BACKHAUSDANCE
EDUCATORS INSTITUTE
To jump to the BDEI Schedule, Click below.
WELCOME FROM BD DIRECTOR JENNIFER BACKHAUS
We are so thrilled to welcome you to the very first Backhausdance Educators Institute! We cannot wait to learn, create, and grow alongside you! As you scroll through this hub, you'll find everything you need: schedule details, materials, resources, and tips to help you arrive ready and inspired.
Since its founding in 2003, Backhausdance has been one of Southern California's premier contemporary modern dance companies. Now, in our 23rd year, we are launching BDEI at Chapman's Sandi Simon Center for Dance — bringing together educators who share a deep belief in the power of dance education.
You are our founding cohort, and that makes this something truly special. Our deepest hope for this weekend is that every person in the room leaves feeling more informed, more inspired, and more connected — to their practice, to their students, and to each other. Together we'll push boundaries, spark new ideas, and leave with tools and inspiration to bring back to every student we teach.
We are so honored to have you here. Let's make history together — we can't wait to dance with you!
Jennifer Backhaus
Artistic Director
RESOURCES
One of our priorities for this program is to provide you with resources and materials gathered from each of our classes and sessions: including lesson plans, combinations, research resources, presentations, and more. We believe in the power of shared knowledge and in continuing to learn from each other. These resources will be available to you to access and download for one year before being deleted from our site. Click below to access the google drive folder that will be updated as the weekend progresses with materials and resources.
FACULTY
We have an amazing faculty of experienced educators to learn from this weekend. Please take a moment to take a look at their bios!
WHAT TO EXPECT
DAILY SCHEDULE:
Classes will begin on 2pm Thurs, run from 9am to 6pm Friday and Saturday, with a performance and lecture demonstration on Saturday evening with a provided dinner following. On Sunday we will wrap up with classes and discussions from 9am to 12pm. Click below for the detailed weekend schedule!
LOCATION
All program sessions are held at:
Chapman University
Sandi Simon Center for Dance
350 N Cypress St.
Orange, CA 92866
DAY ONE
PARKING
To access the building most easily, you can park in free street parking (read your street signs to avoid street sweeping days), or in the nearby parking structure on the corner of Maple and Cypress.
Old Towne West Parking Structure
130 N Lemon St,
Orange, CA 92866
Free to park
Be sure to avoid parking in the Chapman University permit - only Parking spaces right in front of the Sandi Simon Center.
ARRIVAL & CHECK IN
On your first day, arrive 30-45 minutes before classes begin. Registration / Check-In takes place between 2 and 3pm on Thursday, July 9. This will provide you ample time to find parking, check in at our registration table, tour the facilities and get ready for the first class of the day. Follow the signs for check-in. The building will be open as early as 8:30am on program days.
WHAT TO BRING
To ensure a healthy and productive experience, come prepared with the following items:
a journal or note taking device
a pair of socks for each day if you prefer socks in a movement class
an optional yoga mat (for Wellness and Yoga classes) - spares available at Sandi Simon
plenty of water and healthy snacks
a sack lunch or money to purchase lunch at a local eatery
LUNCH BREAK
Participants are given a 1.5 hr in lunch break from 12:30-2:00pm on Fri and Sat. Participants may bring a sack lunch or purchase lunch off campus. There is a refrigerator and microwave in the lounge. A map of local eateries will be provided for those wishing to purchase lunch off campus.
THIS YEAR’S PHOTO, VIDEO, & SOCIAL MEDIA
Throughout our weekend together, we will take photo and video during our classes and collaborative processes. Check back here to see those photos and videos as the weeks go on!