in working with various populations of students in many different settngs will be key in handling classroom management, implementing programs, executing evaluations and follow-up. We are very professional when working with any organization, large or small, and prefer to communicate and set up all of the details well in advance.

Program Description

EPIK Dance Company is able to structure residencies according to the needs of the school or organization. We can teach technique/master classes in many styles and levels from beginning to advanced (breakdancing, popping, locking, house, waacking, krumping, hip hop, modern, contemporary, lyrical and jazz), as well as hip hop history and culture, choreography, improvisation, yoga/pilates, and creative dance. EPIK can set choreography on the students for performance and/or actually perform with them. We are also able to give in-services to teachers on dance pedagogy in hip hop and contemporary styles. We are capable of doing one-day to several-day residencies. One or several members are available for residencies. Classes, lecture/demonstrations, interactive dance experiences are all possibilities with the company. In actuality, the possibilities are endless, so feel free to come to us with your ideas!
We strive to make sure that all of our students feel comfortable and have a good experience. The outgoing personalities of our dancers are magnetic, and are sure to bring out the dancer in even "non-dancers." Our goal is to create a fun learning environment where everyone feels safe to experiment and try new things.
Because of the popularity of shows like "So You Think You Can Dance" and "America's Best Dance Crew," dance is more popular than ever. EPIK is especially relevant because of our knack to move from one style to the next with ease. You don't have to bring in a contemporary company, a hip hop company, and a jazz company. You get it all with us!
We have experience working with all age groups, from 3-70! We are able to develop our curriculum according to the community we are working with.

Technical Requirements

EPIK Dance Company is able to work with professional theater settings as well as non-traditional sites such as art galleries, outdoor spaces, schools, etc...Technical requirements would vary greatly depending on the type of residency or performance created, and should be discussed prior to booking.

Space Requirements

EPIK Dance Company is able to work with professional theater settings as well as non-traditional sites such as art galleries, outdoor spaces, schools, etc...Space requirements would vary greatly depending on the type of residency or performance created, and should be discussed prior to booking.

Supply Requirements

Supply requirements would vary greatly depending on the type of residency or performance created, and should be discussed prior to booking.

Special Considerations

Special considerations would vary greatly depending on the type of residency or performance created, and should be discussed prior to booking.

References

Helena Saraydarian
Golden Lion Production Inc.
623-465-5415

Kip Helt
Phoenix Suns/Mercury Game Operations VP
602-379-7951

Mary Miller
Phoenix Dance Academy
602-796-7315

Fees

Please Contact Artist

Educator/Staff Training

We are able to provide professional development for teachers. One of our most successful curriculums is "How to Teach Hip Hop" which covers not only technique, but history, culture, vocabulary and teacher resources as well.