Tulsa Modern Movement

Introduction / Overview

In the heart of Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Tulsa Modern Movement (TMM) stands as a unique and vital hub for modern dance and creative expression. As one of the few non-professional dance companies in the region dedicated to contemporary modern technique, TMM provides a distinctive space for artists and enthusiasts alike to explore movement beyond traditional forms. Their mission is to invigorate contemporary dance in Oklahoma by creating and presenting new choreography, promoting life-long learning in the art of dance, and fostering collaboration across various artistic disciplines. What sets TMM apart is its commitment to exploring the profound connections we share with our bodies and each other through emotive expressions, making dance an accessible and impactful experience for everyone. Whether you are a seasoned dancer looking to expand your artistic horizons or a curious non-dancer eager to engage with movement in a new way, Tulsa Modern Movement offers an enriching environment that encourages exploration, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of the body's expressive capabilities. Their projects often rely on a collaborative group of dancer/innovators, producing progressive work that aims to surprise, delight, and stimulate audiences and participants alike.

Location and Accessibility

Tulsa Modern Movement is strategically located at 117 N Boston Ave, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA. This address places TMM firmly in downtown Tulsa, a vibrant and increasingly accessible urban core. Downtown Tulsa is a hub of cultural activity, with numerous arts venues, restaurants, and businesses, making it a convenient and engaging destination. For residents across Oklahoma, reaching this central location is facilitated by the city's well-developed road network and public transportation options. While specific parking information should always be verified upon planning a visit, downtown areas typically offer various parking garages and street parking meters. The studio's presence in a dynamic part of the city ensures it is easily reachable for both regular participants attending classes and audiences attending performances. This central positioning aligns with TMM's mission to make modern dance accessible to a broad community, inviting individuals from all corners of Tulsa and beyond to engage with their innovative programming.

Services Offered

• Open community dance and movement classes, catering to a range of skill levels from complete beginners to advanced dancers.
• Specialized classes such as Contact Improvisation, exploring physical principles of touch, momentum, shared weight, and maintaining shared points of contact.
• Somatic Practices, which are online videos focusing on internal body awareness and movement at the intersection of meditation and dance.
• Workshops and intensive series designed for deeper engagement and skill development, such as the "Contact Improv Deep Dive" series.
• Performance programs through their initiative, Portico Dance Theatre, which creates inventive, thought-provoking, and original productions.
• Community-engaged projects, often site-specific work, aiming to bring dance to public spaces and connect with diverse audiences.
• Collaborative opportunities for artists across disciplines, encouraging shared authorship and responsive composition.
• Outreach programs, including dance outreach in schools, aiming to educate and inspire younger generations.
• Programs that address current societal issues, such as mental health awareness, women's issues, and social inequality, through movement.

Features / Highlights

• Focus on Modern Technique and Creative Movement: TMM is one of the few non-professional dance companies in Tulsa that specifically cultivates truly modern technique and encourages creative, emotive movement. This provides a distinct alternative to more classical or commercial dance forms.
• Inclusivity for All Levels: Praised by professionals like Katie Kelly from Tulsa Ballet, TMM's contact improvisation classes are recommended for both dancers and non-dancers alike, emphasizing its welcoming and accessible nature for individuals regardless of their prior experience.
• Exploration of Body and Connection: The core of TMM's structure involves exploring the connections individuals have with their bodies and with each other through profound emotive expressions, fostering a deeper, more personal engagement with dance.
• Innovative and Thought-Provoking Performances: Through its performance program, Portico Dance Theatre, TMM consistently creates original productions that are inventive and thought-provoking, often highlighting current societal issues and challenging audiences to reflect.
• Community-Oriented and Collaborative Approach: TMM actively seeks collaboration and relies on a collective of dancer/innovators. This fosters a strong sense of community and shared creation, extending its impact beyond just formal classes.
• Commitment to Life-Long Learning: The organization's mission explicitly includes promoting life-long learning in the art of dance, indicating a sustained commitment to ongoing education and development for all ages.
• Engagement with Social Issues: TMM uses movement as a medium to address and bring to light important community issues such as mental health, addiction, and social inequality, demonstrating a commitment to social impact through art.

Contact Information

Address: 117 N Boston Ave, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA

Phone: (877) 460-0422

Mobile Phone: +1 877-460-0422

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Oklahoma, particularly those in the Tulsa area, Tulsa Modern Movement offers a deeply enriching and distinctive avenue to engage with the art of dance. Its prime downtown Tulsa location at 117 N Boston Ave makes it highly accessible for individuals across the metropolitan area, ensuring that this unique cultural resource is within easy reach. What truly makes TMM exceptionally suitable for locals is its dedicated focus on modern technique and creative movement, providing an alternative to more traditional dance forms that appeals to those seeking expressive and contemporary artistic outlets.

The testimonials from respected figures like Katie Kelly of Tulsa Ballet underscore TMM's ability to create a welcoming space for both experienced dancers and complete beginners, fostering an environment where curiosity and personal exploration are highly valued. This inclusivity is a significant draw for Oklahomans who might be interested in dance but feel intimidated by competitive or highly formalized settings. TMM's commitment to using dance as a means to explore personal connections and address broader societal issues through emotive expression offers a profound and meaningful engagement with the arts. Beyond classes, their innovative performances and community-engaged projects provide unique cultural experiences for local audiences, contributing significantly to Tulsa's vibrant arts scene. For anyone in Oklahoma looking to deepen their relationship with movement, explore creative expression, or simply witness thought-provoking contemporary dance, Tulsa Modern Movement stands as an invaluable local resource that truly invigorates the art form within the community.

Tulsa Modern Movement

117 N Boston Ave, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA