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Grounding in Motion: Exploring Contact ImprovisationDiscover and expand the transformative power of movement and shared connection at our upcoming intensive, "Grounding in Motion: Exploring Contact Improvisation." Over the course of two immersive days, delve into the art of Contact Improvisation as a pathway to embodied presence, deep connection, and joyful dance exploration.
About the Workshop:
"Grounding in Motion" invites participants on a 2 day exploration and practice of Contact Improvisation dance. The tools and enquiries we offer will lead you to a greater understanding of yourself and enhance your relational awareness. Rooted in principles of trust, spontaneity, and mutual support, Contact Improv offers a unique opportunity to explore movement, touch, and communication in a dynamic and playful environment.
What is Contact Improvisation?:
Contact Improvisation (CI) is a contemporary dance form that emphasises spontaneous movement, physical connection, and creative collaboration between participants. Rooted in principles of trust, presence, and responsiveness, CI invites individuals to explore movement improvisation through shared weight, touch, and dynamic interaction with others. In this practice, we develop embodied grounding, learn how to fall safely using the body’s natural spirals and explore the places we can begin to ‘fly’.
In CI, dancers engage in non-verbal communication, navigating the space together while exploring concepts such as gravity, momentum, and balance. There are no set choreographies or prescribed movements in CI; instead, participants co-create movement experiences in the moment, drawing inspiration from each other and the surrounding environment.
"Nurturing the body, the spirit, and the soul through movement is one of the most beautiful gifts we can give ourselves. Contact Improvisation provides a pathway for exploration, connection, and transformation, inviting us to dance with life in all its richness and complexity." - Nancy Clark-Smith
What to Expect:
Embodied Awareness: Start each day with a grounding exercise aimed at enhancing your connection with your body and the earth below. Engage in guided tasks, somatic explorations, and mindful movement practices to develop heightened awareness and presence, setting the stage for immersive Contact Improvisation. Explore locating and comprehending your centre, mastering efficient body movement, and transforming exercises
Trust and Connection: Immerse yourself in the essence of Contact Improvisation as you explore principles of trust, communication, and mutual support. Engage in partner exercises and group improvisations to navigate weight-sharing, momentum, and spatial awareness with grace and confidence. Experience the transformative potential of touch as you connect with others in a spirit of curiosity and exploration. Uncover movement approaches through a blend of technical and exploratory engagements. Embrace the opportunity to move at your own pace while discovering new tools for personal development.
Exploration and Play: Dive into the realm of improvisational movement with exploration and play at its core. Engage in a series of improvisational games, prompts, and exercises designed to ignite your creativity, spontaneity, and sense of fun. Embrace the freedom to express yourself without judgement in a supportive and welcoming environment. Experience the joy of being present in the moment and exploring new possibilities for movement and expression.
Community: Experience the uplifting power of dancing in community as you connect with fellow participants in a supportive and inclusive environment. Forge new friendships, share experiences, and celebrate the beauty of collective expression. Engage in enriching discussions, collaborative movement activities, and dance scores that foster a deep sense of belonging and connection within the group. Embrace the spirit of collaboration as we come together to share in our expression.
Reflection and Integration: Facilitate your integration process through reflection circles and group discussions, offering a space to share your experiences, insights, and challenges. Engage in meaningful conversations with fellow participants, gaining diverse perspectives and deepening your understanding of Contact Improvisation. Our aim is to support you in integrating your workshop learnings into your daily life, fostering a deeper sense of embodiment, connection, and presence.
Transformation and Growth: Experience a journey of exploration and growth as you uncover new dimensions of movement, expression, and understanding. Whether you're a novice or an experienced dancer, our workshop provides an opportunity for personal development, discovery, and expanded self-expression. Embrace the challenges, step beyond your comfort zone, and let the transformative power of embodied movement and authentic expression guide you towards newfound possibilities. Join us in this transformative experience and unleash your full creative potential through Contact Improvisation.
Event Details:
Date: Friday 10th May and Saturday 11th May
Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Both Days) - Arrivals welcome from 9:30am
Location: Studio 3, Contact Theatre, Manchester, Oxford Road
Price: £40 per day (Early Bird) / £50 per day (Regular)
Registration: Reserve your spot now by emailing [email protected] or visiting our booking website: www.contactimprovmcr.bookwhen.com
Meet Your Facilitators: Lily and Alex!
Together, Alex and Lily form a dynamic facilitation duo, guiding participants on a journey of self-discovery, connection, and creative expression. With two years of experience hosting regular sessions in Manchester, they have helped establish the city as a hub for this beautiful practice. Join them for an unforgettable exploration of Contact Improvisation and unlock the magic of movement!
Lily:
As a professional contemporary dance artist, Lily brings a wealth of experience and technical expertise to their role. Their journey with Contact Improvisation has taken them around the world, where they have discovered contemporary methods and gained practical insights, expanding their passion for movement and shared embodied expression. Lily has dedicated herself to exploring the nuances of CI, combining physical training, choreography, and sports science to create an explorative, technical approach to facilitation. With a commitment to challenging boundaries and nurturing individual creativity, Lily invites participants to dive deep into the transformative potential of movement and touch.
Alex:
With a passion for movement and creative expression, Alex is an interdisciplinary artist based in Manchester. Over the past three years, Alex has fully immersed himself in the world of Contact Improvisation (CI), exploring its transformative power and collaborative nature. His enthusiasm for CI is inspiring. He will join us in this program after recently completing an in-depth teacher training program in East Asia. Drawing from an extensive background in fine art, performance, and the philosophy of mind, Alex brings a unique perspective to dance facilitation. He weaves together creativity, intuitive principles, and a deep understanding of relational dynamics.
Our Venue:
The event will occur at Contact Theatre on Oxford Road, Manchester City Centre. We are very fortunate and feel blessed to have the full support of this remarkable institution, which boasts outstanding facilities, a welcoming community, experienced staff, and an unshakeable commitment to encouraging the arts as a vehicle for personal growth and creative expression.
Inclusive and Safe Space:
We are committed to creating an inclusive and safe space for all participants, regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality or background. This practice is designed to be accessible to differently-abled people and we welcome participants to let us know in advance so we can cater for your needs.
Our experienced facilitators will ensure that everyone feels welcomed, respected, and supported throughout the workshop, fostering an environment of trust, acceptance, and mutual support.
This space and practice is entirely invitational. There are no requirements of participants to complete specific exercises or dance with other participants, No exceptions or explanations required.
Join Us:
Come join us at "Grounding in Motion: Exploring Contact Improvisation" and discover the joy of embodied movement, deep connection, and playful exploration. Whether you're new to Contact Improv or an experienced practitioner, this workshop offers a welcoming space for growth, discovery, and community building. We look forward to sharing this transformative journey with you!
If you have any further questions or requirements: please email us on
( [email protected] )
If you would like to attend but have financial concerns / are unable to purchase a ticket due to financial reasons please reach out directly to us. We will look to offer reductions or in some circumstances a free ticket.
This event is 18+
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Contact Theatre, Manchester, United Kingdom
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