Angela Doni Workshop, 28-31 May - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 28 May 11 10:00
2011-05-28 10:00 - 2011-05-31 17:00 (Europe/London) | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
Practice and Romanticism in CI
With Angela Dony (Andjela Doni)
28 – 31 May, 10am – 5pm daily
Angela Dony is a dance improviser, choreographer and a teacher oriented to contact improvisation and contemporary dance. She was born in Kishinev, Moldavia. She was educated at the High School of Culture, St-Petersburg. After graduation in 1985, she was a theatrical choreographer for 10 Years. Since 1999 she is living in Moscow, and teaching Contact Improvisation, Improvisation and Movement Development.
Since September 2006 she has been the organizer and leader of a project of research, experiment and exchange which aims to support and develop the teaching and performance of Contact Improvisation and Improvisation in Moscow. She organises the yearly, nine day, International Contact Improvisation and Performance Festival in Moscow which includes an improvisational performance night in a central Moscow Theater.
Practice and Romanticism in CI
When I teach I offer only those things which I know how to dance and love to dance. Observing my dance I discover my endless curiosity for spirals in movement, and my aspiration to be light and to fly.

For me CI is a dance which can bring joy and pleasure and a discipline which develops the body. In this workshop I want to separate practical and emotional sides of CI.Practice:

Movement that brings understanding of how the body is organized and how it can move.
Elements of contemporary dance to explore pathways of Clear, efficient movement with minimal effort.
Elements which came to CI from Aikido.
We will take time to work with weight. From the small dance to lifting.

Romanticism:

Techniques which help us to release, tune into our dance, such as bodywork, authentic movement.
Images and metaphors which inspire our dancing
Practice of being attentive to the atmosphere in space and its weather.
Co-creating with a partner
Composition and improvisation – widening our choices, using eyes, ideas and playfulness.

Costs: £145/155 Early Bird then £170/£160. For Early Bird, send deposits by May 18th.
Information: email: info@movementmeditation.co.uk, Tel: 07908582791
Bookings: To book, please send a £30 non returnable cheque to
Jamus Wood, 240 Mina Road, Bristol, BS29YP.
www.contactdance.co.uk

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 29 May 11 18:30
2011-05-29 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest or sit and watch as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learnt, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a warm-up or suggest a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at some jams.
Occasional Sunday's, 6.30pm-8.30pm
Often accompanied by live music
Cost: £5
Facilitated by Agnieszka 07871 455025 or Jamus 07908 582791
Location: Hamilton House (DMAC on 4th floor), Stokes Croft

Dance Prayer - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 12 Jun 11 18:30
2011-06-12 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Dance Prayer
Movement led by Jamus Wood
Soundscapes by Mosse

Our midsummer sun is rising and with it our energies as we find our way towards the fullness of summer. let us open to a pause in our doings to find stillness and silences. Find the movements of our inner flow surfacing into expression. Allow ourselves to come to ground and to discover the nurture of our simple breath and from here coming forward into life and spontaneity.

In this movement meditation we will cycle through a sequence of sitting meditation, sound bath, dance and reflection.

6.30 to 8.30pm Cost £5 + £3 for our musician.
@ DMAC, 4th floor, Hamilton House, Stokes Croft.
For more information call Jamus 07908582791 or email: workshops@movementmeditati​on.co.uk

Monday Dance Jam - Wild Goose Space - 27 Jun 11 19:15
2011-06-27 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom
Dance Jam
7.15pm – 9.45 pm

Led by Jamus Wood and Lee Bolton

An evening of dancing Contact Improvisation and improvisation.
Come and join us to dance your dance. We will lead you into your body through an focused warmup into jamming’ and then you can release yourself into open space.
Please arrive by 7.30 so we can begin together.
See you dancing.
Venue: Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, St Werburghs, Bristol, BS29YP.
Cost: £7/£6 concs
Info: Jamus 07908582791 or Lee 07966498596 email: info@embodiedpresence.co.uk
For More Information www.embodiedpresence.co.uk

CI Family Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 3 Jul 11 16:30
2011-07-03 16:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Hello folks!

Let me invite you and your little ones to a CI Family Jam this Sunday! Meet me at the dmac studios, Hamilton House. We start at 4.30 with an easy time warm up and we will rock until 6.30. Wear light clothing and bring soft drinks. If you are child-less, come as to a regular jam.

Looking forward to share the dance space with you all!

Agnieszka

07871455025 x

Monday Dance Jam - Wild Goose Space - 4 Jul 11 19:15
2011-07-04 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Move It! - The Dance Space - 1 Aug 11 19:30
2011-08-01 19:30 - 20:30 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom
MOVE IT! A high energy improvised dance class. Please bring a towel and water!

19.30 -20.30 dancespace at The Island, Bridewell St £4 (£3 concession)

This will run for 4 Mondays during AUGUST ONLY 1st, 15th, 22nd, 29th (bank holiday)

Please arrive promptly. The space will be open from 7.15.
What is it?
…a chance to swing, slide, roll, fly, shake, reach, wiggle, stretch and more! After a short improvised warm up. The class then follows a simple follow the leader format. To finish there is guided resistance stretching and a cool down. Movement is simple and repetitive giving you the chance to really think about alignment and improving your fitness level. There will be a further 10 minutes after class for you to continue stretching or do some bodywork if you wish.
Who?
This class would suit people about to embark on a professional dance training, those currently studying and on their summer break, dance teachers, movement practitioners or anyone who just loves to dance.
Why?
Because it’s fun and keeps you fit!

Please join Libby and Lisa – the more the merrier!

lisamay.thomas@mac.com

Let Go and Dance! - Wilder St Studio - 5 Aug 11 19:30
2011-08-05 19:30 - 21:30 | Wilder St Studio, 27-29 Wilder St, Bristol, BS2 8QA, United Kingdom
Let go & Dance
An Invitation to play, have fun, be silly, lat go, move your body & connect with other people…

When: Every Friday from
Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Where: Wilder st Studio
Cost: £8 – £10
Contact: Rachel Jacobson 0750 77 66 927 or rachejacobson@yahoo.com
About
Let Go & Dance started up 2 years ago. After a break we are back on! A place to break free from our usual conditioning and totally Let Go & Dance! Everyone is welcome, those who have not danced before, to those who would like to develop further in there dance, play and movement practices. We have an array of musical talent accompanying the class which brings an extra added element of creativity, spontaneity and life to the session.

If you want to bring sounds or feel to play an instrument, particularly in the second half where we have jam time, this is very welcome. If you want to …dance, be still or just let go in any way you feel is the right way for you, then this is just perfect! Connection with the earth, your centre, your joy and feeling in your body will be a theme that runs right through, other practices will vary each week.

The Wilder Studio is a really good size with wooden floors and a spacious feel. It’s just round the corner from Hamilton House and just a little further on from Lakota club on the corner of Wilder Street and Upper York Street.

Bring a bottle of water, loose clothing and be prepared to let go & dance!!

Let Go and Dance! - Wilder St Studio - 12 Aug 11 19:30
2011-08-12 19:30 - 21:30 | Wilder St Studio, 27-29 Wilder St, Bristol, BS2 8QA, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 13 Aug 11 14:30
2011-08-13 14:30 - 17:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation and dance Jam
Saturday 13th August
Open to everyone not just contact dancers People who just want to move in the way they want in a nice big clear space
Open to babies and children, aunts and grannies, granddads and all the rest

Location: DMAC dance studio Hamilton house
Time: 2.30 till 5pm
There will be an opening circle at 2.30pm
Cost: a donation
Music: Hopefully live
Kathleen might lead a warm up

Move It! - The Dance Space - 15 Aug 11 19:30
2011-08-15 19:30 - 20:30 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Summer CI (in the South West) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 16 Aug 11 18:00
2011-08-16 18:00 - 21:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Summer Contact Improvisation in the South West
There will be a Contact session on Tuesday 16, 23, 31, August at Sandwell Barns, Totnes
Time 6-9pm
Cost £3.00
Location Sandwell Barns TQ9 7LJ [off Totnes-Avonwick rd. at Sandwell turn between Tigley & Hazard turns , then soon right up signed driveway]
There is a possibility of a sauna and social after if there is interest.
Reza is offering a Tango/CI introduction at 6.00pm on Tuesday 23rd
Hope to see you there, Noel

Summer CI (in the South West) - Other (see event for details) - 16 Aug 11 18:00
2011-08-16 18:00 - 21:00 | Other (see event for details), Other, Other, United Kingdom

Let Go and Dance! - Wilder St Studio - 19 Aug 11 19:30
2011-08-19 19:30 - 21:30 | Wilder St Studio, 27-29 Wilder St, Bristol, BS2 8QA, United Kingdom

Move It! - The Dance Space - 22 Aug 11 19:30
2011-08-22 19:30 - 20:30 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Summer CI (in the South West) - Other (see event for details) - 23 Aug 11 18:00
2011-08-23 18:00 - 21:00 | Other (see event for details), Other, Other, United Kingdom

Let Go and Dance! - Wilder St Studio - 26 Aug 11 19:30
2011-08-26 19:30 - 21:30 | Wilder St Studio, 27-29 Wilder St, Bristol, BS2 8QA, United Kingdom

Move It! - The Dance Space - 29 Aug 11 19:30
2011-08-29 19:30 - 20:30 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Summer CI (in the South West) - Other (see event for details) - 30 Aug 11 18:00
2011-08-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Other (see event for details), Other, Other, United Kingdom

Let Go and Dance! - Wilder St Studio - 2 Sep 11 19:30
2011-09-02 19:30 - 21:30 | Wilder St Studio, 27-29 Wilder St, Bristol, BS2 8QA, United Kingdom

Let Go and Dance! - Wilder St Studio - 9 Sep 11 19:30
2011-09-09 19:30 - 21:30 | Wilder St Studio, 27-29 Wilder St, Bristol, BS2 8QA, United Kingdom

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 11 Sep 11 18:30
2011-09-11 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
BRISTOL CONTACT IMPROVISATION JAM AUTUMN SEASON

Contact Improvisation Jam is a form of practice in which we are invited to express, explore and experience our bodies in solo locomotion, in juxtapositions and in group improvisations - being vibrant particles of integral physical engagement as well as witnessing and stillness. We allow ourself to co exist with echother and the sounds, and we very much co create the space being held by presence and attention. It is opened to mixed levels and guidance is always available.

This Sunday Agnieszka would love to offer a guided warm up that leads us inside the jamming flow. To attend to warm up please be on time, we start at 18:30 and we go on til 20:30. The venue remains unchanged dmac 3rd floor (that is Hamilton House Stokes Croft) and the fee is £5.
Contact Agnieszka on 07871455025

Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual - The Dance Space - 12 Sep 11 18:15
2011-09-12 18:15 - 20:10 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom
Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual
Monday's 18.15– 20.10

At DanceSpace, The Island, Bridewell Street, Bristol

Starting on 12 Sept (6 sessions)

£8 drop in OR £40 for 6 sessions
Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual and dance explorations
Movement Ritual is a set of natural and organic movement sequences developed by American dance pioneer Anna Halprin. The primarily floor-based sequences focus on the spine, improving flexibility, strength, inner connection and kinaesthetic awareness. Through individual and pair work we explore basic components of Movement Ritual. We develop these creatively in dance explorations inspired by Anna’s Three Levels of Awareness (physical, emotional, imaginal) and Itta’s artistic interests. Movement experiences are reflected on in drawing and writing (art materials provided)

Games for Big Kids - Mina Road Park - 13 Sep 11 18:30
2011-09-13 18:30 - 20:00 | Mina Road Park, Mina Road, Bristol, BS2, United Kingdom
‘Games for Big Kids’
Starting: Tuesday 13th Sept 2011

Contact: k-lo@contactdance.co.uk

Running every Tuesday that it is not raining until it gets so bad we have to stop, but we can start again if it snows!

While the weather is good why not come down to the park and play! It’s not just for the kids you know! We all need to play…. To let off steam, to de-stress, to have fun to remember there is more to life, to laugh, to get physical, to have some human interaction away from the computer.

Playing is vital to our growth and development; this doesn’t stop when we become adults.

I will be in St Werburghs Park every Tuesday eve 6.30-8pm leading the games. They will range from the ones we all know like tag (and its various versions). To some more unusual ones like ‘pull your sock of’ (bring socks), Zoo and whatever else we can think up.

Wear loose clothing, soft outdoor shoes and something to sit on that you don’t mind getting dirty and be prepared for a little rough and tumble (of course you can opt out of the ones that challenge you to much)

If you bring kids you have to be responsible for them as these games are going to be pitched for adults.

Donations gratefully accepted which all be given to a children’s charity.

Move It! - The Dance Space - 14 Sep 11 19:45
2011-09-14 19:45 - 21:00 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom
New classes starting in September
MOVE IT! A high energy improvised dance class. Please bring a towel and water!

Wednesdays 19.45-21.00 The Dance Space at The Island, Bridewell St drop-in rate £5 (£4 concession) or £12 for 3 classes.

Please arrive promptly.

Classes start on Wednesday 14th September and will run for the 12 sessions of the term starting 12/9/11 with a break the week commencing 24/10
What is it?
…a chance to swing, slide, roll, fly, shake, reach, wiggle, stretch and more! After a short improvised warm up. The class then follows a simple follow the leader format. To finish there is guided resistance stretching and a cool down. Movement is simple and repetitive giving you the chance to really think about alignment and improving your fitness level.
Who?
This class would suit people about to embark on a professional dance training, those currently training, dance teachers, movement practitioners or anyone professionally minded who just loves to dance.
Why?
Because it’s fun and keeps you fit!

Please join Libby and Lisa – the more the merrier!

lisamay.thomas@mac.com

Let Go and Dance! - Wilder St Studio - 16 Sep 11 19:30
2011-09-16 19:30 - 21:30 | Wilder St Studio, 27-29 Wilder St, Bristol, BS2 8QA, United Kingdom

Sunday Cross-Arts Improvisation - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 18 Sep 11 18:30
2011-09-18 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
An experimental night for improvising artists of all disciplines: music, dance, theatre, writing, visual arts, etc. The focus is on how we improvise together as a group, weaving and blending the different art forms, creating a constant dialogue between sound, movement, words, space and lines.

