Education

Gearshifting Performance Works offers company class at select times during the season and has been providing open classes to the community since 2004. Classes are most often taught by Artistic Director, Jolene Bailie. In addition to this, GPW has a long history of presenting classes and workshops with Guest Teachers. 

Open Class is an Advanced/Professional level class. When there are classes, class info can be found on this page. Most classes are with live percussion.

More Information

Gearshifting Performance Works takes an active role in developing the talents of emerging professional dancers. From 2005-2008 Jolene initiated and implemented the pre-professional mentorship, SURGE and from 2008 through 2010, she also participated as a Mentor in Arts and Cultural Industries Manitoba’s Youth Mentorship Program for several years. Since April of 2010, Jolene has mentored through independent bridging projects and often with financial support from The School of Contemporary Dancers.

Mentorship activities are project-based and can include performance opportunities for emerging dancers who are committed to their contemporary dance studies. Educational activities have included performance opportunities in conjunction with many of the company’s shows, including: Game On (2018), Phase Wash (2018), Making Contact, Sending Love (2017), petites danses (2017), Inner Compass (2016), Happyland (2016), Myriad Beings (2015), Set and Re-Set (2013), Aspects of Alterity (2012), Inspiro (2012 and 2013), Hybrid Human (2010, 2011, 2013), Sensoria (2011), Love and War (2009), Evolution (2008), Landing on a Ship in the Middle of the Ocean in the Middle of the Night (2008), Rooms With A View (April 2006), SWITCHBACK (July 2006),  GearShifting (October 2006) and Climbing to the Moon (2005).

Jolene Bailie is well-respected for her education activities and teaching expertise, teaching in numerous schools and institutions since 1995. Jolene holds a B.A Honors degree with a specialization in dance from The University of Winnipeg, a Teacher’s Certificate with Distinction from The Royal Academy of Dance and a Master of Fine Arts in Dance through The American Dance Festival/Hollins University. Jolene teaches throughout at the year at The School of Contemporary Dancers (1997-present) and at The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Professional Division (2001-2002 and 2013-present).

The Company is happy to teach workshops and classes throughout the season and in conjunction with touring. Please contact us for more information. 

Past Classes

Earlier in the 2018/2019 season:
January 08, Open Class
December 17, 18, 19, Open Class
November 07, 13, 15, 19, 21, 23, 17, 29, Open Class
September 10-21, 2018, Open Class
9 classes, September 10, 12, 13, 14, 17. 18, 19, 20, 21.
July 07-29, 2018, Company class.
11 classes: July 07, 08, 13, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29.

2017-2018 SEASON:
June 14-29, 2018, Company class.
7 classes: June 14, 19, 21, 22, 25, 27, 29.

Open Classes:
Monday, March 19, 10:00-11:15am
Wednesday, March 21, 10:00-11:15am
Tuesday through Friday, April 03, 04, 05, 06, 10:00-11:15am
Monday, April 09, 10:00-11:15am
Wednesday, April 11, 11:45am-12:45pm
Thursday and Friday, April 12 and 13, 10:00-11:15am

August 2017 classes taught by Artistic Director, Jolene Bailie. With percussionists Jay Stoller and Ian Mikita.

Class in September with Guest Artist, Marie-Josee Chartier and percussionist Jay Stoller.

March 27, 28, 29 and 31, 2017
April 10-14, 2017
April 17, 2017
10:00-11:15am, Classes will be taught by Guest Choreographer: Marie-Josee Chartier, Guest Artist: Darryl Tracy and Artistic Director: Jolene Bailie.
Most classes with live percussion.
All Spring classes, with exception of April 14, will be held at the NAfro studio, 109 Pulford Street, 2nd floor.
On April 14, class will be held at The Gas Station Arts Centre.

2016 Classes
December 18-21, 2016
10:00-11:15am with live percussion by Ian Mikita and Jay Stoller.
All classes taught by Guest Teacher, Darryl Tracy, December classes held at The School of Contemporary Dancers.

September 03, 04, 05, 2016
Classes run during the long weekend, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
10:00-11:15am with live percussion.
All classes led by Artistic Director, Jolene Bailie. Held at the NAfro studio.

August 15-26, 2016
Classes run all weekdays 10:00-11:15am with live percussion.
All classes led by Artistic Director, Jolene Bailie.

July 25-29, 2016
Classes run all weekdays 10:00-11:15am with live percussion.
July 25, 26, 28 and 29 class taught by Artistic Director, Jolene Bailie.
July 27 class taught by Johanna Riley.

March/April 2016
Monday, March 28, 10:00-11:15am at 109 Pulford Street
Tuesday, March 29, 10:00-11:15am at 109 Pulford Street
Wednesday, March 30, 10:00-11:15am at 109 Pulford Street
Thursday, March  31, 10:00-11:15am at 109 Pulford Street
Friday, April 01, 10:00-11:15am at 109 Pulford Street
Sunday, April 03, 12:00-1:15pm at The Rachel Browne Theatre
Tuesday, April 05, 10:00-11:15am at 109 Pulford Street
Wednesday, April 06, 10:00-11:15am at 109 Pulford Street
Thursday, April 07, 10:00-11:15am at 109 Pulford Street
Friday, April 08, 10:00-11:15am at 109 Pulford Street
Tuesday, April 12, 10:00-11:15am, The Rachel Browne Theatre
Wednesday, April 13, 11:30am-12:45pm, The Rachel Browne Theatre
Thursday, April 14, 11:30am-12:45pm, The Rachel Browne Theatre

2015 Classes
October 18, 2015: Workshop with Jeanne Bresciani
Movement Workshop followed by Artist Talk

Please join us for a moving exploration of art and ideas and a celebration of the Isadora Legacy with Jeanne Bresciani, Artistic Director of the International Isadora Duncan Institute in new York City. Suitable for all level of movers, ages 16 and up. 

Pianist: Shirley Grierson
Location: The School of Contemporary Dancers, Suite 104-211 Bannatyne

The Movement Workshop will be followed by an Artist Talk
Artist Talk with Jeanne Bresciani and conversation on mythic and historical elements.
Anticipated end time is approximately 5:00pm.