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mavericks
2026

 

running from the 10th of may to the 2nd of august 2026

© Jubal Battisti

olivia ancona

 

program

track a track b

 

title

the moving voice

 

focus

discussion improvisation text

 

description

Through discussion, improvisation, and creative exploration, this workshop investigates the intersection between our human selves and our dancing bodies. Together, we’ll ask: How can we merge and utilize both—the reflective and the physical—to deepen our presence, specificity, and freedom of expression? What happens when these facets rub up against each other, challenge each other, or coalesce? Each day will begin with a reflective chat, followed by guided improvisation to warm up and identify our physical possibilities. The workshop will culminate in creative, choreographic and improvisational prompts - as we practice filtering our intentions and imagination into tangible expression. Expect to listen, speak, write, move, sweat, and witness each other with sharp eyes and open hearts.

 

Olivia Ancona is an international, multi-disciplinary dance artist, who collaborates with independent choreographers and artists on creating new works. Currently based in Berlin, she is originally from the west coast of the United States. Olivia trained at the Juilliard School and, upon leaving, joined the Batsheva ensemble and, later, the main company in Tel Aviv, under the direction of Ohad Naharin. She was a founding member of Sharon Eyal’s L-E-V, and has worked with Mats Ek, Wim Vandekeybus, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Sasha Waltz, Adam Linder, and Oona Doherty, among others. She was a guest with the Royal Swedish Ballet, Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch, Goteborg Danksompani, Staatsballet Berlin, and Alan Lucien Øyen’s dance theatre hybrid, Winter Guests. Olivia has taught gaga, improvisation, and research/repertoire workshops for over forty-five institutions internationally. She also sets Sharon Eyal’s works on companies throughout Europe. Olivia is invested in ongoing research to help dancers and people exist more fully in their physical and creative selves. She is also passionate about supporting young dancers in their professional journey through mentorship relationships and strategic coaching.