Open Level Modern Dance Technique Class

 Rose Woods Dance Collaborative is a dance theatre and performance art company founded by New England dancers and choreographers, Jenna Gross and Jillian MacLaughlin. Their work offers social commentary through pantomime-inspired comedy and absurdism. They are experts at making serious topics into jokes – and taking jokes seriously. 

Jenna Gross and Jillian MacLaughlin met in 2017 at the Roger Williams University dance program where they bonded over their love for all things unserious. Their friendship evolved into a dance partnership where they spend most rehearsals trying to make each-other laugh. In 2024, RWDC produced their first evening length production, “They Sat There, Feeling Happy Together”, at the Maine Jewish Museum in Portland Maine where they presented a whimsical dance-theatre retelling of their favorite childhood stories written by Jewish authors. They have also presented work through the Motion State Dance Festival, Salem Arts Festival, Somerville ArtBeat, and partnered with The New Duncan Dance Project to create a duet inspired by the “Classical Duet” by Isadora Duncan. Jenna and Jill have also been awarded a residency at Roger Williams University where they spent a week teaching technique classes and created new work on the students for their Fall 2024 Dance Theatre performance.

RWDC’s distinct mix of full-bodied athleticism, dramatic physicality, and comedic levity brings freshness to the role dance plays in communities. Jenna and Jillian’s keen understanding of the dualities of human nature help make their work absolutely engaging, touching, and fun to be a part of.

All are welcome to attend!