David Kieffer

Modern Dance

    David Kieffer discovered dance while pursuing a degree in theater arts at the State University of New York at New Paltz. After graduation he devoted himself to his dance training.  He has studied with Igal Perry, Graciela Kozak, Lynn Barr, Yuriko, Joseph Albano, Milton Myers and the Boston Ballet Academy of Dance. Kieffer has also had the privilege to dance professionally with The Pascal Rioult Dance Theatre, The Peridance Ensemble, Bat-Dor Dance Company of Israel, Maher Benham Coyote Dancers, Albano Ballet, Connecticut Ballet and Ballet for Young Audiences as well as others. David has choreographed for the Riverdale Teen Theatre as well as for the Bat-Dor Academy of Dance.  After returning to New York, David started his own dance company David Kieffer Dance Theater. The company has performed at various venues including the Peridance independent choreographers showcase, PMT Spring and Fall Showcases, the remember project 10 at St. Marks Church and at the club at La Mama with the musical group M2O.
    David is currently the director of the ballet program at a local school in the Bronx and has taught ballet and contemporary dance at The Linore bloom School of Dance in Tel-Aviv, Sigi Nisson Dance in Tel Aviv, New York Dance Affinity, CAP 21, Peridance Center, and Mark Morris Dance Group.

Teaching Schedule: 

Section 3.9 - Beginner Modern Dance -  Wednesday 6:00 - 7:30pm *NEW TIME*

Section 1.6 - Open Modern Dance Performance Workshop - Sunday 2:30-4:00pm (Start Date: 2/12/2007)

Performance Workshop Description:

David Kieffer has danced in New York and abroad in such prestigious 
companies as, The Pascal Rioult Dance Theatre, The Peridance ensemble, Bat-Dor Dance Company of Israel and others. David draws on his experience in Theatre and Modern Dance to create work that's fun and challenging to perform while being inspiring and thought provoking to watch. He is a patient and descriptive teacher and choreographer. He conveys the meaning of his work articulately and 
his use of vivid imagery makes for a compelling adventure. This is a special opportunity to work with David and perform his choreography 
during a 12 week workshop. The workshop meets once a week. A short warm-up will be  given at the beginning of each session. We hope you can join us for this rewarding experience.

Class Description:

      David teaches an innovative and exiting class. He combines fierce athletic movement with subtle dramatic imagery. His class is about action and extremes and how to affect these extremes either abruptly or seamlessly. Extremes of speed, tension and emotional content are explored.  The student may be required to be low to the ground at one moment and an instant later high in the air or moving fast and then suddenly still.  Students are encouraged to explore the connection between the purely physical aspects of the dance and its emotional possibilities.

      “I think dance is the most direct of all art forms. It goes straight to your gut, your visceral self. This is what I try to bring to my class when I teach.”