No need to book … remember to bring any objects, instruments or materials you’d like to use … ANYTHING GOES

Occasional Sunday's, 6.30pm-8.30pm
Cost: £5
Facilitated by Itta Howie or Nina Wara
Location: Hamilton House (DMAC on 4th floor), Stokes Croft

Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual - The Dance Space - 19 Sep 11 18:15
2011-09-19 18:15 - 20:10 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Games for Big Kids - Mina Road Park - 20 Sep 11 18:30
2011-09-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Mina Road Park, Mina Road, Bristol, BS2, United Kingdom

Move It! - The Dance Space - 21 Sep 11 19:45
2011-09-21 19:45 - 21:00 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Let Go and Dance! - Wilder St Studio - 23 Sep 11 19:30
2011-09-23 19:30 - 21:30 | Wilder St Studio, 27-29 Wilder St, Bristol, BS2 8QA, United Kingdom

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 25 Sep 11 18:30
2011-09-25 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
BRISTOL CONTACT IMPROVISATION JAM

25th September led by Jamus

Sundays 6.30 to 8.30pm
... @ DMAC, 4th floor, Hamilton House, Stokes Croft.

Cost £5

Sunday will be here very soon, why not come and join me for an evening dedicated to moving your body in the sweetness of each moment.

We will start with a 30 minute warmup and a simple frame for our dancing together. Beginners you are most welcome.

Contact Improvisation is FUN, come and play!

“Contact Improvisation is an honoring of every moment. There is a sweet surrendering that happens when our bodies stay faithful to what is happening now, and now… and NOW! One learns to recognize and differentiate subtle impulses in our movement choices and our partner’s choices. We begin to decipher the cues that we give and receive which tell us when to lead or follow, when to go up, when to go down, where to touch, how to lift, when to slow down, and when to be still. In this form one learns to stay in integrity with each choice, never forcing, never rushing. When Body, Mind, and Spirit are united in their instinctive wisdom one finds ones-self at home in every moment expressing ones true nature.” – Mark Moti Zemelman

Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual - The Dance Space - 26 Sep 11 18:15
2011-09-26 18:15 - 20:10 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom
Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual and dance explorations
Movement Ritual is a set of natural and organic movement sequences developed by American dance pioneer Anna Halprin. The primarily floor-based sequences focus on the spine, improving flexibility, strength, inner connection and kinaesthetic awareness. Through individual and pair work we explore basic components of Movement Ritual. We develop these creatively in dance explorations inspired by Anna’s Three Levels of Awareness (physical, emotional, imaginal) and Itta’s artistic interests. Movement experiences are reflected on in drawing and writing (art materials provided)

Starting on the 12th September (6 sessions)

Games for Big Kids - Mina Road Park - 27 Sep 11 18:30
2011-09-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Mina Road Park, Mina Road, Bristol, BS2, United Kingdom

Move It! - The Dance Space - 28 Sep 11 19:45
2011-09-28 19:45 - 21:00 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

London Weekend Jam - Chisenhale Dance Space - 30 Sep 11 18:00
2011-09-30 18:00 - 2011-10-02 21:00 | Chisenhale Dance Space, 64-84 Chisenhale Road, London, E3 5QZ, United Kingdom
Celebrating 10 yrs of London Contact Improvisation
Friday workshop 30th September (18.00-21.00), Saturday 1st October (13.00–22.00) & Sunday 2nd October (14.00-21.00)

... Back by popular demand, another LCI weekend devoted to dance and creative connection, open to all interested in Contact Improvisation - beginners more than welcome.

Rick Nodine will lead an opening workshop 6 - 9pm Friday evening.

On Saturday we start at 1pm with a warm-up class with Mary Prestidge followed by jamming with live music from David Leahy; in the evening a sharing of performances followed by a warm-up into jamming by Caroline Waters.

Sunday afternoon will start at 2pm with a warm-up class by Natanja den Boeft (Holland) and in the evening Angus Balbernie will tune us in for a closing jam till 9pm. There’ll be more live music.

Foyer space is available all weekend for video showings/networking/relaxing. Please let Robert know in advance if you have a video you'd like to share or you want take part in the performances. It would also be great if you bring food to share.

See you there!

Chisenhale Dance Space
64 - 84 Chisenhale Road, London, E3 5QZ
http://www.chisenhaledancespace.co.uk/about/visit
COST:
£35/28conc JAM & FRIDAY W/SHOP
£28/£22conc WEEKEND (SAT & SUN) TICKET
£15/£12conc DAY TICKET
£10/£8conc Friday WORKSHOP ALONE
To book a place or for more info please contact:
robert@contactimprovisation.co.uk
+44 (0)7814 790 757

Let Go and Dance! - Wilder St Studio - 30 Sep 11 19:30
2011-09-30 19:30 - 21:30 | Wilder St Studio, 27-29 Wilder St, Bristol, BS2 8QA, United Kingdom

Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual - The Dance Space - 3 Oct 11 18:15
2011-10-03 18:15 - 20:10 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Games for Big Kids - Mina Road Park - 4 Oct 11 18:30
2011-10-04 18:30 - 20:00 | Mina Road Park, Mina Road, Bristol, BS2, United Kingdom

Move It! - The Dance Space - 5 Oct 11 19:45
2011-10-05 19:45 - 21:00 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Gathering in - Harvesting the year - Other (see event for details) - 7 Oct 11 10:00
2011-10-07 10:00 - 2011-10-09 17:00 | Other (see event for details), Other, Other, United Kingdom
Gathering In - Harvesting the Year. 7 - 9 October @ Wild Ways in Shropshire.
Jamus Wood will be offering sessions in embodied presence, moving out onto the land, allowing our animal body to relate with what is. Self Inquiry, tuning into where we are in our lives and digesting our experiences of this spring and summer. What is alive at this point in our lives, what do we want to refine and support.
Neil Pinnock will offer 5 Rhythms dance.
Costs: £175 or £160 for early birds, 21st September.
All prices include food and accommodation at our beautiful venue Wild Ways.
Info call 07908582791 or email: info@embodiedpresence.co.uk
www.embodiedpresence.co.uk.

Let Go and Dance! - Wilder St Studio - 7 Oct 11 19:30
2011-10-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Wilder St Studio, 27-29 Wilder St, Bristol, BS2 8QA, United Kingdom

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 9 Oct 11 18:30
2011-10-09 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest or sit and watch as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learnt, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a warm-up or suggest a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at some jams.
Facilitated by Agnieszka 07871 455025 or Jamus 07908 582791

Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual - The Dance Space - 10 Oct 11 18:15
2011-10-10 18:15 - 20:10 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Games for Big Kids - Mina Road Park - 11 Oct 11 18:30
2011-10-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Mina Road Park, Mina Road, Bristol, BS2, United Kingdom

Move It! - The Dance Space - 12 Oct 11 19:45
2011-10-12 19:45 - 21:00 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Let Go and Dance! - Wilder St Studio - 14 Oct 11 19:30
2011-10-14 19:30 - 21:30 | Wilder St Studio, 27-29 Wilder St, Bristol, BS2 8QA, United Kingdom

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 16 Oct 11 18:30
2011-10-16 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual - The Dance Space - 17 Oct 11 18:15
2011-10-17 18:15 - 20:10 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Games for Big Kids - Mina Road Park - 18 Oct 11 18:30
2011-10-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Mina Road Park, Mina Road, Bristol, BS2, United Kingdom

Move It! - The Dance Space - 19 Oct 11 19:45
2011-10-19 19:45 - 21:00 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Let Go and Dance! - Wilder St Studio - 21 Oct 11 19:30
2011-10-21 19:30 - 21:30 | Wilder St Studio, 27-29 Wilder St, Bristol, BS2 8QA, United Kingdom

Our Instinctual Movement - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 22 Oct 11 10:30
2011-10-22 10:30 - 2011-10-23 17:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
Our Instinctual Movement (a contact improvisation workshop)

22 - 23 October, Bristol.

Facilitated by Jamus Wood and Lee Bolton.

Costs: £70 or £60 concessions. Bookings 07966498596 email: info@embodiedpresence.co.uk.

www.embodiedpresence.co.uk.

Unearthing your instinctual body, discovering the power within muscle, bone, blood.

A workshop dedicated to your instinctual knowing, unearthing your unique movement potential. A weekend workshop. Influenced by Instinctual Movement and Contact Improvisation. Come expecting to move, dancing on your own, in contact duets and group improvisations.

When I dance I feel that there are many places to dance from. One of these places that interests me greatly is a place of instinct, my animal body. There is a knowing in each of us, if we can let go of the mind control on our moving we can begin to trust our sensate body.

In this workshop we will dive deeply into our senses and touch that which we already know but may have forgotten. A weekend dedicated to listening to the dance from the inside out.

Each day will begin with a non stylised movement practice designed to allow us to inhabit our bodies, and bring the pure power and dexterity of our physicality into the dance. From here we will touch contact practice, score and group improvisation.

In the Contact Improvisation aspect we will be offering focuses and scores that will create new possibilities for our dancing. The potential of dancing beyond the box, with aliveness and a sense of freshness. We will be looking at the technical aspects of contact from a functional view. Using exercises as starting places to play with to grow from, giving us a chance to see places of habit and choice around this. Our dancing can then become an offering to each moment fresh, alive, spontaneous.

We welcome beginners through to experienced movers.

Wear warm comfortable clothes, layers are good for any floor work we might do in the warmups.

Look forward to dancing with you.

About Lee

I suppose you could say at the heart of it all I am a dancer. It seems my body was born to move. My softness, my passion, my sadness, my rage, my sensuousness, my sense of chaos all come through when I dance. This is where more than anywhere else I can be close to myself and have the capacity to touch life with freshness.

My passion for dance and in particular the drive to be as authentic in each moment as possible has led me from 5 Rhythms to Contact Improvisation and latterly into a practice of Non-Stylised movement based on the teachings of Helen Poyner.

This has led me to co-design a series of classes and workshops that interweave the teachings of fundamental movement, contact improvisation and presence based on the Movement of Being (Devon) teachings.

Dance for me is a metaphor for life. How can I really meet myself? How can I truly be here in this moment to experience life and meet you? This is what fascinates me. Movement offers the opportunity to ask these questions, with the potential to experience depth and understanding.

I offer a space for this exploration.

About Jamus

I love to move, to inspire creativity through dance and connection. I teach and guide classes in Contact Improvisation, Instinctual Movement, Somatic Yoga and perform with the Touch Down Dance.

I like it simple. I find that working with simple themes can take us deep into our own experience and are pathways to presence and embodiment. So themes I work with like arriving, how do we arrive into contact with ourselves, into a space and with another. I find this a fascinating topic.

Unusually, my path has been defined by a congenital eye condition - I almost lost my sight 10 years ago. Six operations on, my sight is improving, with future operations pending. I have found ways to transform my wounding into a unique gift. My life is not what it would have been without my eye condition, many doors initially shut, while others opened.

Along my journey, I have had the good fortune to work with many gifted teachers, many echo’s of these teachings live in my teaching today. Key figures are Malcolm Manning, Helen Poyner, K J Holmes, Lisa Nelson, Nancy Stark Smith, Miranda Tufnel, Katy Dymoke, Adam Bradpiece, Ray Chung, Angela Dony.

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 23 Oct 11 18:30
2011-10-23 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
This Jam will follow the Underscore, as developed by Nancy Stark Smith. There will be a short talk through of the underscore before the jam begins, so please arrive promptly.
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest or sit and watch as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learnt, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a warm-up or suggest a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at some jams.
Facilitated by Agnieszka 07871 455025 or Jamus 07908 582791

Games for Big Kids - Mina Road Park - 25 Oct 11 18:30
2011-10-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Mina Road Park, Mina Road, Bristol, BS2, United Kingdom

Let Go and Dance! - Wilder St Studio - 28 Oct 11 19:30
2011-10-28 19:30 - 21:30 | Wilder St Studio, 27-29 Wilder St, Bristol, BS2 8QA, United Kingdom

Turning In - Other (see event for details) - 29 Oct 11 10:00
2011-10-29 10:00 - 17:00 | Other (see event for details), Other, Other, United Kingdom
Turning In. (an embodied presence workshop)
29 October in the Avebury Circle
Turning your body to listen to stone and tree. Awakening your senses. Your animal body feels the land.
An open workshop co facilitated by Jamus Wood and Lee Bolton.
A days workshop working in the studio and out on the ancestoral lands of Avebury. We will tune into this time between autumn and winter, Allowing our bodies to guide us through movement inquiry and simply walking this land.
Costs: £40 or £35 conc. Bookings 07966498596 email: info@embodiedpresence.co.uk.
www.embodiedpresence.co.uk.

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 30 Oct 11 18:30
2011-10-30 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Games for Big Kids - Mina Road Park - 1 Nov 11 18:30
2011-11-01 18:30 - 20:00 | Mina Road Park, Mina Road, Bristol, BS2, United Kingdom

Move It! - The Dance Space - 2 Nov 11 19:45
2011-11-02 19:45 - 21:00 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Let Go and Dance! - Wilder St Studio - 4 Nov 11 19:30
2011-11-04 19:30 - 21:30 | Wilder St Studio, 27-29 Wilder St, Bristol, BS2 8QA, United Kingdom

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 6 Nov 11 17:30
2011-11-06 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Pre-Jam Warmup Class
Beginner friendly class 5.30 to 6.30 followed by the Jam from 6.45pm to 8.30pm.

Dancers can come just for the class for £5, or stay for the class and jam for just £7.

The focus of the class will be on exploring the architecture of our upper higher body. Through some simple release and expanding awareness techniques we will engage in solo and partner practices that are aimed at enabling us to move our arms, neck and head with greater ease and expansion maintainig the strong centre. We will revisit the point of contact practices and time allowing we have a short round robin. Agnieszka

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 6 Nov 11 18:30
2011-11-06 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
This Jam will be preceded by a Warm-up class. To attend both is just £7, to attend just one is £5.

A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest or sit and watch as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learnt, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a warm-up or suggest a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at some jams.
For more information, please contact Agnieszka 07871 455025 or Jamus 07908 582791

Move It! - The Dance Space - 9 Nov 11 19:45
2011-11-09 19:45 - 21:00 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Let Go and Dance! - Wilder St Studio - 11 Nov 11 19:30
2011-11-11 19:30 - 21:30 | Wilder St Studio, 27-29 Wilder St, Bristol, BS2 8QA, United Kingdom

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 13 Nov 11 17:30
2011-11-13 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Pre-Jam Warmup Class
Beginner friendly class 5.30 to 6.30 followed by the Jam from 6.45pm to 8.30pm.

