Elisa Monte

Dance Training: School of American Ballet, Pilates with Kathy Grant

Performance/Company Affiliations: Martha Graham Dance Company, Lar Lubovitch, Pilobolus (among others)

Choreographic Experience: Monte’s choreography is widely recognized for its highly athletic and sensual style, as well as its technical and physical acuity, exploring a multitude of topics and themes. Monte created her signature work Treading in 1979, which was originally commissioned by the Martha Graham Dance Company. Her other 40+ works include such renowned pieces as Dreamtime, Run to the Rock, Light Lies, and Pigs and Fishes, originally commissioned by Alvin Ailey.

Teaching Experience: Monte has taught workshops and master classes in residencies around the world. In New York City, Monte has taught at Steps on Broadway, Peridance, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Studio, New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, and Barnard. In New York State, Monte has conducted residencies at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, SUNY/Fredonia, SUNY/Buffalo, Hamilton College, and the new Kaatsbaan International Dance Center. Additional teaching residencies have included Robert Redford’s Sundance Institute, Southern Methodist University in Dallas, California State University’s Summer Arts program, Philadanco, and Dance Strides Barbados, among others across the US and abroad.

Class Description: Monte teaches contemporary technique classes informed by Pilates and yoga. The classes emphasize core strength and spinal flexibility, as well as timing and the dancers’ relationship to music. The classes integrate the development of the dancers’ individual style with the demands of the choreographer and choreography. These classes are excellent training for advanced to professional dancers.

Website Address: www.elisamontedance.org