Middlebrook Arts Research + Residency Center

Middlebrook Arts Research + Residency Center Serving the Jefferson and additional communities through wellness, performance, and education.

BodyStories Summer Intensives 2026
šŸ”¹Session I: 6/3-6/4
šŸ”¹Session II: 6/6-6/7

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06/22/2026

Guided by BodyStories Artistic Director and Dance Professor at SUNY Old Westbury, Teresa Fellion, SUNY OW's advanced dance course and the dance ensemble were rehearsing this past spring for their SUNY OW Dance Ensemble Showcase. As a teaching company, we are continually inspired by the growth and artistry of these emerging dancers.

Prior to the showcase, the students gave a preview performance at RAW Materials, marking the ensemble’s exciting off-campus debut. These talented students were hard at work, rehearsing an array of styles, including Contemporary, Bachata, Reggaeton, Jazz, West African, Musical Theater, and Afro-Caribbean Dance.

The performance footage will be available soon; we can’t wait to share the extraordinary work of these dancers!

Happy Juneteenth! Today, we honor a pivotal holiday that commemorates the resilience, strength, and enduring contributio...
06/19/2026

Happy Juneteenth! Today, we honor a pivotal holiday that commemorates the resilience, strength, and enduring contributions of Black Americans.

Juneteenth, short for ā€œJune Nineteenth,ā€ marks the day in 1865 when hope finally arrived for many enslaved people in America. On June 19th, federal troops reached Galveston, Texas, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, to enforce the freedom of those who were still enslaved. While the Emancipation Proclamation had declared freedom for enslaved people in 1863, its promise could not be fully realized until Union troops ensured its enforcement in the most remote parts of the Confederacy. For many in Texas, June 19th became a long-awaited day of liberation, a moment of both relief and celebration, and the beginning of a new chapter.

Today, Juneteenth stands as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality, and an opportunity to reflect, learn, and honor Black history and culture. Learn more about this transformative holiday below!

https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth

06/17/2026

We are just a month away from Tuck Everlasting, which Artistic Director Teresa Fellion will choreograph next month at Theater West! This is an exciting opportunity for BodyStories to share their creative vision and bring new life to a classic story.

We wanted to share a quick update on what’s been happening behind the scenes. Teresa and BodyStories company members Jack Randel and Ava Eriksen-Oertle have been passionately preparing choreography in pre-production collaborative sessions that will capture the magic, energy, and emotion of Tuck Everlasting. Teresa's goal is to weave storytelling into every movement, ensuring that each movement is both meaningful and adds depth to Tuck Everlasting. We’re excited for audiences of all ages to experience the artistry and heart BodyStories brings to this production.

06/15/2026

Summer Intensives Recap! šŸ’«

Last week, we were so excited to welcome dancers to participate in our Summer Intensives, including classes such as Repertory, Technique, Improvisation, Composition, and more, all led by Artistic Director Teresa Fellion, BodyStories Company Members, and guest artists. With sessions in both New York City and MiddleBrook Arts Research + Residency Center in Upstate NY, the collaborative and supportive environments fostered creativity, risk-taking, and lasting friendships among dancers of all experience levels.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this year’s Summer Intensives truly extraordinary! From being vulnerable in the studio to kindling friendships and laughter in the Catskills, your fearless spirit and unwavering support turned every moment into something special. We’re deeply proud of the artistry and growth you brought to our community, and we can’t wait to see where your passion leads next.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce our upcoming Winter Intensives next January 2027! The next sessions will feature a wide variety of classes, guest instructors, and unique opportunities for dancers to deepen their skills and explore new ideas. We look forward to welcoming both returning participants and new faces for another inspiring, transformative experience.