Dancers can come just for the class for £5, or stay for the class and jam for just £7.

Specific details for this days class to follow.

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 13 Nov 11 18:30
2011-11-13 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Move It! - The Dance Space - 16 Nov 11 19:45
2011-11-16 19:45 - 21:00 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Let Go and Dance! - Wilder St Studio - 18 Nov 11 19:30
2011-11-18 19:30 - 21:30 | Wilder St Studio, 27-29 Wilder St, Bristol, BS2 8QA, United Kingdom

A Community Lab Time. All Day Contact Improvisation Research +/- Performance Night - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 20 Nov 11 10:00
2011-11-20 10:00 - 17:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
A COMMUNITY LAB TIME

All day Contact Improvisation research work shops +/- Performance Night

Time: 10:00-11:15 Warm up start: Underscore Practice (no explanation before but clear road map displayed on the walls)

variation: Barbara Dilley's Contemplative Practice prior to the score

Tea break 11:15-11:30

Time 11:30-13:30

Facilitated talking circle, with short demonstration of lab proposals followed by work group formation.

some propositions submitted already are:

1. Performance and relationship lab. Relationship to self, to the floor/environment, to other, and to the audience (use of discussion, maybe role play and probably BMC embodiment principles to start this exploration), facilitated by K'lo.

2. Research based on the experiences of dancing during pregnancy. Exploring connection to stillness, holding, dancing without using your belly center, dancing whilst caring for another in every moment (my center is in another), plus dressing another whilst they dance without disturbing their movement, facilitated by Jocasta.

3. Exploration of Authentic Movement practice, presence and witnessing. Use of blind fold movement into expanding awareness in trio work, facilitated by Lisa and Agnieszka.

4. An exploration of the undercurrents of relationships in the dance. Themes for this lab may include: power, manipulation, hierarchy, emotions. What happens when these (often unstated) aspects are brought into the open, clearly stated in words, expression, and movement? How does this affect the dance and can it transform our experience? Following on from our exploration at ECITE this year, in our ongoing group 'Community and (micro) Politics' Saskia and Sonja are excited to share some of the exercises we explored at the exchange.

All groups work simultaneously in the same hall clearly divided into workshop spaces.

Lunch break 13:30-14:30

During lunch in the space there will be inspiration time: watching DVD's on CI in performance and browsing through CQ (Contact Quarterly magazine) library. Bring food to share please. Alternatively - you can use nearby cafes.

optional

Time 15:00-17:00

Regrouping and feedback. We share our research findings from the morning in the circle and declare what we wish to do in the afternoon - go on in labbing, change group,work towards developing performance piece* have a bodywork exchange session or a joined lab experience.

The afternoon format will be decided collectively.

End of St Michael's Parish Hall Part and Dinner Time.

We disengage peacefully....

...or

*Time: 19:30- 20:30 Hamilton House dmac studio 1, fourth floor, Stokes Croft

Facilitated labs in semi formal performance.

Invite friends and family.

And after performance : Celebration! Canteen or another hang out.

To find out more contact

Agnieszka

07871455025

agnieszka@contactdance.co.uk

Note: All abilities and background interests welcome!!!

Note: the price for attendance is not fixed yet: I want to cover the cost of space hire which is £60 for a whole day and the more of us come to support the event the cheaper it will be for all of us us! Thank you.

Shin Somatics Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 20 Nov 11 17:30
2011-11-20 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Pre Cross-Arts Jam Warmup Class
Beginner friendly class 5.30 to 6.30 followed by the Jam from 6.45pm to 8.30pm.

Dancers can come just for the class for £5, or stay for the class and jam for just £7.

Specific details for this days class to follow.

Sunday Cross-Arts Improvisation - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 20 Nov 11 18:30
2011-11-20 18:30 - 19:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
This is preceded by a Shin Somatics Class, to attend both is just £7.

An experimental night for improvising artists of all disciplines: music, dance, theatre, writing, visual arts, etc. The focus is on how we improvise together as a group, weaving and blending the different art forms, creating a constant dialogue between sound, movement, words, space and lines.

No need to book … remember to bring any objects, instruments or materials you’d like to use … ANYTHING GOES

Occasional Sunday's, 6.30pm-8.30pm
Cost: £5
Facilitated by Itta Howie or Nina Wara
Location: Hamilton House (DMAC on 4th floor), Stokes Croft

History of Contact Jam - Wild Goose Space - 21 Nov 11 19:00
2011-11-21 19:00 - 21:30 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom
Come and be inspired by a movie about the History of Contact and see how your body wants to express it in the dance. Watch and jam, jam and watch...

Move It! - The Dance Space - 23 Nov 11 19:45
2011-11-23 19:45 - 21:00 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Let Go and Dance! - Wilder St Studio - 25 Nov 11 19:30
2011-11-25 19:30 - 21:30 | Wilder St Studio, 27-29 Wilder St, Bristol, BS2 8QA, United Kingdom

Jam Sandwich! - The Dance Space - 27 Nov 11 14:00
2011-11-27 14:00 - 17:30 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom
The Breaded Goods Collective Present:
Jam Sandwich!
A Sticky essential to Sunday for Dance and Movement Enthusiasts!
27 November · 14:00 - 17:30

DanceSpace
The Island, Bridewell St, Bristol, BS1 2AG
Bristol, United Kingdom

Join us for an exploratory workshop of Dance and Movement practises that encourage a collective force, will enable you to tune in as well as let it all out, and will be led into a Contact Improvisation Jam.

There will be musicians to inspire and inform us, body shaking to unite us and beautiful food afterwards to nourish us!

This will also be an opportunity for an informal Q+A and sharing.

The Breaded Goods Collective are; Hannah Kew, Tilly Webber, Isabelle Cressy and Jessie Percival – a heady mix of Dance, Choreography and Performance Practioners currently based in Bristol.

Through Jam Sandwich We seek to initiate a Bristol wide informal collective of physical performers for mutually beneficial practise, inspiration and sharing.
DanceSpace, Bridewell Street, BS1, November 27th 2-5.30pm
Aimed at individuals with some dance/movement experience.

You must RSVP breadedgoods@gmail.com to confirm you want food by fri 25th Nov. Introductory price; £12.50 with food, £10 without/drop in.

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 27 Nov 11 17:30
2011-11-27 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 27 Nov 11 18:30
2011-11-27 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Move It! - The Dance Space - 30 Nov 11 19:45
2011-11-30 19:45 - 21:00 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 4 Dec 11 17:30
2011-12-04 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 4 Dec 11 18:30
2011-12-04 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Move It! - The Dance Space - 7 Dec 11 19:45
2011-12-07 19:45 - 21:00 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 11 Dec 11 17:30
2011-12-11 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 11 Dec 11 18:30
2011-12-11 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 18 Dec 11 17:30
2011-12-18 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 18 Dec 11 18:30
2011-12-18 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Contact Dance/Dance Improv Session - The Dance Space - 29 Dec 11 14:00
2011-12-29 14:00 - 16:30 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom
Hello, I have booked the dancespace at the Island in Bristol for some time to dance - improvise, contact-jam, bodywork ... whatever suits you. The space is from 2-4.30pm on Thursday 29th December and I have wonderful musicians coming to play for us.

Please let me know if you would like to come along, payment will be minimal as I am just looking to cover the costs. Either post on facebook [in the Contact Improvisation Dance in Bristol group] or email me if you're interested lisamay.thomas@mac.com.
Lisa x

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 1 Jan 12 17:30
2012-01-01 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 1 Jan 12 18:30
2012-01-01 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 8 Jan 12 17:30
2012-01-08 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 8 Jan 12 18:30
2012-01-08 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual and dance explorations - The Dance Space - 10 Jan 12 18:30
2012-01-10 18:30 - 20:30 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom
Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual and dance explorations
with Itta Howie

Tues 18:30-20:30, 10 Jan-7 Feb (5 sessions)

at DanceSpace, The Island, Bridewell Street, Bristol BS1 2LE

£8 drop-in OR £32 for 5 sessions

Suitable for dancers, movement artists and anyone curious about the body.

Movement Ritual is a set of natural and organic movement sequences developed by American dance pioneer Anna Halprin. The primarily floor-based sequences focus on the spine, improving flexibility, strength, inner connection and kinaesthetic awareness. Through individual and pair work we explore basic components of Movement Ritual. We develop these creatively in dance explorations inspired by Anna’s Three Levels of Awareness (physical, emotional, imaginal) and Itta’s artistic interests. Movement experiences are reflected on through drawing (art materials provided).

Itta trained intensively with Helen Poynor, Dorset who introduced her to Movement Ritual. This summer Itta studied with Anna Halprin (now in her 91st year) on Anna’s famous outdoor dance deck at Mountain Home Studio, California.

DANCEfit - The Dance Space - 11 Jan 12 19:45
2012-01-11 19:45 - 21:15 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom
5 sessions running from 11th Jan-8th Feb 2012

Wednesdays 7.45-9.15pm
A high-energy improvised CONTEMPORARY DANCE FITNESS class with a simple follow the leader format. A chance to swing, slide, shake, reach, wiggle, jump, stretch and more, come and dance for fitness, alignment, posture and enjoyment and to work up a good sweat. There is a guided stretch at the end.

All levels welcome.

Costs £6 drop-in or pre-pay for all 5 classes for £25

At Dance Space ‘The Island’ via Bridewell St entrance, visit link below for directions
http://invisiblecircus.co.uk/theislandbristol.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=119&Itemid=167

lisamay.thomas@mac.com
www.lisamaythomas.co.uk

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 15 Jan 12 17:30
2012-01-15 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Pre-Jam Warmup Class
Beginner friendly class 5.30 to 6.30 followed by the Jam from 6.45pm to 8.30pm.

Dancers can come just for the class for £5, or stay for the class and jam for just £7.

For this hour I'd like to warm up awakening our sense-awareness of ourselves in relation to the physicality of space and other movers. Key words will be listening, attention, intention and choice. Revisiting some of the pathways in our bodies that enable us to move in contact with others as well as encouraging people to find new ways.

Please arrive by 5.30 so we can begin together.

Nina

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 15 Jan 12 18:30
2012-01-15 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

CI Fundamentals: Monday Evenings - Wild Goose Space - 16 Jan 12 19:15
2012-01-16 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation, our Moving Body.
Monday evenings 7.15pm-9.45pm, Returns 16th January 2012.
Taught by Jamus Wood & Lee Bolton

Taster sessions £5 January 16 & 23.
8 Week course begins January 30, Cost £65 / £55 conc
At the Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, St Werburghs, Bristol BS2 9YP.
Tel: 07966498596
email: info@embodiedpresence.co.uk
www.embodiedpresence.co.uk.

The Teaching
This course draws together two strands of teaching material. A systematic approach to contact improvisation developed by Joerg Hassmann and Daniel Werner and non stylised movement practice as pioneered by Helen Poynor. These are strong influences in the content of this course. The teaching style and the music is very much our own, and the content is our own personal relationship to this material.

Each class will follow a pattern of warm up and arriving, followed by technical and developmental movement exercises and then onto a more open improvisation space to play with what we have learned.

Week 1: Finding Centre and the Fish Body
Week 2: Basic Principles
Week 3: Yield, push and reaching.
Week 4: Soft Spine and Spinal Push
Week 5: Naval Radiation
Week 6: Dancing Spirals and Rolling
Week 7: Learning to Fall
Week 8: Lifts and Counter Balance
Week 9: Dancing Conversations
Week 10: Skills for Jamming.

About Lee
I suppose you could say at the heart of it all I am a dancer. It seems my body was born to move. My softness, my passion, my sadness, my rage, my sensuousness, my sense of chaos all come through when I dance. This is where more than anywhere else I can be close to myself and have the capacity to touch life with freshness.

My passion for dance and in particular the drive to be as authentic in each moment as possible has led me from 5 Rhythms to Contact Improvisation and latterly into a practice of Non-Stylised movement based on the teachings of Helen Poyner.

This has led me to co-design a series of classes and workshops that interweave the teachings of fundamental movement, contact improvisation and presence based on the Movement of Being (Devon) teachings.

Dance for me is a metaphor for life. How can I really meet myself? How can I truly be here in this moment to experience life and meet you? This is what fascinates me. Movement offers the opportunity to ask these questions, with the potential to experience depth and understanding.

I offer a space for this exploration.
About Jamus
I love to move, to inspire creativity through dance and connection. I teach and guide classes in Contact Improvisation, Instinctual Movement, Somatic Yoga and perform with the Touch Down Dance.

I like it simple. I find that working with simple themes can take us deep into our own experience and are pathways to presence and embodiment. So themes I work with like arriving, how do we arrive into contact with ourselves, into a space and with another. I find this a fascinating topic.

Unusually, my path has been defined by a congenital eye condition - I almost lost my sight 10 years ago. Six operations on, my sight is improving, with future operations pending. I have found ways to transform my wounding into a unique gift. My life is not what it would have been without my eye condition, many doors initially shut, while others opened.

Along my journey, I have had the good fortune to work with many gifted teachers, many echo’s of these teachings live in my teaching today. Key figures are Malcolm Manning, Helen Poyner, K J Holmes, Lisa Nelson, Nancy Stark Smith, Miranda Tufnel, Katy Dymoke, Adam Bradpiece, Ray Chung, Angela Dony.

Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual and dance explorations - The Dance Space - 17 Jan 12 18:30
2012-01-17 18:30 - 20:30 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

DANCEfit - The Dance Space - 18 Jan 12 19:45
2012-01-18 19:45 - 21:15 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 22 Jan 12 17:30
2012-01-22 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 22 Jan 12 18:30
2012-01-22 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual and dance explorations - The Dance Space - 24 Jan 12 18:30
2012-01-24 18:30 - 20:30 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

DANCEfit - The Dance Space - 25 Jan 12 19:45
2012-01-25 19:45 - 21:15 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 29 Jan 12 17:30
2012-01-29 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Pre-Jam Warmup Class
Beginner friendly class 5.30 to 6.30 followed by the Jam from 6.45pm to 8.30pm.

