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
- Sep 16: K.J. Holmes
- Sep 23: K.J. Holmes
- Sep 30: K.J. Holmes
- Oct 7: K.J. Holmes
- Oct 14: K.J. Holmes
- Oct 21: Bradley Teal Ellis
- Oct 28: Bradley Teal Ellis
- Nov 4: Bradley Teal Ellis
- Nov 11: Bradley Teal Ellis
- Nov 18: Bradley Teal Ellis
- Dec 2: Chisa Hidaka
- Dec 9: Chisa Hidaka
- Dec 16: Chisa Hidaka
Accessibility Notes
- This class includes auditive guidance.
- This class may include printed materials.
- This class may include digital readings.
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.”
Register for this class
In-Person
- This class is card eligible