06/12/2026

Two weeks ago, BodyStories had the privilege of performing at the Cameroon Cultural Festival of North America in Washington, D.C., an exuberant gathering that brought together Cameroonian kings of the provinces, dignitaries, diplomats, festival attendees, artists, dancers, and musicians to celebrate Cameroonian heritage and artistry. The festival was alive with music, dance, and the beautiful diversity of the Cameroonian community. We were deeply honored to share our work and connect with such an engaged and enthusiastic audience, and we are truly grateful to have contributed to an event that fostered cultural pride and community.

The festival shines a spotlight on authentic narratives, fostering meaningful connections and uplifting cultural pride. Drawing from their experiences in Cameroon, Teresa and Serge Ewane, as co-choreographers, crafted a performance that weaves together heartfelt stories, capturing the richness, resilience, and vibrancy of the Cameroonian community. Through open dialogue and collaborative performances, both artists and audiences were warmly invited to engage deeply, reflecting on and celebrating the remarkable spirit and diversity of Cameroonian culture.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable team that made this experience possible: Serge Ewane and MWENDI Dance Company, musician and composer Sebastian Essomba, producer Christophe Tapa, and our talented BodyStories company members, Arianna Stendardo-Gamble, Jack Randel, Robenson Mathurin, and Ava Eriksen-Oertle, whose commitment, creativity, and collaborative spirit were the backbone of our success.

We look forward to future collaborations with these extraordinary artists and partners, and to continuing to celebrate and share Cameroonian culture through our work!

Recently, BodyStories had the pleasure of performing at Raw Materials, making for a truly memorable experience. We were ...
06/10/2026

Recently, BodyStories had the pleasure of performing at Raw Materials, making for a truly memorable experience. We were thrilled to participate in this unique, interdisciplinary studio performance, as it marked the first time BodyStories and Artistic Director Teresa Fellion’s students from SUNY Old Westbury came together to perform off campus in Floral Park, close to SUNY OW! This collaboration offered a unique platform for BodyStories professional dancers and SUNY OW students to learn from one another, bridging different stages of artistic growth.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to BodyStories company dancer Arianna Stendardo-Gamble and Sophia Diehl, an outstanding participant in our Winter Intensive program, for their compelling performance of Embers of Becoming. Their dedication and artistry brought the piece to life and captivated the audience.

As a teaching company, it was especially meaningful to see the SUNY OW talented Dance Ensemble perform the Celebration of Dances of the Diaspora. The performance began with an Afro-Caribbean dance, transitioned into a medley blending Bachata and Reggaeton rhythms, and culminated in a West African piece set to Zulu music. This journey through movement celebrated the richness and diversity of the African diaspora in dance.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Here and Now Yoga, Wellness & Arts Collective for graciously hosting this event. Special thanks to Dina Denis-Paolucci, Rikki Massand from the Floral Park Newspaper, and the entire Here and Now Yoga, Wellness & Arts Collective staff for their support and dedication in making the performance possible. We are also deeply appreciative of everyone who came out to support the artists and share in this memorable experience.

We look forward to collaborating again soon!

Happy Pride Month! 🌈This month, we come together to honor and celebrate love, diversity, and inclusion in all their vibr...
06/08/2026

Happy Pride Month! 🌈

This month, we come together to honor and celebrate love, diversity, and inclusion in all their vibrant forms. Pride Month is a powerful reminder of the progress we’ve made and the strength found in unity.

June was specifically chosen to honor the Stonewall Uprising, which began on June 28, 1969. On that night, police raided The Stonewall Inn, a beloved gathering place for the LGBTQ+ community in New York’s Greenwich Village. Unlike previous discriminatory raids, this time the patrons and their allies bravely resisted, sparking six days of courageous protests. The Stonewall Uprising ignited a movement, marking a pivotal turning point for LGBTQ+ rights and laying the foundation for Pride celebrations worldwide.