Dancers can come just for the class for £5, or stay for the class and jam for just £7.
An introduction to trio
This class will be a gentle introduction to working as a three. We will focus on a specific body work into movement exercise, exploring the physicality of the body and learning the benefits of passive participation.
Alistair

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 29 Jan 12 18:30
2012-01-29 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

CI Fundamentals: Monday Evenings - Wild Goose Space - 30 Jan 12 19:15
2012-01-30 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual and dance explorations - The Dance Space - 31 Jan 12 18:30
2012-01-31 18:30 - 20:30 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

DANCEfit - The Dance Space - 1 Feb 12 19:45
2012-02-01 19:45 - 21:15 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 5 Feb 12 17:30
2012-02-05 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Pre-Jam Warmup Class
Beginner friendly class 5.30 to 6.30 followed by the Jam from 6.45pm to 8.30pm.

Dancers can come just for the class for £5, or stay for the class and jam for just £7.
Water Body
Sinking and seeping like ink into paper. Bubbling and flowing like a stream, within our structure, our skeleton. The curled paper floats on top of the water

This class will feature a long slow warm-up connecting to our bodies as Water bag (a term from Butoh Dancer Menako Seki) In partners, then on our own near other bodies.

From this perspective we will practice a couple of dynamic partner exercises time allowing….

This class is inspired from my own bodies need, through accident and injury strain and pain, continually teaching me to connect to the sinking and floating body of water that is our body.

Kathleen

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 5 Feb 12 18:30
2012-02-05 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual and dance explorations - The Dance Space - 7 Feb 12 18:30
2012-02-07 18:30 - 20:30 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

DANCEfit - The Dance Space - 8 Feb 12 19:45
2012-02-08 19:45 - 21:15 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 12 Feb 12 17:30
2012-02-12 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Pre-Jam Warmup Class
Beginner friendly class 5.30 to 6.30 followed by the Jam from 6.45pm to 8.30pm.

Dancers can come just for the class for £5, or stay for the class and jam for just £7.

Lisa will be teaching 'moving from the centre' for this session.

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 12 Feb 12 18:30
2012-02-12 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

CI Fundamentals: Monday Evenings - Wild Goose Space - 13 Feb 12 19:15
2012-02-13 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 19 Feb 12 17:30
2012-02-19 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Pre-Jam Warmup Class
Beginner friendly class 5.30 to 6.30 followed by the Jam from 6.45pm to 8.30pm.

Dancers can come just for the class for £5, or stay for the class and jam for just £7.

Trios led by Alistair Edmunds

2 + 1 = 3 !
Tuning in, Keeping the flow, Tuning out.

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 19 Feb 12 18:30
2012-02-19 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

CI Fundamentals: Monday Evenings - Wild Goose Space - 20 Feb 12 19:15
2012-02-20 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 26 Feb 12 17:30
2012-02-26 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 26 Feb 12 18:30
2012-02-26 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

CI Fundamentals: Monday Evenings - Wild Goose Space - 27 Feb 12 19:15
2012-02-27 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Bristol National Jam - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 2 Mar 12 19:00
2012-03-02 19:00 - 2012-03-04 18:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
Dates: 2nd-4th March 2012

Times: Friday 2nd 7-10pm, Saturday 3rd 11am-5pm then 7-10pm, Sunday 4th 11am-6pm

Price: Weekend ticket price, £35-£45 (sliding scale according to income). Day ticket £25 (including one evening), Evening ticket £10. Preference will be given to those wishing to come to the whole event.

Teachers: Janis Claxton (Sunday), Malaika Sarco-Thomas (Saturday), Jamus Wood (Friday night)

All levels welcome

A weekend dedicated to contact improvisation. The afternoon and evenings will include a warm up into jamming. Live musicians will be playing at some of the jams.

To book, please select a ticket below (you will need to register with Bristol CI online community), email workshops@contactdance.co.uk, or call Lisa May Thomas on 07812 136681.

If you need a place to stay, or can offer one, be sure to put let us know when registering. Registering with the Bristol CI online community will also help you communicate with other participants for lift-share, accommodation etc.

All profit from this event will go towards supporting future CI events in Bristol.

Janis Claxton
No Mystery, Just Dancing - push pull pleasure and play
Janis’ class will be aimed at warming us up for a day of fun and juicy dancing. We will explore simple and clearly defined skills that bring us in and out of contact. Be prepared to sweat, explore and expand your dancing through grounded and practical skills that entice play, pleasure and the presence of being in contact with ourselves, others and the space.

Janis Claxton (UK/Aus) is a choreographer, teacher and performer based in Edinburgh. Artistic Director of the award winning company Janis Claxton Dance, she is an internationally renowned and prolific teacher with over 30 years of experience in professional, educational and community settings. As well as Contact Improvisation Janis’ influences include the Erick Hawkins Modern Dance Technique, Martial Arts and Alexander Technique. An avid movement researcher, she has practiced Contact Improvisation for over 20 years having studied, taught and performed the form in numerous settings and all of her teaching and choreographic works have been informed by this experience. Janis has choreographed for companies and independent dance artists in the UK and China where she has worked extensively on numerous projects including introducing Contact Improvisation to Chinese professional and community dancers. Janis Claxton Dance make work for theatre spaces as well as unique site-specific settings such as the Edinburgh Zoo which housed the Herald Angel Award winning Enclosure 44 – Humans a two week improvised performance. Janis is currently undertaking part-time studies towards a Masters in Philosophy (Choreography) at the Edinburgh University. www.janisclaxton.com
Malaika Sarco-Thomas
Up, Down, Up!
This class will focus on finding direction, weightlessness, power and a touch of cheekiness when improvising in contact. Using listening and good-natured resistance as well as principles from Ki Aikido practice we will play with the complementary forces of up and down to wrestle, bowl, and fly each other through the space. This is a class suitable to all levels of experience.

Malaika Sarco-Thomas is a performer, researcher and teacher of improvisation. Originally from the USA, her practice is informed by teachers such as Kirstie Simson, Charlie Morrissey, David Zambrano and an ongoing study of Ki Aikido. After training at PARTS in Brussels and recently completing her PhD thesis Dance Improvisation Performance as a Practice of Ecology she became Award Leader for Dance at University College Falmouth incorporating Dartington College of Arts. With Richard Sarco-Thomas she co-organizes weekly contact jams at Tremough Campus and the annual Contact Festival Dartington.
Jamus Wood
I love to move, to inspire creativity through dance and connection. I teach and guide classes in Contact Improvisation, Instinctual Movement, Somatic Yoga and perform with the Touch Down Dance.

I like it simple. I find that working with simple themes can take us deep into our own experience and are pathways to presence and embodiment. So themes I work with like arriving, how do we arrive into contact with ourselves, into a space and with another. I find this a fascinating topic.

Unusually, my path has been defined by a congenital eye condition – I almost lost my sight 10 years ago. Six operations on, my sight is improving, with future operations pending. I have found ways to transform my wounding into a unique gift. My life is not what it would have been without my eye condition, many doors initially shut, while others opened.

Along my journey, I have had the good fortune to work with many gifted teachers, many echo’s of these teachings live in my teaching today. Key figures are Malcolm Manning, Helen Poyner, K J Holmes, Lisa Nelson, Nancy Stark Smith, Miranda Tufnel, Katy Dymoke, Adam Bradpiece, Ray Chung, Angela Dony.

IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE BOOKING/REGISTERING TRY USING 'lower-case' IN EACH FIELD.

CI Fundamentals: Monday Evenings - Wild Goose Space - 5 Mar 12 19:15
2012-03-05 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 11 Mar 12 17:30
2012-03-11 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Pre-Jam Warmup Class
Beginner friendly class 5.30 to 6.30 followed by the Jam from 6.45pm to 8.30pm.

Dancers can come just for the class for £5, or stay for the class and jam for just £7.

An exploration into Michael Parmenters Piloting

"A partner-led improvisation in which we will play with the dialogue between moving and being moved. PILOTING is a practice of guided movement, alternating roles of PILOT and PASSENGER." MP

Please arrive by 5.30 so we can begin together.

The Jam

An evening of dancing Contact Improvisation and improvisation

LIVE MUSIC with Luke and Casper

Come and join us to dance your dance.

See you dancing.

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 11 Mar 12 18:30
2012-03-11 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

CI Fundamentals: Monday Evenings - Wild Goose Space - 12 Mar 12 19:15
2012-03-12 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

CI Fundamentals Workshop 1- Center & Our Spine - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 17 Mar 12 10:00
2012-03-17 10:00 - 2012-03-18 17:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
The Teaching
This course draws together two strands of teaching material. A systematic approach to contact improvisation developed by Joerg Hassmann and Daniel Werner and non stylised movement practice as pioneered by Helen Poynor. These are strong influences in the content of this course. The teaching style and the music is very much our own, and the content is our own personal relationship to this material.

Weekend One - March 17 - 18
- Finding Center and Fish Body
- Basic Principles
- Yield, Push and Reaching
- Soft Spine and Spinal Push

Dates: March 17 - 18 and April 14 - 15
Time: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Venue: St Micheals Parish Hall, BS2 8BE
Cost: £130 for both weekends or £70 each
Teachers: Jamus Wood and Lee Bolton

As we will need to make a decision on this in the next couple of weeks please register as soon as possible.

Tel: 07966498596
email: embodiedpresence@gmail.com
www.embodiedpresence.co.uk

Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual and dance explorations – Weekend - Jubilee Hall - 17 Mar 12 10:00
2012-03-17 10:00 - 2012-03-18 16:00 | Jubilee Hall, 67 Wedmore Vale, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 5HX, United Kingdom
Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual and dance explorations – Weekend
with Itta Howie

Weekend 17-18 March, Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 10:00-16:00

at Jubilee Hall, 67 Wedmore Vale, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 5HX

Costs TBC. Limited places. Booking essential.

Suitable for dancers, movement artists and anyone curious about the body.

Movement Ritual is a set of natural and organic movement sequences developed by American dance pioneer Anna Halprin. The primarily floor-based sequences focus on the spine, improving flexibility, strength, inner connection and kinaesthetic awareness. Through individual and pair work we explore basic components of Movement Ritual. We develop these creatively in dance explorations inspired by Anna’s Three Levels of Awareness (physical, emotional, imaginal) and Itta’s artistic interests. Movement experiences are reflected on through drawing (art materials provided).

Itta trained intensively with Helen Poynor, Dorset who introduced her to Movement Ritual. This summer Itta studied with Anna Halprin (now in her 91st year) on Anna’s famous outdoor dance deck at Mountain Home Studio, California.

Sunday Dance Prayer - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 18 Mar 12 17:30
2012-03-18 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Movement led by Jamus Wood

Soundscapes by Mosses

It is the time of balance where night and day are equals. When we have climbed out of our mid winter cacoon and are creating and making our life.

So why not join Mosses and myself for a movement exploration and inquiry space.

let us together open to a pause in our doings to find stillness and silences. Find the movements of our inner flow surfacing into expression. Allow ourselves to come to ground and to discover the nurture of our simple breath and from here coming forward into life and spontaneity.

You may want to bring something to sit on for the sitting meditation.

Please arrive by 5.30 so we can begin together.

The Jam

This evening the jam will be a little different. I will offer a score and open the space to dance improvisation rather than purely contact improvisation. Inviting more soloing, group interactions.

Please arrive by 7pm.

Venue: DMAC, 4th Floor, Hamilton House, Stokes Croft, Bristol
Cost:
£7 class & jam
£5 class or jam

email: info@contactdance.co.uk
For More Information www.contactdance.co.uk

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 18 Mar 12 19:00
2012-03-18 19:00 - 21:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
This evening the jam will be a little different. Jamus will offer a score and open the space to dance improvisation rather than purely contact improvisation. Inviting more soloing, group interactions.

Please arrive by 7pm.

Venue: DMAC, 4th Floor, Hamilton House, Stokes Croft, Bristol
Cost:
£7 class & jam
£5 class or jam

email: info@contactdance.co.uk
For More Information www.contactdance.co.uk

CI Fundamentals: Monday Evenings - Wild Goose Space - 19 Mar 12 19:15
2012-03-19 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 25 Mar 12 17:30
2012-03-25 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Pre-Jam Warmup Class
Beginner friendly class 5.30 to 6.30 followed by the Jam from 6.45pm to 8.30pm.

Dancers can come just for the class for £5, or stay for the class and jam for just £7.
Springing into Action
In the warm up I hope to facilitate a sense of our sap rising in the body, the energy of the new life pushing up through the earth.

Moving from slumber into the energy of spring, by exploring our ligaments and muscles, waking them up ready to SPRING, BOUNCE & REBOUND.

K'Lo

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 25 Mar 12 18:30
2012-03-25 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

CI Fundamentals: Monday Evenings - Wild Goose Space - 26 Mar 12 19:15
2012-03-26 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 1 Apr 12 17:30
2012-04-01 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Pre-Jam Warmup Class
Beginner friendly class 5.30 to 6.30 followed by the Jam from 6.45pm to 8.30pm.

Dancers can come just for the class for £5, or stay for the class and jam for just £7.
Fooling Around!
Exploring our alertness to life, how do we respond/ react to the unexpected. Teasing, naughty, playful (just a little). Are we high tone alert or can we stay relaxed and ready to play?

with K'Lo

Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 1 Apr 12 18:30
2012-04-01 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

CI Fundamentals: Monday Evenings - Wild Goose Space - 2 Apr 12 19:15
2012-04-02 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

CI Fundamentals 2 - Flying and Falling - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 14 Apr 12 10:00
2012-04-14 10:00 - 2012-04-15 17:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
The Teaching
When I dance it is moment to moment. Each moment has a life of its own only too die as the next moment arises. In this workshop we learn to commit to each moment. To arrive fresh to each other in our dancing.

In this workshop we will learn to initiate our movement from our center. Allow the spine to find both fluidity and strength in moving. Working both with technical exercise, movement scores and open dancing we will come together and dance together.

This workshop draws together two strands of teaching material. A systematic approach to contact improvisation developed by Joerg Hassmann and Daniel Werner and non stylised movement practice as pioneered by Helen Poynor. These are strong influences in the content of this course. The teaching style and the music is very much our own, and the content is our own personal relationship to this material.

Themes
- Naval Radiation
- Dancing Spirals and Rolling
- Learning to Fall
- Lifts and Counter Balance

Dates: April 14 - 15
Time: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Venue: St Micheals Parish Hall, BS2 8BE
Cost: £70
Teachers: Jamus Wood and Lee Bolton

Tel: 07966498596
email: embodiedpresence@gmail.com
www.embodiedpresence.co.uk

For Information contact Lee on 07966498596 or email embodiedpresence@gmail.com

To book please send a £20 non returnable cheque to Jamus Wood, Hill Breeze, Tynings Lane, Freshford, BA27UA. Or £20 Bank Transfer - Bank: Santander Account: Embody Account No:43741673 Sort: 090666.

