Sunday, April 14 | 11am to 12:30pm
in MP3 for ages 14+
FREE and open to the public
Registration is required. Click here to register.
This masterclass will be rooted in the Jon Lehrer Dance Company’s signature style, based on three main elements of movement – Circularity, 3-Dimensionality, and Momentum – which combine to create a form that is best described as “Organically Athletic”. The Company’s classes fuse jazz and modern dance techniques with physics to showcase unique movement and a fun, distinctive style which can be learned and enjoyed by dancers of all backgrounds.
This program is made possible in part by a 2024 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
Jon Lehrer took his first dance class at the age of 19 in college on a dare, and ultimately received his BFA in Dance from the University at Buffalo. As a professional in 1997, Jon was hired by Giordano Dance Chicago, the world’s preeminent jazz dance company. After only three years he was promoted to Rehearsal Director and then became the Associate Director two years later. During his ten years with Giordano, Jon also became the resident choreographer, creating seven original works on the company that received rave reviews all around the world. He has choreographed for several professional dance companies and universities all over the country and teaches master classes throughout the U.S. and around the world. Jon has received many awards and honors, including the University at Buffalo Zodiaque Dance Company Distinguished Alumni Award and the “Rising Star” SPARK Award for being an integral part of Buffalo’s thriving arts and cultural community.
Jon Lehrer started his highly anticipated company in 2007 in Buffalo, NY, relocating the company to his home of NYC in 2019. Jon Lehrer Dance Company has already received much critical acclaim and notoriety nationally and internationally. Under his artistic direction, JLDC showcases Jon’s unique choreography and embodies his definitive style. His extensive background in both the modern and jazz dance idioms fosters choreography that is organic, artistic, accessible and often humorous, reflecting life experience and the human condition.
Cristiana Cavallo is from Utica, NY and began dancing at the age of 3. She received her training at the Dancenter and at Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute School of Dance. Cristiana graduated in 2014 from the University at Buffalo with a BFA in Dance and a BA in Sociology. During her senior year at UB, Cristiana was chosen for the Jon Lehrer Dance Observership, allowing her to train with the company and gain valuable insight into the professional world of dance. In 2019, Cristiana was promoted to Rehearsal Director, and is now JLDC’s Associate Director. Since 2020, she has also acted as the Director of Programs and Finance for JUNTOS Collective. Cristiana has been with JLDC for 10 years, becoming an integral part of the company’s success both on and off the stage.