This Pride, let’s celebrate love in all its beautiful forms, honoring the courage, resilience, and joy of the LGBTQ+ community. Explore the rich history and significance of Pride Month below!

https://www.history.com/articles/pride-month

BodyStories Summer Intensives Session II starts TOMORROW but there’s still time to register! Whether you’re just startin...
06/05/2026

BodyStories Summer Intensives Session II starts TOMORROW but there’s still time to register! Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned mover, you’ll experience transformative workshops, creative collaborations, and hands-on mentorship from professionals. From repertory to technique to composition workshops, join a community that celebrates every dancer’s journey and inspires you to reach new heights. Dancers can join us in person or virtually and will also be invited to perform in a BodyStories 2026 NYC performance.

Link to Register:
https://airtable.com/app87uKBgM.../pagBqOZ9PdB50jxM6/form...
Session II
Saturday, June 6 - Sunday, June 7 2026
arriving evening of June 5 with programming all day Sat/Sun
@ Middlebrook Arts Research + Residency Center, Upstate NY

We recognize that financial barriers can sometimes stand in the way of creative opportunities. To ensure that cost doesn’t prevent anyone from joining, we’re committed to offering financial assistance and scholarships.

We’ve just concluded our New York City Summer Intensive, two incredibly productive and inspiring sessions. Now, we’re ex...
06/04/2026

We’ve just concluded our New York City Summer Intensive, two incredibly productive and inspiring sessions. Now, we’re excited to head upstate for Session II!

There’s still time to join us! Our Summer Intensives are designed not just to develop your technique but to inspire collaboration, spark creativity, and help every dancer at any level feel seen and supported. Dancers can join us in person or virtually and will also be invited to perform in a BodyStories 2026 NYC performance.

Register below to secure your spot for Session II of our immersive Summer Intensives!

https://airtable.com/app87uKBgMVRKjvZ7/pagBqOZ9PdB50jxM6/form?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnG4kTmrr8CU-BXzHT94cM-DkewXj8-o3gv9aN-DsPRhOD3__9tSYrMeOhFH4_aem_ujMIe4Lam425cObnVNR5Sg

Session II
Saturday, June 6 - Sunday, June 7 2026
arriving evening of June 5 with programming all day Sat/Sun
@ Middlebrook Arts Research + Residency Center, Upstate NY

Discover more about our 2026 Summer Intensives in this feature from the Mountain Eagle below!

https://mountaineagle.net/articles/display/bodystories-teresa-fellion-dance-announces-2026-summer-intensives/

We recognize that financial barriers can sometimes stand in the way of creative opportunities. To ensure that cost doesn’t prevent anyone from joining, we’re committed to offering financial assistance and scholarships.

The countdown is almost over, BodyStories Summer Intensives Session I begins TOMORROW! This is your last chance to join ...
06/03/2026

The countdown is almost over, BodyStories Summer Intensives Session I begins TOMORROW! This is your last chance to join a transformative experience packed with energy, creativity, and growth. Jump into a mix of classes, from repertory and technique to composition and improvisation, all designed to elevate your artistry. Dancers can join us in person or virtually and will also be invited to perform in a BodyStories 2026 NYC performance.

Artistic Director Teresa Fellion will lead dynamic contemporary classes along with BodyStories Company Members Ava Eriksen-Oertle, Jack Randal, Robenson Mathurin, and Arianna Stendardo, who will motivate and support you every step of the way. Exciting guest artists include Sophia Diehl, who offers the Simonson Technique, and Muriel Louveau and John Yannelli, who share their unique artistry.

We can't wait to dance with you! Register below!

https://bit.ly/4mZCuSU

Session I
Wednesday, June 3 + Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Ballet School - LIC, NYC

Session II
Saturday, June 6 - Sunday, June 7 2026
arriving evening of June 5 with programming all day Sat/Sun
@ Middlebrook Arts Research + Residency Center, Upstate NY

We recognize that financial barriers can sometimes stand in the way of creative opportunities. To ensure that cost doesn’t prevent anyone from joining, we’re committed to offering financial assistance and scholarships.

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New York, NY

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