© Rudy Carlier

Contact improvisation: fundamentals on Thursday evening

Start Thu 6 February '25
18:45 - 20:15

12 sessions

Prices

Standard price: € 158
All prices

Location R7
New Yorkstraat 7
9000 Gent

More about the location(s)

Language & teacher(s) Dutch/English

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Contact improvisation (CI) has its roots in the early 1970s. It is a rich world, a field of playing, a laboratory, a poetic universe. A basic physical principle is to play based on our movement instinct, opening our movement potential while sharing contact and weight with one or more partner(s).

No matter how small, subtle, soft or highly acrobatic the movements are, it is all about listening, being available and responding. Unlike other partner dances, we do not only remain vertical. We travel together through all levels of space, directions, upside down and all around, to and from the floor. Supporting and being supported, carrying and being carried. No fixed steps, but movement principles and active listening, being present. Before we know, we are inhabiting our unique dance in that moment.

What to imagine? Check out these videos from Tiina Jääskö & Mileen Borgonjon, Sasha Dodo and Nancy Stark Smith en Karen Nelson, (Nancy and Karen are pioneers of CI).

During this series, we take the time to explore and play with the basic principles of contact improvisation. You will be (further) introduced to some of the fundaments of contact improvisation, such as giving & carrying weight, supporting & sustaining, organising your body structure in movement while actively listening, moving smoothly through the space levels, communicating clearly.

Furthermore, we work on developing our own movement vocabulary, our creative ability, building strength and body awareness.

The goal: to enter into the dance with a partner with an available and conscious body.

Practical

Wear clothing (without metal/sharp parts) in which you can move easily. Bring a pair of soft knee pads and a bottle of water. We dance barefoot.

Level of experience

Level 1: this is your first introduction to CI or you want to regain/further master the basics. The basic courses in the dance course offer can (preferably) be followed several times.

Sessions

  • Thu 6 February '25
    18:45 - 20:15
    R7 - danszaal
  • Thu 13 February '25
    18:45 - 20:15
    R7 - danszaal
  • Thu 20 February '25
    18:45 - 20:15
    R7 - danszaal
  • Thu 27 February '25
    18:45 - 20:15
    R7 - danszaal
  • Thu 13 March '25
    18:45 - 20:15
    R7 - danszaal
  • Thu 20 March '25
    18:45 - 20:15
    R7 - danszaal
  • Thu 27 March '25
    18:45 - 20:15
    R7 - danszaal
  • Thu 3 April '25
    18:45 - 20:15
    R7 - danszaal
  • Thu 24 April '25
    18:45 - 20:15
    R7 - danszaal
  • Thu 8 May '25
    18:45 - 20:15
    R7 - danszaal
  • Thu 15 May '25
    18:45 - 20:15
    R7 - danszaal
  • Thu 22 May '25
    18:45 - 20:15
    R7 - danszaal

Location(s)

Prices

Teacher

Siri Clinckspoor

Siri is a dancer, dance teacher and certified pilates trainer. She worked and danced in projects at…
More about Siri Clinckspoor

Mileen Borgonjon

Mileen coordinates the dance program for WISPER in Ghent and Antwerp. She is a dancer, performer…
More about Mileen Borgonjon