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 15 Apr 12 17:30
2012-04-15 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Pre-Jam Warmup Class
Beginner friendly class 5.30 to 6.30 followed by the Jam from 6.45pm to 8.30pm.

Dancers can come just for the class for £5, or stay for the class and jam for just £7.

Specific details for this days class to follow....

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 15 Apr 12 18:30
2012-04-15 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
This Jam will be preceded by a Warm-up class. To attend both is just £7, to attend just one is £5.

A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest or sit and watch as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a warm-up or suggest a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at some jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk

Monday Night Contact Improvisation Class - three orbs - Wild Goose Space - 16 Apr 12 19:15
2012-04-16 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom
Three Orbs
In this class we will take time to meet our pelvis, ribcage and skull. Using touch, anatomical imagery and sensing into our body. Trusting that our body knows how to unfold and move us. We will follow impulse, allowing our dance to grow from here.

The last 30 minutes of this class will be a improvised movement space.

Breaking the Bubble - Improvising in Contact Improvisation - Wild Goose Space - 22 Apr 12 10:30
2012-04-22 10:30 - 17:00 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom
This workshop will address the subject of breaking our own patterns and limits within the practice of Contact Improvisation. We will deal with one of the side effect of many intermediate and even advanced practitioners – staying confined within our mutual kineshpheric bubble.

Contact is the physical technique, Improvisation is the life behind this dance. Much of our emphasis in the jams, classes and workshops goes to improve our physical technique yet not much work explores the dance that can grow from our bubble and beyond it.

One glass ceiling that an advanced Contact Improviser may encounter is seeing the dance as only 2 people in a very confined space – the bubble. The side effect of this is that the world disappears and there is only the sensation and movement that is inside our mutual bubble, this nice and comfortable feeling holds us back from going into the next step – keeping the same feeling of our point of contact, using our strong technique, whilst improvising with everything else that is there in the moment.

In this workshop we will try to break our bubble – not to lose that feeling but rather to grow from it into a wider bigger world. To Improvise not only with our physical partner and input but also with space, composition, and other potential partners that are not yet in physical contact.

This workshop is meant for Intermediate and advanced people who have experience in one of these fields - Contact Improvisation, Dance Improvisation and dance performers who wish to enlarge their vocabulary in dance and on stage.

The number of participants is limited. If you wish to participate you need to register in advance by sending an E-mail to this address - saskia@contactdance.co.uk

Tom Goldhand - I am a performance artist in the field of Dance & Contact Improvisation. I studied Dance and theater Improvisation in Israel at “Hakvuza beyafo” and “play school for Improvisation”. After finishing my studies I moved to Amsterdam where I had the privilege to work, learn and be inspired by great teachers of dance and contact Improvisation - Paulien de Groot, David Zambrano and Karl Frost amongst others. In the last years I perform and give workshops on the technique of Improvisation in Dance and Contact. 2 years ago I chose Amsterdam as my base and co founded with 5 other performance artists the group - Mono Collective that performs free and anchored Improvisation pieces as well as choreographed pieces. For me, Improvisation is a way of life and I try to take it out of the studio into everyday life. I believe that the core of man spirit comes from new experiences, and that it is much more important to be open and present, than to make plans and try to stick to them. For more information, go to www.tomgoldhand.com.
“You cannot teach an old dog new tricks, but you don’t have to be an old dog”

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 22 Apr 12 17:30
2012-04-22 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Pre-Jam Warmup Class
Beginner friendly class 5.30 to 6.30 followed by the Jam from 6.45pm to 8.30pm.

Dancers can come just for the class for £5, or stay for the class and jam for just £7.
Class description
Spring: Finding springiness from heaviness and helping each other jump.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 22 Apr 12 18:30
2012-04-22 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

CI Class - Dancing Hands Free - Wild Goose Space - 23 Apr 12 19:15
2012-04-23 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom
Can we dance with out our arms, and once we have danced with no arms for a time what happens when we bring them back in.

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 29 Apr 12 17:30
2012-04-29 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Pre-Jam Warmup Class
Beginner friendly class 5.30 to 6.30 followed by the Jam from 6.45pm to 8.30pm.

Dancers can come just for the class for £5, or stay for the class and jam for just £7.

Transitioning pathways of weight
In this class we will look at fluidity and mobility when lifting.

As the over dancer - giving weight, and finding pathways into and out of lifts,

As the under dancer - staying mobile, and being able to shift weight,

As a duet, the communication between the two.

Please arrive promptly for a 17:30 start.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 29 Apr 12 18:30
2012-04-29 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 6 May 12 17:30
2012-05-06 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Pre-Jam Warmup Class
Beginner friendly class 5.30 to 6.30 followed by the Jam from 6.45pm to 8.30pm.

Dancers can come just for the class for £5, or stay for the class and jam for just £7.

Class Description

After watching my baby son throw himself backwards with no fear of hurting himself, I am inspired to offer a session on backspace, how to move into it and own the space behind you in your dance.

Jocasta

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 6 May 12 18:30
2012-05-06 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 13 May 12 17:30
2012-05-13 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Pre-Jam Warmup Class
Beginner friendly class 5.30 to 6.30 followed by the Jam from 6.45pm to 8.30pm.

Dancers can come just for the class for £5, or stay for the class and jam for just £7.

Spirals
with Itta Howie

I will guide you through spiral elements of Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual. Working solo on the floor, we focus on the spine and experience an opening in hip joints and chest. We then explore spirals spatially and in connection with others.

Live sound for the jam by Andy Keep.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 13 May 12 18:30
2012-05-13 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 20 May 12 17:30
2012-05-20 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Pre-Jam Warmup Class
Beginner friendly class 5.30 to 6.30 followed by the Jam from 6.45pm to 8.30pm.

Dancers can come just for the class for £5, or stay for the class and jam for just £7.

Pour
verb (used with object)

1. To send (a liquid, fluid, or anything in loose particles) flowing or falling, as from one container to another, or into,over, or on something: to pour a glass of milk; to pour water on a plant.

Pouring into, pouring out of,
pouring onto, pouring over. and
how much to pour.

Please arrive early so we can start promptly at 5.30pm.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 20 May 12 18:30
2012-05-20 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 27 May 12 17:30
2012-05-27 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 27 May 12 18:30
2012-05-27 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

The Practice Group - - 28 May 12 09:45
2012-05-28 09:45 - 11:30
The Practice Group - an invitation ...
The Practice Group is an independent group of experienced movement improvisation artists from Bristol and across the South West. It was instigated and set-up in January 2012 at DanceSpace in Bristol by Lisa May Thomas and is co-ordinated by Kathleen Downie and Lisa May Thomas.
The overall objective of the group is to support a space for regular improvisation practice.

This space is for members of the group to connect with one another and to, individually and as a group, open up new levels of enquiry into improvisation techniques for solo and ensemble work for both practice and performance. The group advocates peer support, mentoring, skills sharing, research and development.

If you are an experienced 'improviser' and interested in joining the group, please send a some information about yourself/your background to:

lisamay.thomas@mac.com and leenybath@hotmail.com

http://www.lisamaythomas.co.uk/

http://www.interval-bristol.org.uk/users/kathleen-downie

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 3 Jun 12 17:30
2012-06-03 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Pre-Jam Warmup Class
Beginner friendly class 5.30 to 6.30 followed by the Jam from 6.45pm to 8.30pm.

Dancers can come just for the class for £5, or stay for the class and jam for just £7.

Class Description

This class will look at our body structures and in particular how our weight 'stacks' through our bones. Using this concept, we will work with how we can place our weight on each other and finally how that can manifest into a contact dance.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 3 Jun 12 18:30
2012-06-03 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 10 Jun 12 17:30
2012-06-10 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 10 Jun 12 18:30
2012-06-10 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

The Practice Group - - 11 Jun 12 09:45
2012-06-11 09:45 - 11:30

4 Week CI Course - Skills For Jamming - Wild Goose Space - 11 Jun 12 19:15
2012-06-11 19:15 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom
A 4 week program aimed at developing skills and confidence in the jam space.

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 17 Jun 12 17:30
2012-06-17 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Pre-Jam Warmup Class
Beginner friendly class 5.30 to 6.30 followed by the Jam from 6.45pm to 8.30pm.

Dancers can come just for the class for £5, or stay for the class and jam for just £7.

Class description

to come....

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 17 Jun 12 18:30
2012-06-17 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

The Practice Group - - 18 Jun 12 09:45
2012-06-18 09:45 - 11:30

4 Week CI Course - Skills For Jamming - Wild Goose Space - 18 Jun 12 19:15
2012-06-18 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Global Underscore 2012 - June 23rd - Other (see event for details) - 23 Jun 12 14:30
2012-06-23 14:30 - 18:30 | Other (see event for details), Other, Other, United Kingdom
The Global Underscore 2012 at University of Chichester
Saturday, June 23, 2:30–6:30pm (UK time)
at University of Chichester, West Sussex, UK

photo: Raisa Kyllikki Karjalainen

Nancy Stark Smith (facilitating)
Mike Vargas (music)

The Underscore is a framework for practicing and researching dance improvisation that Nancy has been developing since 1990 based on her work with Contact Improvisation. It is a long jamming/CI/improvisation score that guides dancers through a series of "changing states"—from solo relaxation and sensitizing to gravity and support, through group circulation and interaction, to contact improvisation engagements, then opening out to full group improvisation, and back to rest and reflection.

For the past 11 years, a Global Underscore has been occurring near the summer solstice. Conceived and organized by French dancer Claire Filmon for 10 years, the Global Underscore Solstice is an annual event during which dancers at many sites around the world practice the Underscore simultaneously.

Nancy will be hosting/facilitating one site of the 2012 Global Underscore as part of the Somatics and Technology Conference taking place at the University of Chichester, in Chichester, UK, on Saturday, June 23, 2:30–6:30 pm. All dancers with previous experience with Contact Improvisation and with the Underscore are welcome to apply/register to participate. It should be a very special Underscore!

Embedded in the Somatics and Technology Conference (http://somaticstechnologyconference2012.com/), the Chichester Global Underscore will take place in an unusual and fascinating context. Nancy will give an Underscore talk to the conference participants on Saturday morning to offer some preliminary background and outline the basic structure (Global Underscore dancers are welcome but not required to attend). Later that day, the Global Underscore practice will occur, with live music improvised/composed by Nancy’s longtime collaborator, musician Mike Vargas. The Chichester Underscore will be danced by improvisers from London and elsewhere who have had previous training in Contact Improvisation and the Underscore. There will also be a special technological component with a worldwideweb link-up. The event will be open for observation by conference participants.

After a brief reception following the Underscore, Global Underscore dancers and observers are welcome come out together for an evening meal in a local restaurant.

We hope you’ll join us and the other Underscores happening around the globe on June 23!

To register for participation in the Global Underscore, send email with a brief description of your background with CI and the Underscore to Lalitaraja j.lalitaraja@roehampton.ac.uk.

Global Underscore fee: £15, (£10, for conference participants, limited places)

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 24 Jun 12 17:30
2012-06-24 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Pre-Jam Warmup Class
Beginner friendly class 5.30 to 6.30 followed by the Jam from 6.45pm to 8.30pm.

Dancers can come just for the class for £5, or stay for the class and jam for just £7.
Class Description
Jenny Moy "What I love about Contact Improvisation is that there’s no syllabus, no standard way to learn, no qualified teachers. The lab format celebrates that – dancers coming together to share, experiment and review: all teachers, all learners. London currently has a weekly labbing group, exploring themes like constriction, low-level flying and mixing Contact with Authentic movement. I’d like to make a link between the London lab and Bristol: sharing some of our ideas and exercises and taking back more questions and discoveries."

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 24 Jun 12 18:30
2012-06-24 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

The Practice Group - - 25 Jun 12 09:45
2012-06-25 09:45 - 11:30

4 Week CI Course - Skills For Jamming - Wild Goose Space - 25 Jun 12 19:15
2012-06-25 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 1 Jul 12 17:30
2012-07-01 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Pre-Jam Warmup Class
Beginner friendly class 5.30 to 6.30 followed by the Jam from 6.45pm to 8.30pm.

Dancers can come just for the class for £5, or stay for the class and jam for just £7.
Class Desciption
In this contact warm up session , we will look at how we connect using different types of contact, for example subtle contact, direct and indirect contact, and intention. We will explore the use of non verbal communication to direct another’s movement.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 1 Jul 12 18:30
2012-07-01 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

The Practice Group - - 2 Jul 12 09:45
2012-07-02 09:45 - 11:30

4 Week CI Course - Skills For Jamming - Wild Goose Space - 2 Jul 12 19:15
2012-07-02 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 8 Jul 12 17:30
2012-07-08 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Pre-Jam Warmup Class
Beginner friendly class 5.30 to 6.30 followed by the Jam from 6.45pm to 8.30pm.

Dancers can come just for the class for £5, or stay for the class and jam for just £7.
Class Description
Massaging into Contact: in this warm-up class we will explore engaging with anothers body through awareness, attention, and intention. Using different forms of touch and mobilisation as tools for giving and receiving information, as well as exploring possibilities and creative impulses into our moving together.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 8 Jul 12 18:30
2012-07-08 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 15 Jul 12 17:30
2012-07-15 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 15 Jul 12 18:30
2012-07-15 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sunday CI - Underscore - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 22 Jul 12 17:30
2012-07-22 17:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
This is a special format following Nancy Stark-Smith's Underscore.

5.30pm-8.30pm (no late entry)
Cost is £7
Facilitated by Alistair Edmunds & Saskia Chaplin
Live music by Joe Evans

Alistair & Saskia will take you through the journey at the start, so please arrive promptly to start at 5.30pm. We will begin with a 30-40 minute introduction to the score. Participation is required for the full 3 hours 5.30pm-8.30pm. Doors will close at 5.45pm.
The Underscore is a long jamming contact improvisation score that Nancy Stark Smith has been developing since 1990. "It is a score that guides dancers through a series of “changing states”, from solo deepening/releasing and sensitizing to gravity and support; through group circulation and interaction, contact improvisation engagements, opening out to full group improvisation with compositional awareness, and back to rest and reflections."Nancy Stark Smith, Caught Falling
Special seed for the evening: music & dance, musician and dancer, the suggestion being that we look at the "connections listed in the underscore (for example attraction, coincidence, contrast and influence) to observe our relationship between what we hear and how we move."

