Department of Dance Hosts Special Workshop with Aaron Shaw

Sungkyunkwan University’s Department of Dance hosted a special workshop featuring Aaron Shaw, 

Rehearsal Director at Opera Ballet Vlaanderen and a certified Countertechnique teacher.

In addition to his role at Opera Ballet Vlaanderen, Shaw brings extensive expertise in Countertechnique, 

an approach to dance training that explores movement efficiency, physical awareness, and expressive possibilities. 

Through his teaching, he continues to guide dancers in developing a deeper understanding of movement and physical expression.

The workshop offered students a full day of intensive training and artistic exploration. In the morning, participants took part in Countertechnique and ballet classes, examining the relationship between physical movement, technique, and bodily awareness.

The afternoon sessions focused on repertoire and improvisation, allowing students 

to explore a wider range of movement possibilities and develop their understanding of choreographic expression and physical dynamics.

A particular highlight was the opportunity to study repertoire from internationally acclaimed choreographers, 

including Marcos Morau, Alain Platel, and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. Through these works, 

students explored each choreographer’s distinctive movement vocabulary, artistic approach, and choreographic characteristics.

By engaging directly with diverse movement methodologies and expressive techniques, 

students were able to strengthen their physical capabilities as dancers while broadening their capacity for artistic interpretation.

The workshop provided a valuable opportunity to engage with professional expertise from the international dance community, 

offering students greater insight into diverse movement practices and choreographic languages. 

It also encouraged them to expand their artistic perspectives through direct engagement with contemporary dance practices.

Sungkyunkwan University’s Department of Dance will continue to foster 

students’ professional development and creativity through international artistic exchanges and high-quality practical training.