01What is Contact Improvisation?

  • Contact improvisation emerged in the 1970s as a dance form that emphasizes the exploration of physical connection and movement.
  • It is a non-competitive dance style that prioritizes improvisation, partnering, and creativity.
  • The practice involves shared weight, rolling, lifting, falling, and following momentum, among other movement qualities.
  • Contact improvisation sessions often take place in a supportive and open environment, allowing participants to explore movement and connection safely.

02Preparing for Contact Improvisation

  • Before engaging in contact improvisation, it is essential to warm up your body and mind.
  • Start with gentle stretches to loosen your muscles and increase flexibility. Focus on areas like the spine, shoulders, hips, and ankles.
  • Breathing exercises and meditation can help you cultivate presence and awareness.
  • Ensure you are in appropriate clothing that allows for unrestricted movement and provides comfort.
  • Find a suitable space that has enough room for exploration and is free from obstacles or potential hazards.

03Building Trust and Communication

  • Establishing trust and clear communication is fundamental in contact improvisation.
  • Begin by finding a dance partner with whom you feel comfortable and share a mutual understanding of boundaries and consent.
  • Engage in nonverbal communication through eye contact, touch, and body language.
  • Start with simple movements and gradually increase the complexity as trust and rapport develop.
  • Maintain active listening and be responsive to your partner's cues and prompts.
  • Remember to communicate any discomfort or boundaries during the dance.

04Exploring Movement and Contact

  • Contact improvisation involves a range of movement possibilities and interactions with your partner.
  • Experiment with weight-sharing, where you distribute your body weight between yourself and your partner.
  • Practice rolling, sliding, and gliding movements on the floor, exploring different levels and directions.
  • Explore lifts and support techniques, gradually increasing difficulty as you and your partner gain confidence.
  • Allow your body to follow momentum and instinct, embracing improvisation and spontaneity.
  • Be open to unexpected movements and surprises, maintaining a sense of curiosity and playfulness.

05Safety and Self-Care

  • While contact improvisation can be exhilarating, it is crucial to prioritize safety and self-care.
  • Always listen to your body and respect its limits. Avoid pushing yourself beyond what feels comfortable or safe.
  • Take breaks frequently and hydrate to prevent exhaustion and dehydration.
  • Communicate with your partner about any physical limitations or injuries you may have.
  • Be mindful of maintaining proper body alignment and posture to prevent strain or injury.
  • If any discomfort or pain arises during the practice, stop and seek assistance or medical attention if necessary.

Conclusion

Contact improvisation is a captivating dance form that allows for creative expression, connection, and exploration of movement. By following the steps and principles outlined in this article, you can begin your journey into the world of contact improvisation. Remember to prioritize safety, trust, and communication with your dance partner, and most importantly, embrace the joy and spontaneity that contact improvisation offers.

MethodsDetails
Step 1Understand the concept and principles of contact improvisation.
Step 2Warm up your body and prepare for the dance.
Step 3Build trust and establish clear communication with your dance partner.
Step 4Explore various movements and interactions in contact improvisation.
Step 5Prioritize safety, self-care, and injury prevention during the practice.
dance
contact improvisation
improvised dance