Please bring water and knee pads if you have them.

For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk

Contact Festival Dartington 2012 - The Performance Centre - 29 Jul 12 16:00
2012-07-29 16:00 - 2012-08-05 14:00 | The Performance Centre, University College Falmouth, Tremough Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9LX, United Kingdom
Dartington is in the air, as this year Contact Festival Dartington travels to Cornwall to take residence at the brand new Performance Centre studios at Tremough Campus in Penryn. The studios are spacious and feature fully sprung Harlequin oak floors, and natural light from large windows. A popular holiday destination for UK residents and international visitors alike, Cornwall boasts some of the most pristine beaches and coastlines in the world, and is awash with fresh ocean air from both sides of the Cornish peninsula.

Contact improvisation first landed in the UK in the 1970s and 80s when Steve Paxton began researching and teaching at Dartington College of Arts, in the theatre program under the direction of Mary O’Donnell Fulkerson, European pioneer of release technique. In collaboration with other artists of the New Dance movement, Fulkerson and Paxton began a series of spring festivals of dance and improvisation at Dartington. In the spirit of these gatherings and following a very successful National Contact Jam hosted at Dartington in 2010, and first annual Contact Festival Dartington in 2011, both which garnered a huge response from participants to continue, we now present the second annual Contact Festival Dartington.

The festival features a series of two-day workshops with exceptional teachers, showings of work, and jams with live music. All sessions take place in the same space, and no parallel sessions mean that participants do not need to choose between workshops and that a shared experience of work and play develops throughout the week. Homemade vegetarian and omnivorous food is provided by our talented team of cooks who prepare three meals daily. Hot beverages are also available throughout the day. All food is included in the festival price, and special diets can be catered for on request.

Apartment-style accommodation on the grounds of the Tremough Campus is also included in the festival price. Participants can choose between rooms with a large double bed and ensuite bathroom for one to two people, or a limited number of rooms with bunk beds, also with ensuite bathroom.

Tremough Campus, TR10 9EZ, is easily accessible by road or by rail from Penryn train station, which is a ten-minute walk away. By plane, regular flights from London come to Newquay Airport (1 hour by train), Exeter Airport (3 hours by train) and Bristol International Airport (4 hours by train). Follow the link for travel advice to Tremough Campus.

Standard price of £285 includes all festival events, food and accommodation. There is also a day rate of £60 with accommodation or £50 without accommodation; both prices include food.

Up to six bursaries of £100 each for artists from the southwest have been made available through dance cards for continuing professional development activities via dance agencies in the southwest including Plymouth Dance, Dance in Devon and The Works Dance & Theatre in Cornwall. Deadline for CPD dance card applications is the 1st of June for Contact Festival Dartington participants. (Note this is an extension from the earlier deadline of 1 April.)

For more information. Click on their website: www.contactfestivaldartington.co.uk

Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 29 Jul 12 17:30
2012-07-29 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 29 Jul 12 18:30
2012-07-29 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Totnes National Jam - Dartington Estate - 1 Sep 12 10:00
2012-09-01 10:00 - 2012-09-02 17:00 | Dartington Estate, Dartington Hall, Totnes, TQ9 6EL, Devon, United Kingdom
National Contact Jam
Brought to you by Dartington Contact Improvisation

August 31st - September 2nd 2012 (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon)
Harberton Hall, near Totnes, Devon
Classes with Janis Claxton and Angus Balbernie, dancing on the moor, open jamming, live music and film night.
Cost: £35 unemployed / £40 low-waged / £45 full price.

For enquiries and bookings contact Tariq: email: tariqedwards@yahoo.co.uk or Tel: 07923542522

Half board accommodation available at Eden Rise.

2 nights accommodation including breakfast and dinner will cost:
£21 for camping and use of facilities
£26 for shared dorm (bring own sleeping bag/mats etc)
£31 for bed in shared rooms
Eden Rise is situated in the rolling hills of South Devon, with a view of dartmoor and is within easy walking distance of Harberton hall. There is a sauna, campfire and a movement space. Check it out at www.edenrise.org

Please book early to guarantee beds as spaces are limited.

The Practice Group - - 3 Sep 12 09:45
2012-09-03 09:45 - 11:30

Sunday Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 9 Sep 12 17:30
2012-09-09 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £7.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Exploring new pathways - we will look at finding new ways of moving and breaking old habits.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 9 Sep 12 18:45
2012-09-09 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
This Jam will be preceded by a warm-up class. To attend both is just £7, to attend just one is £5.

A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout - so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at most jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact individual teachers.

The Practice Group - - 10 Sep 12 09:45
2012-09-10 09:45 - 11:30

Mondays Contact Improvisation - Continuation - Wild Goose Space - 10 Sep 12 19:15
2012-09-10 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is a dance of partnering and improvising using touch, physical/energetic connection, weight, space and breath. It can go from quietly meditative to the exuberantly acrobatic, from using little or light touch to sending weight through a partner's body to fly.

Course 1 - Body Paths
Is an exploration of embodied Anatomy using images and sensation to invite us into new places and spaces within our contact dance. Each week we will explore a part of the body, discovering new pathways and body wisdom.

Will Include:

Exploration of our connection to the center.
Learning to use the breath as our guide and movement inspiration.
Taking time to inhabit our early developmental patterns to create an effortlessness in our moving.
Learning to play with the logic of momentum - lifts, suspension, balances, surrender and falling.

OUR TEACHING

Each class will follow a pattern of warm up and arriving, followed by technical and developmental movement exercises and then onto a more open improvisation space to play with what we have learned.

Details
We look forward to dancing with you!

Times: Mondays 7.15pm - 9.45pm
Where: At the Wildgoose Space, The Yard, Mina Road, St Werburghs, Bristol, BS2 9YP

Drop In Classes No Need to book these.. but best to be on time !
10th, 17th, 24th September
Cost: no wage/student £8, low wage £10, waged £12

Booking Essential!
Please Note The blocks have been full to capacity and we have had to turn people away, if you wish to join a block please don't wait until October to book let us know as soon as you can.

Block 1: 1st October - 5th November
Block 2: 12th November - 17th October
Cost: no wage/student £48, low wage £60, waged £72

NB: Prices are per block

Each block will follow on from the last but will stand alone if you wish to join later in the year.

18 Places only

Tel: 07966498596 Lee
email: embodiedpresence@gmail.com
www.embodiedpresence.co.uk.

Sunday Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 16 Sep 12 17:30
2012-09-16 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £7.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Touch&Play
Contact improvisation as a game of authentic connections

D.J. Hayes is a Medical Doctor, public health scientist, eco-anarchist and practical idealist who has been playing, dancing, meditating and conversing CI for over a decade and has been actively sharing his curiosity and knowledge for the past five years. He is the founder of the Touch&Play Project, which explores the edges of Contact Improvisation by inviting our alchemical bodies (emotions, fears, fantasies, thoughts, sexuality) into the dance. He engages with Contact Improv as a practice and tool to create authentic connections to the self and the other. He was further one of the core organizers of the 1st Spanish Contact Teachers and Organizers Meeting (EMOCIE) and the first ever ECITE held in Spain. His current interest is to open-up ‘classical’ CI and to take the form out of the Dance world and into the realms of play, meditation, communication, BDSM, healing, education, sexuality and more through rigorous artistic and academic research.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 16 Sep 12 18:45
2012-09-16 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

The Practice Group - - 17 Sep 12 09:45
2012-09-17 09:45 - 11:30

Mondays Contact Improvisation - Continuation - Wild Goose Space - 17 Sep 12 19:15
2012-09-17 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Movement Journey - Other (see event for details) - 18 Sep 12 19:30
2012-09-18 19:30 - 21:30 | Other (see event for details), Other, Other, United Kingdom
The Movement Journey is intended to be a launch pad for a creative exploration in response to some questions we may have, or just a way to relax and share heart space.

The intention is to create a safe time and space, with a clear start and ending, and so generate a crucible in which whatever happens is can be relevant to us as individuals and as a group.

We may use any of the following process…

Shamanic Journeying to look at what we need to
Movement for relaxation and non verbal expression
Art for relaxation and non verbal expression
Sound and Music for relaxation and expression
Group Process for sharing and support

The Movement Journey process is intended to take place over 8 weeks and the group would need to be closed after 2 weeks to allow the group to gain trust in the Journey.

It will run from 18th September for 8 weeks.
23 Backfields Lane, Bristol, BS2 8QW
www.movementjourney.co.uk
or call Kevin on 0117 9540509

Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual and Dance Explorations - The Dance Space - 21 Sep 12 18:00
2012-09-21 18:00 - 20:00 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom
It’s Friday … Remember your body and relax into the weekend. Some sessions with live music by Tony Lloyd (aka Moses).

Suitable for dancers, movement artists and anyone curious about the body.

Movement Ritual is a set of natural and organic movement sequences developed by American dance pioneer Anna Halprin. The primarily floor-based sequences focus on the spine, improving flexibility, strength, inner connection and kinaesthetic awareness.

Through individual and pair work we explore components of Movement Ritual. We develop these creatively in dance explorations inspired by Anna’s Three Levels of Awareness (physical, emotional, imaginal) and my artistic interests. Movement experiences are expressed and reflected on in drawings (art materials provided).

Sunday Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 23 Sep 12 17:30
2012-09-23 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £7.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Unfortunately Nina is unwell today, fortunately Saskia would love to share an exploration of 'feet as hands' in our dance tonight.

During Sunday class we will be exploring movement and contact through embodied awareness of our nervous system. I will guide you through solo and partner exercises helping us to arrive, explore, expand, play and dance. All welcome, looking forward to it, yea!

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 23 Sep 12 18:45
2012-09-23 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

The Practice Group - - 24 Sep 12 09:45
2012-09-24 09:45 - 11:30

Mondays Contact Improvisation - Continuation - Wild Goose Space - 24 Sep 12 19:15
2012-09-24 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Movement Journey - Other (see event for details) - 25 Sep 12 19:30
2012-09-25 19:30 - 21:30 | Other (see event for details), Other, Other, United Kingdom

Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual and Dance Explorations - The Dance Space - 28 Sep 12 18:00
2012-09-28 18:00 - 20:00 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Sunday Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 30 Sep 12 17:30
2012-09-30 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £7.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Zones and collisions.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 30 Sep 12 18:45
2012-09-30 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

The Practice Group - - 1 Oct 12 09:45
2012-10-01 09:45 - 11:30

Mondays Contact Improvisation - Continuation - Wild Goose Space - 1 Oct 12 19:15
2012-10-01 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Movement Journey - Other (see event for details) - 2 Oct 12 19:30
2012-10-02 19:30 - 21:30 | Other (see event for details), Other, Other, United Kingdom

Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual and Dance Explorations - The Dance Space - 5 Oct 12 18:00
2012-10-05 18:00 - 20:00 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Music Making Contact - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 7 Oct 12 10:00
2012-10-07 10:00 - 16:30 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
Bristol Contact Improvisation 'Music making Contact'
led by David Leahy
co-ordinated by Lisa May Thomas and Saskia Chaplin
Sunday October 7th, 10am - 4.30pm, just £15 for the day

A workshop based on exploring the connection between music and movement, and, in particular, improvised movement styles such as Contact improvisation. Open to both movers and music makers at any level, we research together what works and what doesn’t when collaborating across artforms. Identifying our various needs and finding possible ways towards clearer communications and better collaborative experiences.

Trained as a professional double bass player, David has over the years extended his improvisation practice to include dance. His performance practice is now equally divided between the two artforms and he has worked with dancers such as Frey Faust, Nancy Stark-Smith, Geraldo Si and Claire Filmon, and musicians such as Evan Parker, Tony Marsh, Tony Kofi, Roland Sutherland and Mike Vargas. Check out his website www.dafmusic.com.

For more information and to book, please email saskia@contactdance.co.uk.

Sunday Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 7 Oct 12 17:30
2012-10-07 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £7.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Feet – locating and grounding

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 7 Oct 12 18:45
2012-10-07 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

The Practice Group - - 8 Oct 12 09:45
2012-10-08 09:45 - 11:30

Mondays Contact Improvisation - Continuation - Wild Goose Space - 8 Oct 12 19:15
2012-10-08 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Movement Journey - Other (see event for details) - 9 Oct 12 19:30
2012-10-09 19:30 - 21:30 | Other (see event for details), Other, Other, United Kingdom

Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual and Dance Explorations - The Dance Space - 12 Oct 12 18:00
2012-10-12 18:00 - 20:00 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Going Feral - - 14 Oct 12 10:30
2012-10-14 10:30 - 17:00
Going Feral in collaboration with Mel McCree
Location: Woodlands near Bristol
Creative Playday for Adults
Singing together and swinging from branches … An enchanted day with creative ways to explore and respond to the beautiful woodlands around you. Time to breathe the fresh air, to leave your everyday cares behind and get inspired in the great outdoors. You don’t need to know how to sing, how to dance, what trees are called or indeed anything. You need curiosity, a good jacket and a sense of adventure. The woods await you and beckon you in …

You will be guided by Mel and Itta, both experienced leaders in ecological arts, improvisation and site-specific performance. Their workshop style is supportive and playful. Beginning with a good vocal and physical warm up, we explore using voice, words, movement, trailmaking, questing, mapping, foraging, group creativity and solo reflection time. We inhabit our voices and bodies, season and place together, landing in the present with a satisfying thump.

Advance booking essential.

Contact: goingferalinfo@gmail.com

Sunday Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 14 Oct 12 17:30
2012-10-14 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £7.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
To come . . .

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 14 Oct 12 18:45
2012-10-14 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

The Practice Group - - 15 Oct 12 09:45
2012-10-15 09:45 - 11:30

Mondays Contact Improvisation - Continuation - Wild Goose Space - 15 Oct 12 19:15
2012-10-15 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Movement Journey - Other (see event for details) - 16 Oct 12 19:30
2012-10-16 19:30 - 21:30 | Other (see event for details), Other, Other, United Kingdom

Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual and Dance Explorations - The Dance Space - 19 Oct 12 18:00
2012-10-19 18:00 - 20:00 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Sunday Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 21 Oct 12 17:30
2012-10-21 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £7.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
'something relating to furniture'

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 21 Oct 12 18:45
2012-10-21 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

The Practice Group - - 22 Oct 12 09:45
2012-10-22 09:45 - 11:30

Mondays Contact Improvisation - Continuation - Wild Goose Space - 22 Oct 12 19:15
2012-10-22 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Movement Journey - Other (see event for details) - 23 Oct 12 19:30
2012-10-23 19:30 - 21:30 | Other (see event for details), Other, Other, United Kingdom

Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual and Dance Explorations - The Dance Space - 26 Oct 12 18:00
2012-10-26 18:00 - 20:00 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom

Sunday Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 28 Oct 12 17:30
2012-10-28 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £7.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Jocasta now covering class as Malaika no longer able to. Class theme still brewing...

