Contact Improv

From a workshop I did last Saturday. Afterward, writing about it was so hard, I almost couldn’t put words to the experience of being there. But I felt I had to share the sweetness of the day. So I did my best to lead you into the room with the other dancers and have you be there in the moments of movement. To help you understand a bit more, here is a thought from a discussion I had with my sister. We decided that Contact Improvisation is to the general public, as Abstract Impressionism is to a kinder gardener – it cannot be taught until you have a foundation of the principals of art and design, or in this case, technique in body mechanics. It is simply reverting back to the basics of movement, but in a way we may never have thought of it before. Open the mind and body to the unknown and you will BE art.

Sitting in a circle, creating less linear lines in the world.
We shared our names and an adjective; bright, adventurous, happy, grateful.
We had the support of each other, unconditionally.
Points of contact were limitless.
Savoring every connection, we danced.
Trust was not an issue for those who committed fully to the experience of movement.
Freedom of expression for everyone.

Within the boundaries of the walls and the wood stove, few words were exchanged.
Dancing to the music of our own hearts, the possibility was everywhere.
Influence and inspiration was tangible.
What better way to get to know someone than to share the power of touch?
With open arms we danced.
A uniqueness shared, made us similar but not the same.

Connecting was our mission.
On that day we danced for ourselves and our friends.
Nothing could stop that sweetness.
Together we shared the rhythm of our own spirits
All we did was melt into the comfort and support of one another.
Creating art in motion, we danced.
Trying new things, we were free to experiment as we wished.

Feeling so alive.
My body delighted in the touch and the resistance of movement.
Potential for the spontaneous occurred all day long.
Ruefully we played.
Opening doorways to the unknown.
Vivaciously expressing what we knew, but could not find words for – we danced.