CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Seda Aybay’s 2-hr contemporary master class explores quick weight shift, use of momentum, alignment, and strengthening through fusing the techniques of Horton and control release. Athletic phrase works embody off-center balances and turns, spirals, circular motion, and fluid floor work. Investigating expressiveness, full body connectivity and movement initiation highlights Seda’s methodology for achieving maximum performance potential. The master class culminates into experiencing company repertoire.
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Born and raised in Istanbul, Türkiye, Seda Aybay is the Artistic Director/Choreographer of Kybele Dance Theater, which she founded in 2003 in Los Angeles after completing her dance education and performing with local choreographers. Seda’s choreography is influenced by her background in French ballet technique and The Royal Academy of Dance, London ballet technique as well as contemporary modern from UCLA’s WAC Department and the Ailey Program.
Seda’s choreography has garnered recognition from performance and choreography to dance film. Residencies include Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center, Marcus Residency at Washington University/St. Louis, USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, Santa Monica College Residency and Cal State Fresno. In 2019, Seda was named a Cultural Trailblazer by The LA Department of Cultural Affairs.
Seda’s works have toured throughout California, Chicago, Seattle and New York with full evenings Presented at The Broad Stage, Theatre Raymond Kabbaz, Highways and twice at Las Vegas Clark County Library District&Clark County Library District in Vegas.
Seda is an Associate Professor at Santa Monica College and choreographs for SMC dance companies and teaches master classes throughout LA and for Youth Ballet Masters, American College Dance Association, NYU Tisch School of the Arts and Seoul, Korea, Oil Tank Cultural Center.
Seda prepares students for scholarship competitions such as Prix de Lausanne, Youth America Grand Prix and Elite with technique and original choreography. She also prepares students for college dance program auditions and intensive programs that have led into company internship opportunities such as Alvin Ailey, Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet, and Netherlands Dance Theater.