Playing with Energy

Starting from a place of meeting another person with a simple handshake and moving into ki wrestling, we will warm up by exploring principles of energy which can be used to extend awareness including: staying awake while falling, expanding our sense of space in the upside down world, and using playful but powerful resistance to move with our environment.

Malaika Sarco-Thomas is a researcher, teacher, performer and writer of improvisation practices in various contexts including theatres, contact improvisation jams and with living plants in outdoor locations. As a researcher she investigates principles introduced in the practice of Ki Aikido and in the work of improvisation artists including Kirstie Simson, Michael Schumacher, Charlie Morrissey, David Zambrano, Lucia Walker, Jess Curtis and Danny Lepkoff. Malaika is senior lecturer and award leader for the BA Honours Dance programme at University College Falmouth, and with Richard Sarco-Thomas organises weekly Wednesday contact jams at The Performance Centre, Tremough Campus, Cornwall. Together they coordinate the annual Contact Festival Dartington, a celebration and investigation of practices of contact and improvisation, taking place in 2013 from 23-30 March at The Performance Centre.

Malaika Sarco-Thomans and Lucia Walker. Photo by Claire Summers, Contact Festival Dartington 2012

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 28 Oct 12 18:45
2012-10-28 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

The Practice Group - - 29 Oct 12 09:45
2012-10-29 09:45 - 11:30

Mondays Contact Improvisation - Continuation - Wild Goose Space - 29 Oct 12 19:15
2012-10-29 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Movement Journey - Other (see event for details) - 30 Oct 12 19:30
2012-10-30 19:30 - 21:30 | Other (see event for details), Other, Other, United Kingdom

Sunday Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 4 Nov 12 17:30
2012-11-04 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £7.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Rolling and Spirals

In this class we will take some time to look at a few different form of rolling the body, and why this might be useful in the dance.

Slowing down and fully embodying some of the various types of rolling, we allow ourselves to become familiar with their shapes and patterns, training our muscle memory and helping each other map the pathways of the body through space.

Embracing the powerful spiral shape with in the roll we allow ourselves to move more fluidly, to explore new possibilities of movement and to respond safely when in unfamiliar territory.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 4 Nov 12 18:45
2012-11-04 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

The Practice Group - - 5 Nov 12 09:45
2012-11-05 09:45 - 11:30

Mondays Contact Improvisation - Continuation - Wild Goose Space - 5 Nov 12 19:15
2012-11-05 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Movement Journey - Other (see event for details) - 6 Nov 12 19:30
2012-11-06 19:30 - 21:30 | Other (see event for details), Other, Other, United Kingdom

Sunday Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 11 Nov 12 17:30
2012-11-11 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £7.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
In this class, we will see, feel, imagine and touch the space of our dance: considering the general space around us, the space between 2 or more dancers and the internal space of our body, we will get flow to circulate between body and mind systems and connect myriads of centres to myriads of peripheries. Please note, you don't need to like geometry to enjoy it...

Anne-Gaëlle Thiriot
Anne-Gaëlle grew up in Burgundy, France. She started getting involved in dance and performance in 1999 while studying Geology in Jussieu (Paris). She went on getting an MA in Movement Education in Bologna, Italy. She worked as a movement therapist and a dance teacher alongside her studies of contemporary techniques, Instant composition, yoga and Body Mind Centering in Paris, Italy, Israel and the UK. She met Contact Improvisation through the work of Didier Silhol, Kirstie Simson and Mark Tompkins in 2001, and she kept studying with them and Lisa Nelson, Simone Forti, Julyen Hamilton, KJ Holmes, among others. Graduated from Laban in 2008, she is currently finishing a 3y. specialist programme in Choreological Studies there. She is interested in the way we embody dynamic, relationship, spatial and social structures and how we develop our sense of empathy through movement awareness. As an improviser and dancer, she has worked with H2Dance, Giannalberto De Filippis and Michal Mualem (Sasha Waltz and Guests), Joe Moran, Plan B, Tadam/Noa Zamir, and she regularly teaches for City Lit and Candoco. Currently based in SE London.
Contact: anga.thiriot@gmail.com

Please arrive early so we can start promptly at 5.30pm.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 11 Nov 12 18:45
2012-11-11 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

The Practice Group - - 12 Nov 12 09:45
2012-11-12 09:45 - 11:30

Mondays Contact Improvisation - Continuation - Wild Goose Space - 12 Nov 12 19:15
2012-11-12 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Sunday Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 18 Nov 12 17:30
2012-11-18 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £7.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Constructing the contact improvisation body

In this hour before the jam starts we will practice sharing weight; following a rolling point of contact; modulating our weight; lifting someone; getting used to inversion; offering a plateau; extending into falling; having our landing gear ready... Through these practices we will enrich, refine and define our contact improvisation body.

What is the relation of this specific way of living our physicality that is "doing contact", to the many other ways we have of being embodied - our other bodies? What choices do we have in the relationships between the contact improvisation body and our other bodies? When do we incorporate an everyday gesture into contact? When does a touch mean something completely different in one body than it means in another? When does a sensibility born in contact improvisation unexpectedly appear in our everyday life?

Daniel Mang has been doing bodywork professionally for the last 25 years and teaching contact improvisation since 1990. His movement background includes aikido, the Feldenkrais Method and Body Mind Centering. He lives in London.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 18 Nov 12 18:45
2012-11-18 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

The Practice Group - - 19 Nov 12 09:45
2012-11-19 09:45 - 11:30

Mondays Contact Improvisation - Continuation - Wild Goose Space - 19 Nov 12 19:15
2012-11-19 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Perception, Presence and Performance: 5 Day intensive with Jess Curtis - The Dance Space - 20 Nov 12 10:30
2012-11-20 10:30 - 2012-11-24 17:30 | The Dance Space, The Island, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2PY, United Kingdom
This course will be an embodied exploration of cycles and scales of sensing, observing, and consequential action in physical practice. Working from the cellular to the global, we will examine how we sense each other, take action and make meaning while we move. We will give particular attention to the tension between the concepts of presence and performance as lenses through which to observe/view/feel/listen-to/activate the body.

We will “spend” time shifting our awareness to a more cyclical time state, unencumbered by desires and goals and we will “take” time observing ourselves and each other, thoughtfully examining the consequences of our actions. We will examine the physical actualities of touch, manipulation, counterbalance, force, resistance, and surrender, both as physical states and as meaningful expressions of interpersonal and intercultural relations. Bring curiosity, a desire to dance and a willingness to be seen.
To Book
To book or for more information about accommodation and travel contact: noel_perkins@yahoo.co.uk or 07816603937

This intensive will be followed by a one day Contact Improvisation workshop on Sunday 25th November. For more info and booking, contactdance.co.uk/events/jess-curtis-25-12/
Jess Curtis
Jess Curtis has created a body of work ranging from the underground extremes of Mission District Warehouses with Contraband and CORE (1985-1998) to the formal refinement and exuberance of European State Theaters and Circus Tents with Compagnie Cahin-Caha and Jess Curtis/Gravity (1998-present). Often working within a paradigm of collaboration and co-authorship, he has also produced thoughtful and engaging work with a number of innovative artists including Maria Francesca Scaroni, Jörg Müller, Claire Cunningham and the FabrikCompanie in Potsdam, Germany. He has been commissioned to create works for companies such as Artblau in Germany, ContactArt in Milan, Italy, Blue Eyed Soul Dance Company in England, and Croi Glan Integrated Dance in Ireland. Recently awarded the prestigious 2011 Alpert Award in the Arts for choreography, Curtis and Gravity have received a total of six Isadora Duncan Dance awards and a Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for fallen, which went on to tour to over 40 cities in 9 countries. Curtis teaches Dance, Contact Improvisation, and Interdisciplinary Performance throughout the US and Europe and has been a visiting professor at UC Berkeley and the University of the Arts in Berlin. He holds an MFA in Choreography from UC Davis and is currently pursuing a PhD in Performance Studies there.

Precision Contact with Jess Curtis - Bristol Community Dance Centre - 25 Nov 12 10:00
2012-11-25 10:00 - 16:30 | Bristol Community Dance Centre, Jacobs Wells Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 1DX, United Kingdom
Precision Contact
Contact Improvisation is an improvisational dance form utilizing physical principles such as touch, momentum, gravity, friction, resistance, counterbalance, lifting and falling. Primarily practiced as a duet form, Contact trains the senses and reflexes to allow for nuanced communication through touch, and the playful interaction of weight and momentum in space. The dancers work at the speed of reflex, tuned to the speed of falling.[1]

This is a skills-based Contact Improvisation workshop for movers that want to increase the awareness and precision in their dance.

We will address and practice 1) sustaining a clear point or points of contact. 2) the modulation of speed and pressure, 3) control during inversion, supporting and riding, 4) sensitivity to the floor, 5) integration of multiple foci, and 6) extending the variety of qualities in your dancing and your ability to move easily and intentionally between them.
[1] Paraphrased from Steve Paxton.

To book:
Contact Jocasta Crofts: mobile: 07875 151582, email: jocasta@contactdance.co.uk
Payment of £35 for the day, to be made in advance.

* NB: this event follows a 5 day performance making intensive 'Perceptions, Presence, and Performance' held by Jess, in Bristol. The two events are separate. For information about the longer event, please check out http://www.jesscurtisgravity.org/pgs/calendar.html.

Jess Curtis

Jess Curtis has created a body of work ranging from the underground extremes of Mission District Warehouses with Contraband and CORE (1985-1998) to the formal refinement and exuberance of European State Theaters and Circus Tents with Compagnie Cahin-Caha and Jess Curtis/Gravity (1998-present). Often working within a paradigm of collaboration and co-authorship, he has also produced thoughtful and engaging work with a number of innovative artists including Maria Francesca Scaroni, Jörg Müller, Claire Cunningham and the FabrikCompanie in Potsdam, Germany. He has been commissioned to create works for companies such as Artblau in Germany, ContactArt in Milan, Italy, Blue Eyed Soul Dance Company in England, and Croi Glan Integrated Dance in Ireland. Recently awarded the prestigious 2011 Alpert Award in the Arts for choreography, Curtis and Gravity have received a total of six Isadora Duncan Dance awards and a Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for fallen, which went on to tour to over 40 cities in 9 countries. Curtis teaches Dance, Contact Improvisation, and Interdisciplinary Performance throughout the US and Europe and has been a visiting professor at UC Berkeley and the University of the Arts in Berlin. He holds an MFA in Choreography from UC Davis and is currently a Ph.D candidate in Performance Studies there, focusing on embodiment and performativity in movement-based performance. www.jesscurtisgravity.org

Sunday Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 25 Nov 12 17:30
2012-11-25 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £7.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
A few weeks ago I had the privilege of attending a week-long lab with internationally known teachers Joerg Hassman & Jaqui Wan, working on how to combine Contact Improvisation principles with Acroyoga. In this class I’d like to share an exercise where acro-base & flyer work with eyes closed and one or two active supporters to find ways to improvise freely with positions for taking weight that aren’t often used in CI. I’m interested to see how these possibilities can get taken into the jam afterwards.

Jenny Moy: What I love about Contact Improvisation is that there’s no syllabus, no standard way to learn, no qualified teachers. The lab format celebrates that – dancers coming together to share, experiment and review: all teachers, all learners. London currently has a weekly labbing group, exploring themes like mixing Contact with Authentic movement or Acroyoga. I’d like to make a link between the London lab and Bristol: sharing some of our ideas and exercises and taking back more questions and discoveries.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 25 Nov 12 18:45
2012-11-25 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

The Practice Group - - 26 Nov 12 09:45
2012-11-26 09:45 - 11:30

Mondays Contact Improvisation - Continuation - Wild Goose Space - 26 Nov 12 19:15
2012-11-26 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Sunday Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 2 Dec 12 17:30
2012-12-02 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £7.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
The introductory session will work from stillness through to an intuitive connection both in and out of contact. We will play with sensing another’s movement intention and responding once again, in and out of contact. The basis for this session will be the essence of playfulness of the muddy carpet (see biog, here).

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 2 Dec 12 18:45
2012-12-02 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

The Practice Group - - 3 Dec 12 09:45
2012-12-03 09:45 - 11:30

Mondays Contact Improvisation - Continuation - Wild Goose Space - 3 Dec 12 19:15
2012-12-03 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Sunday Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 9 Dec 12 17:30
2012-12-09 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £7.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Practicing fundamentals of Contact Improvisation concentrating on leaning and falling, using the skin as a landscape to dive into dancing with a partner and using the air and the floor to experiment with momentum and gravity.

Also exploring creative strategies for sourcing movement in improvisation. How to access ones own emotional landscape and imagination to support more expressive dancing?
This class is not exclusive to performers or centred on performance. However, with performance as my personal focus, I am interested in using some imagery and techniques from physical theatre and performance to find diverse physical qualities, densities and dynamics in the dancing.

Mary Pearson is a performance maker, dancer, teacher and organiser based in Liverpool, UK. In 2005 she co-founded Fool's Proof Theatre, with whom she has toured nationally internationally in the UK/USA with their devised work. She is currently touring her solo show called FAILURE and facilitating interdisciplinary improvisation workshops called FAILURE Lab.

Mary has guest taught CI, Improvisation, Choreography & Performance at Liverpool Hope and Liverpool John Moore’s Universities (2009-2011) and has facilitated at various artist exchanges in Europe/US including: Ponderosa /P.O.R.C.H 2011/12, E/merge interdisciplinary artist residency Earthdance 2011/12, and E.C.I.T.E 2011/10. She leads ongoing CI classes in Liverpool in association with Liverpool Improvisation Collective.

Mary earned her B.A. in English Literature & Studio Art from Oberlin College (USA) and studied physical theatre at Kiklos Teatro International School of Theatre Creation (Padua, Italy). She has trained extensively in dance and diverse movement forms since always - including ballet and modern dance, yoga, capoeira, and CI.

