Houston Ballet Academy Brings Master Character Dance Teacher To Houston

Houston Ballet Academy will host a Character Workshop led by Master Character Dance Teacher Tom Bosma, as a part of the Academy's new Weekend Workshop series. Dance teachers will have the opportunity to learn the basics of character dance and will gain knowledge of the musical background of European dances including Polka, Waltz, Czardas, Krakowiak, Polonaise and Mazurka.

"A workshop on character dance is absolutely one I recommend you start with, because it includes all the important elements of dance," says Bosma. "Character dances are made by real people from the countries where they come from and it is the purest, most honest form of dancing! The music, the costumes, the style, the instruments, all allow you to really experience the culture."

Born in the Netherlands, Bosma has been immersed in character dance his whole life and was destined to teach it as a profession. As the son of a character teacher, he recalls learning character dance like learning to walk. Bosma trained under notable teachers from Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Russia, Ukraine and Yugoslavia. He earned his diploma from the Netherlands Dance Council in 1968 and was previously a dancer with the Yugoslav Dance Theatre, "ORO". In 1973, Bosma began working as a character dance teacher and choreographer in the dance department of the Royal Conservatoire in the Hague, and in 1999 he took on the role of Deputy-Director. While holding this position he continued to teach and choreograph.

Bosma recalls, "It has never been a question of what my profession would be. I slowly grew into the position and I have always loved it. It is not my work, it is my passion.

Since his retirement in September of 2014, Bosma continues to work as a freelance choreographer and teaches character and ethnic dance around the world. He is eager to return to Houston and has enjoyed working with the Academy in the past.

"Working with the students of Houston Ballet Academy during the year and in the summer is so exciting because the students work so hard and are so open," says Bosma. "I hope the students will always remember what they learn from me and will take these skills into their dance careers."

Those interested in joining the Houston Ballet Academy and Bosma for a weekend of learning this artform and how to teach it to further generations can visit houstonballet.org for more information and to register.

Character Workshop Schedule

Friday, May 17 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 18 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 19 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Additionally, a Master Character Class will be offered at an additional fee on Saturday, May 18 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. for ages 14+.

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