Creative Process (Lecture Demonstration) with ONIEL PRYCE on Dec 2 – 2:30PM – 4PM

Instructor: Oniel Pryce
Date: 2025-12-05
Time:  2:30PM – 4PM – Creative Process (Lecture Demonstration)

Exploring the barre’s possibilities (as prop/partner) in physically exhilarating and dynamic ways. This class takes a rambunctious approach to barre-work, moving from the traditional uses of the ballet barre as a lightly held aid for vertical balance, stability and alignment to more vigorous use of the barre as support for inversions and gravity-play. Participants will be guided in an evenly-paced series of carefully crafted warm-up exercises, paying specific attention to spinal mobility, detailed articulation of feet and arms, lengthening and strengthening of leg and core muscles, and the use of the breath for movement support. The class continues into more adventurous explorations which challenge participants to change levels through space while re-imagining their relationship to/ dependence on the barre. Throughout the class participants will be encouraged to safely investigate the central principle of Beyond the Barre, developing upper body and core strength while challenging gravity and shifting spatial perspectives. This emerging system of training grew from Pryce’s choreographic reconsideration of the barre as more than ‘light support’ in his very athletic and ambitious work, “Barre Talk” (National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica – 2006 and 2011). This work led to his investigation of a barre-based methodology for training 21st century dancers in the risk-taking and athleticism needed for contemporary performance.

Biography:

Oniel R. Pryce is the Head of the Department of Performance and Choreography and a Senior Lecturer at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts – School of Dance. He holds a Diploma in Dance Education from Edna Manley College, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the State University of New York – College at Brockport, and a Master of Arts in Choreography from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London.

As a Faculty Advisor, he supports students in the BFA in Performance and choreography, Associate of the Arts, Certificate Technique and Performance.  His teaching and choreographic practice emphasize the fusion of Caribbean movement traditions with contemporary approaches, inspiring students to develop authentic creative voices. Guided by Alexander K. Trenfor’s words, “The best teachers are those who tell you where to look, but not what to see,” Pryce nurtures artistry, exploration, and individuality in dance.