Contact Improvisation jam for all levels.
Fee is on voluntary donation basis.
Don’t worry if there aren’t any people signed up on this page. There is always a regular group of dancers.
Contact improvisation is a form of dance that emphasizes movement through physical contact between dancers. It’s about creating a flowing connection, responding to each other's weight, balance, and movement impulses. The goal is not about executing specific moves but rather discovering them naturally through interaction.
Here are some core ideas to get beginners started:
- Shared Weight and Balance: The key aspect of contact improvisation is the way partners share weight. This might mean leaning into each other, supporting, or lifting in a way that feels fluid and comfortable for both.
- Listening to Movement: Think of contact improvisation as a conversation without words. Each dancer "listens" to the other's body and responds in the moment. This includes being sensitive to your partner’s movements and adjusting as they shift their weight.
- Being Present and Trusting: Contact improvisation encourages dancers to stay present, letting go of judgments or set choreography. Trust is essential; you’ll rely on each other for balance and explore new possibilities by responding to the unexpected.
- Safety and Communication: Moving safely is important! Start gently, respecting each other's boundaries and physical limits. Communication can be verbal or nonverbal, and it’s important to be open about comfort levels.
- Play and Exploration: There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to move in contact improvisation. It’s a playful, experimental form where you’re encouraged to be curious and explore new ways of moving together.
For beginners, start with simple exercises like leaning against a partner, feeling how your weight shifts together, or mirroring each other’s movements. Let your movements be as small or as big as you feel comfortable with, and just see where the improvisation takes you!
