Free Workshops with Pilobolus
NOBA is excited to welcome Pilobolus this October for a special community residency offering two free, evidence-based workshops tailored for older adults and community members of all mobility levels.
Connecting with Balance Workshop
Wednesday, October 14, 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
New Orleans JCC, 5342 St. Charles Ave.
Connecting with Balance® is an evidence-based wellness program developed by Pilobolus specifically tailored to help older adults and seniors improve their mobility, stability, and creative expression. Born out of extensive field research in community and senior centers, the program translates the dance company’s physical partnering and creation techniques into accessible, playful exercises that keep participants safely on their feet.
Bounce Back Workshop
Thursday, October 15, 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Lyons Rec Center, 624 Louisiana Ave.
Bounce Back is a Pilobolus class designed specifically for seniors and older adults of all mobility levels to learn how to fall safely, minimize injuries, and get back up with ease. Developed as an extension of their Connecting with Balance® curriculum, the program was created by Pilobolus Education Director Emily Kent in collaboration with mobility expert Judith Sachs from Anyone Can Move®. While traditional balance classes focus solely on keeping participants off the ground, Bounce Back accepts that unexpected trips or slips happen and prepares the body to handle them without fear.
Event Details
Cost: Completely FREE and open to the public.
Registration: No advance registration required—just bring yourself!
Check-In: Doors open and check-in begins 30 minutes prior to each workshop.
Note: All participants will be required to sign standard liability waivers at check-in before joining the class
Meet the Teaching Artists
RYAN HAYES (Dancer) was born and raised in Spokane, WA. He earned his degree in Dance Performance with a minor in Interdisciplinary Arts from Gonzaga University. After graduation, he continued his training at the Steps on Broadway Conservatory in New York. While in New York, he had the opportunity to perform Paul Taylor and Jerome Robbins’ original choreography in Section 5 of Esplanade and ‘group dances’ of N.Y. Export Opus Jazz. Additionally, he has performed with Jazz Choreography Enterprise, Sound Business Inc. in Dance Harlem!, Inland Northwest Opera, Human Kinetics Inc., and theater companies across the U.S. In addition to performing, he is passionate about dance education and guest teaches at numerous studios and intensives.
ISAAC HUERTA (Dancer) is a movement-based performance artist from Whittier, California, and Orange County School of the Arts alum. He has worked with dance companies including Ezralow Dance, Invertigo Dance Theatre, KDV Dance Ensemble, Andrea Peña and Artist, Carlon Dance, Body Weather, and Wonderbound. He has danced with the LA Philharmonic, LA Opera, and the Pacific Symphony. Some of his Film/TV credits include Shake it Off: Taylor Swift, Chained to the Rhythm: Katy Perry (The Grammys), Bathtubs Over Broadway, and Focus World. He was nominated for a Henry Award for “Best Supporting Actor in a Musical” for Rattlesnake Kate, choreographed by Domonique Kelley. Isaac has presented original dance works in art galleries and the Episcopal Church with his husband and creative partner William Clayton.
Photo credits: Dancer headshots by Emily Denaro. Connecting with Balance photos by Mark Garvin. Bounce Back photos by Emily Denaro. Photos courtesy of Pilobolus.