© Rudy Carlier
Contact Improvisation: basics on Thursday evening
Location
R7
New Yorkstraat 7
9000 Gent
Language & teacher(s) Dutch/English
Location
R7
New Yorkstraat 7
9000 Gent
Language & teacher(s) Dutch/English
During this series, we take the time to explore and play through the basics of contact improvisation (CI). You will be (further) introduced to some of the fundamentals involved in contact improvisation. We learn as we go along, up and down, carrying and being carried, leaning and supporting in a dance. We 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 to imagine in doing so? Check out these videos by Tiina Jääskö & Mileen Borgonjon, Sasha Dodo and Nancy Stark Smith en Karen Nelson, (Nancy en Karen are 2 pioneers from the 'early years').
About Contact improvisation (CI)
CI finds its roots in the early 1970s. It is a rich world, a playing field, a laboratory, a poetic universe. The basic physical principle is playing from our movement instinct, opening our movement possibilities while sharing contact and weight with one or more partner(s).
No matter how small, subtle, gentle or big acrobatic the movements are, it's all about listening, being available and (re)acting. Unlike other partner dances, we don't just stay vertical (i.e. directly opposite of each other, as in “traditional” partner dance. We move together through different space levels and directions, away from the floor and towards the floor. Supporting and being supported, carrying and being carried. No set steps, but movement principles and active listening, being present. Before we know it, we are inhabiting our unique dance in that moment.
