Contact Improvisation (CI) is a dance of improvising/partnering based on physics of touch, weight, balance, momentum, stillness, flow, resistance, and perceptual play. Initiated by dancer Steve Paxton in 1972, CI continues to evolve as a dance research and artistic process. In these classes we will learn specific lifts and rolls and practice developmental patterns, body puzzles and forms which shape the body and space with odd timings and unusual perspectives. We will create duet dances that are dynamic and alive in the moment, becoming more tuned to center, subtleties of touch, direction, and intention, and explore musicality and phrasing. We will not only learn skills but continue to explore and discover reflexive actions of improvising.
These classes will illuminate the legacies of past pioneers as well as articulate and reform practices as experienced by the individual artist faculty.
What to expect:
Partnering, soloing, touch, momentum, resistance, body politic
For class-related questions, please email programs@movementresearch.org.
Teaching Schedule
*All classes take place at MR Studios (150 First Ave) unless otherwise noted!
- Sep 15 with Bradley Teal Ellis at Joyce’s New York Center for Creativity and Dance (Studio 3)
- Sep 22 with Bradley Teal Ellis
- Sep 29 with Bradley Teal Ellis
- Oct 6 with Bradley Teal Ellis
- Oct 13 with Bradley Teal Ellis
- Oct 20 with Bradley Teal Ellis
- Oct 27 with Bradley Teal Ellis
- Nov 3 with Bradley Teal Ellis
- Nov 10 with Chisa Hidaka
- Nov 17 with Chisa Hidaka
- Nov 24 NO CLASS
- Dec 1 with Chisa Hidaka
- Dec 8 with Chisa Hidaka LOCATION TBD
- Dec 16 with Chisa Hidaka at Danspace Project
Accessibility Notes
- This class includes auditive guidance.
- This class includes printed materials.
- This class includes readings.
- Special note for classes on Sep 15 and Dec 8:
- Studio 3 at is located on the third floor of Joyce’s New York Center for Creativity & Dance. Please note, there is no elevator.
To request ASL interpretation or Audio Description, please email accessibility@movementresearch.org, subject line “ASL/Audio Description Request, Contact Improvisation” at least three (3) weeks prior to the class date you plan to attend.
For access-related questions and requests, please contact accessibility@movementresearch.org, subject line “Contact Improvisation.”
