© Edwin Paree
During this series, we will take the time to explore and playfully examine the basic principles of contact improvisation (CI). You will become (more) familiar with some of the fundamentals of contact improvisation. Through practice, we will learn to carry and be carried, to lean and to support in a dance. We will experience what it means to 'read' our dance and our dance partner(s).
Our ultimate goal? To engage in dance with a partner with an available and aware body.
What should you imagine? Watch these videos by Tiina Jääskö & Mileen Borgonjon, Sasha Dodo and Nancy Stark Smith and Karen Nelson. Nancy and Karen are two pioneers from the early years of CI.
About Contact Improvisation
Contact Improvisation (CI) has its roots in the early 1970s. It is a rich world, a playground, a laboratory, a poetic universe. The basic physical principle is to play from our instinct for movement, opening up our movement possibilities while sharing contact and weight with one or more partners.
No matter how small, subtle, gentle or acrobatic the movements may be, it is all about listening, being available and responding.
Unlike other partner dances, we do not remain vertical (i.e. directly opposite each other, as in 'classical' partner dance). We move together through different spatial levels and directions, away from the floor and towards the floor. Supporting and being supported, carrying and being carried. No fixed steps, but principles of movement and active listening, being present.
Before we know it, we inhabit our unique dance in that moment.