Mary Pearson, Nancy Stark Smith January Intensive, photo: Emily Bowman

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 9 Dec 12 18:45
2012-12-09 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

The Practice Group - - 10 Dec 12 09:45
2012-12-10 09:45 - 11:30

Mondays Contact Improvisation - Continuation - Wild Goose Space - 10 Dec 12 19:15
2012-12-10 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Sunday Warmup Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 16 Dec 12 17:30
2012-12-16 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £7.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Breathing from the Heart

Bringing awareness to our breathing , making contact to the area around our chest we will explore the movements that originates from this connection.

Exploring how breath can free the mobility of our arms and shoulders, we will expand the awareness to the whole body, finding how our weight can be supported by the contact with the ground and with other bodies, looking to connect in a dance generated by the rhythm of our hearts.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 16 Dec 12 18:45
2012-12-16 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

The Practice Group - - 17 Dec 12 09:45
2012-12-17 09:45 - 11:30

Mondays Contact Improvisation - Continuation - Wild Goose Space - 17 Dec 12 19:15
2012-12-17 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Embrace 2013 - The Kingswood Foundation - 30 Dec 12 11:00
2012-12-30 11:00 - 2013-01-01 18:00 | The Kingswood Foundation, The Kingswood Estate, 20 Old School House, Britannia road, Bristol, BS15 8DB, United Kingdom
Bristol’s 3 day CI New Year’s Celebration Jam
~ book now for early bird price, ends 21st December ~

Dates: Sunday 30th December 2012 – Tuesday 1st January 2013

Times: 30th Dec: 11am-10.30pm | 31st Dec: 11-1am | 1st Jan: 11-6pm*

Venue: The Kingswood Foundation

A celebratory event of contact improvisation to welcome in the New Year, co-created by the community who come, all welcome.

Event Highlights:

♥ Lots of lush Jam-time

♥ Live music to titillate the senses

♥ Class by Katy Dymoke

♥ Lead warm-ups to ease us in by Ali, Jocasta & K'Lo

♥ Silent spaces

♥ Children under 15 welcome for free**

♥ New Years eve shared Feast

♥ Space for attendees to create-your-own sessions

♥ Surprises…

Price: £40 early bird (before 21st December) then £50 (£45 concs) for the full event. Day rates are £20 for the 30th, £25 for the 31st and £15 for the 1st. Session rates available, contact organisers. (includes basic refreshments but not food and accommodation)

To book: email ny2012-13@contactdance.co.uk call Claire on 0777 373 8241

Please note:
♥ * Exact timings and format may change, check here or our facebook event for updates to the schedule
♥ ** Please let us know in advance if you plan to bring children and if you have ideas for sharing childcare over the event
♥ Please let us know in advance if you need, or can offer, accommodation
♥ To attend the Meditation please arrive at 9.50am latest
♥ To attend the Underscore you will need to know the score beforehand, there will be explanations held on the 30th & 31st for those that don't

Welcome Letter

Click here to download the welcome info

Closest train station is Lawrence Hill, but this is a very small one, from where you can get a bus to Two Mile Hill and walk. Closest main train station is Bristol Temple Meads.

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 6 Jan 13 17:30
2013-01-06 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
'Moving Furniture'
Working with support and structure, being the structure for each others extension.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 6 Jan 13 18:45
2013-01-06 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
This Jam will be preceded by a warm-up class. To attend both is just £8, to attend just one is £5.

A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at most jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact individual teachers.

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 13 Jan 13 17:30
2013-01-13 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
How does a monkey dance with a cat? How close can a an otter get to a lizard.By using animal metaphors for our dance we can explore relationships and perhaps even step out of our dance comfort zone.

We can also play with the animal kinosphere, how to move like a koala (homage to Janice Claxton), get grounded like a lizard, and roll like an otter.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 13 Jan 13 18:45
2013-01-13 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Mondays - Wild Goose Space - 14 Jan 13 19:15
2013-01-14 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is a dance of partnering and improvising using touch, physical/energetic connection, weight, space and breath. It can go from quietly meditative to the exuberantly acrobatic, from using little or light touch to sending weight through a partner's body to fly.

OPEN CLASSES
January 14 - Back to Basics
January 21 - Underdancing.
Cost : £10/£8

7 WEEK CI FUNDAMENTALS COURSE
Starts January 28th

These classes are open to those new to Contact Improvisation and dancers who want to improve their skills. All classes bring in elements of the fundamentals to CI and movement as we see them. Great for learning Contact but equally as valuable for dancers of any form.
Will also Include:
Exploration of our connection to the center.
Learning to use the breath as our guide and movement inspiration.
Taking time to inhabit our early developmental movement patterns to create an effortlessness in our moving.

Course Cost: no wage/student £56, waged £70, Booking essential.
Contact
Tel: 07966498596 Lee
email: embodiedpresence@gmail.com
www.embodiedpresence.co.uk.

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 20 Jan 13 17:30
2013-01-20 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
This spring we are introducing our Bristol CI Guidelines, currently in their first draft and open for feedback from the community. As part of this introduction teachers of the warm-up will be including aspects of the Guidelines in their class for us to explore together.

The Warmup

Working with our Community Guidelines - Awareness and Witnessing

ENJOYING THE DANCE IN ITS SIMPLICITY
Working with proximity and distance, find how rich the dance can become, from firstly meeting yourself then coming in and out of contact.
Using simple scores and 'open-hearted' witnessing.
Come with an open mind (and open heart!) and a willingness to meet each other by first meeting yourself. A dance of relationships.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 20 Jan 13 18:45
2013-01-20 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Mondays - Wild Goose Space - 21 Jan 13 19:15
2013-01-21 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 27 Jan 13 17:30
2013-01-27 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
This spring we are introducing our Bristol CI Guidelines, currently in their first draft and open for feedback from the community. As part of this introduction teachers of the warm-up will be including aspects of the Guidelines in their class for us to explore together.
The Warmup
Working with our community Guidelines - Feedback

Feedback from floor and partner: In this class we will address the issue of the feedback that we receive from our dancing partner, either the floor beneath our feet (or other parts), or our partner which is simply an extension of the floor.
We will learn to better listen to that feedback and also to give it more clearly, we will even play with verbal feedback during the dance and see how that changes it.
This class is great for beginners and also for more advanced Contact Improvisers

Please arrive early so we can start promptly at 5.30pm.

Tom Goldhand: is a performance artist in the field of Dance & Contact Improvisation. He studied Dance and Theatre Improvisation in Israel at “Hakvuza Beyafo” and “Play School for Improvisation”. His work is influenced by the teachings of Ohad Naharin (Gaga movement language), Julien Hamilton, Paulien de Groot, David Zambrano and Karl Frost, amongst others.

In the last few years Tom has been performing and giving workshops on the technique of Improvisation in Dance and Contact. In 2010 he moved to Amsterdam and co-founded with 5 other performance artists the group Mono Collective, who perform free and anchored Improvisation pieces as well as choreographed set pieces.

Tom gives weekly classes of Dance and Contact Improvisation in Amsterdam. “For me, Improvisation is a way of life and I try to take it out of the studio into everyday life. I believe that the core of man spirit comes from new experiences.”

“You cannot teach an old dog new tricks, but you don’t have to be an old dog”

For more information, go to www.tomgoldhand.com.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 27 Jan 13 18:45
2013-01-27 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Mondays - Wild Goose Space - 28 Jan 13 19:15
2013-01-28 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 3 Feb 13 17:30
2013-02-03 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
To come . . .

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 3 Feb 13 18:45
2013-02-03 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Lab Evening - Wild Goose Space - 4 Feb 13 19:15
2013-02-04 19:15 - 21:45 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom
Dear Dancer,

There will be a Contact Improv Lab space this Monday the 4th of Feb at the Wild Goose Space.

This is an open space where we work as peers to explore different ideas and techniques within Contact Improvisation. It is specifically for those who have some CI skills as it is not a taught class.
Proposed Subject is 'Upside Down'.
If there is anything else you are interested in working with bring ideas along and lets see where they take us.

Look forward to seeing you there
Lee x

Contact
Tel: 07966498596 Lee
email: embodiedpresence@gmail.com
www.embodiedpresence.co.uk.

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 10 Feb 13 17:30
2013-02-10 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Witnessing: We will explore aspects of Witnessing based on Authentic Movement practice: quality, presence, clarity and the notion of holding the space. How do we witness? How do witnesses affect movers? How do we make the transition from witnessing to moving and back?

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 10 Feb 13 18:45
2013-02-10 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 17 Feb 13 17:30
2013-02-17 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Boundaries (cont...) I'd like to go deeper into the exploration of boundaries as a continuation of my last boundary class. I'd like to see how we can activate our organs, muscles, bones, skin to deepen our connection to our innate knowing of our natural boundaries. What keeps us safe in space as we are moving fast. Jocasta

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 17 Feb 13 18:45
2013-02-17 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 24 Feb 13 17:30
2013-02-24 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
This weeks class is led by Kevin as Jenny Moy is unwell.

In this class we will be working with the Guidelines theme of Awareness and sensing where movement arises from.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 24 Feb 13 18:45
2013-02-24 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 3 Mar 13 17:30
2013-03-03 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Patterns and Habits
This session we will focus on Awareness, bringing our attention to the patterns and habits in our dancing. What patterns of movement do we habitually use? What assumptions do we make about how our partners will move? How can we disrupt these habits to give ourselves new possibilities and pathways in our dancing?

Noel Perkins
I originally trained and worked for many years as a sculptor before beginning to study dance and movement improvisation in 2002. At the time the change seemed quite natural as both were physical practices- sculpture was a kind of very slow dance and dance a form of fast sculpture. Contact Improvisation has been a core interest from the start and my practice has been shaped by many wonderful teachers including Janis Claxton, KirstieSimson, Keith Hennessy, Jess Curtis and many more. My work has evolved through a fascination with improvisation as a performance that creates itself moment by moment and alongside CI, Butoh and Action Theatre are strong influences.

In teaching Contact Improvisation I work with the principles of CI that I believe are essential to the form- listening, sensing, grounding, moving from centre and flow. I try to create environments where we can learn by doing to discover and integrate these as embodied principles in our dance. Whilst the palette of Contact "moves" is useful to learn I'm interested in balancing technique with the unique dance that emerges from deep sensing and listening and how we can use this to dance more fully, expansively and consciously.

I passionately believe in the transformative power of art and have worked extensively in the field of arts for health. I am an associate lecturer at the Peninsula Medical School Exeter and Plymouth where I teach Contact Improvisation and embodied creativity to medical students. I co-facilitate Dartington Contact Improvisation and independently teach CI, creative movement and improvisation.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 3 Mar 13 18:45
2013-03-03 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 10 Mar 13 17:30
2013-03-10 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Relating to the Bristol CI guidelines on 'Safety', specifically: "We encourage you to cultivate patient curiosity, and a soft and supple relationship with the floor."

This class will be a focused exploration of movement that flows from the skull down the spine, called 'Serpentine' (Steve Paxton/Nancy Stark Smith). Following subtle multidirectional circles and spirals using the weight of the skull and the movement impulses of the spine, the dance flows into and grows out of the floor with softness and ease. With partners we will explore some duet possibilities listening to the skull and spine to lead into fluid dancing with momentum.

Mary Pearson is an interdisciplinary performance maker, dancer, teacher and improviser based in Liverpool. In 2005 she co-founded Fool's Proof Theatre, which has toured nationally internationally in the UK/USA with their devised work. She teaches ongoing CI and performance classes in Liverpool in association with members of Liverpool Improvisation Collective (LIC).

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 10 Mar 13 18:45
2013-03-10 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 17 Mar 13 17:30
2013-03-17 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
What would it be/feel/look like if I was to join the dance? What would it be/feel/look like if I was to leave the dance?

Are you ready to get grounded and available, a fully present multi way communicator? Are you ready to focus on the “or more” part of statement describing CI as an improvised form of movement based on real time communication and point of physical contact between two people or more?

In today’s class together we are being guided to explore THE INCLUSIVENESS in Contact Improvisation. Through the popular formats of dance engagements like Tried and Truth, Round Robin and Grazing (Nancy Stark Smith) we will flow in and out of physical and sensory (fear, excitement) information we create with our bodies and we’ll continue exercise to listen to that what is already there in the “global dancing village”.

Children of all ages (0-70), dancers with physical challenges, dancers of non-contact improvisation forms and newcomers are welcome.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 17 Mar 13 18:45
2013-03-17 18:45 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Bristol National Jam 2013 - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 22 Mar 13 19:00
2013-03-22 19:00 - 2013-03-24 18:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
Dates: Friday 22nd March 2013 –Sunday 24th January 2013
Times: 22nd Mar: 7:30pm-10pm | 23rd Mar: 10am-10pm | 24th Mar: 10am-6pm*
Venue: St Michaels Parish Hall, Park Lane, Bristol.

A space to Dance, Learn, and Jam. All welcome.

Event highlights to include:

Lots of lush Jam-time
Saturday class with Lucia Walker
Sunday class with Rick Nodine
Live music
Space to relax
Friday Night Film jam
Children under 15 welcome for free

Price:

Full Event

£40 early bird (before 28th Febuary)
£55, (£50 concs) (after 28th Febuary)

Day Rate £30

(Includes basic refreshments but not food and accommodation)

Click here To book

For any further question or queries please contact Claire Coveney , Tel: 07773738241

* exact timings may change

Lucia Walker

has been practicing and teaching Contact Improvisation since 1986. She first encountered the form in workshops with Steve Paxton, Nancy Stark-Smith and Kirstie Simson. In 1987 Lucia qualified as a teacher of Alexander Technique and teaches the technique to individuals, groups and on teacher training programmes in England, Germany, US and Japan.

Lucia worked for many years with Jointwork Dance Group exploring improvised performance and continued this research with Telling Times International Theatre project. She also works on performance collaborations with other artists and dancers Attention, vitality and curiosity are central to her work as a teacher and a performer.

Rick Nodine

After completing a degree in biology, Rick Nodine went on to study contact improvisation with the pioneers of the form. He began a performing career in the early 90s, and In 2001, he became a member of staff at London Contemporary Dance School where he teaches composition and improvisation.

For the past 15 years Rick has collaborated with dancers, actors, musicians and designers to create improvised performances.

As a guest teacher Rick has been invited to teach in 10 countries and more than 30 cities and this year he has been selected as a Key Teacher to represent the UK in the international IDOCDE project, a Contemporary dance education documentation project.

Recent Choreography has been for The National Theatre, Glyndebourne Opera, Shift, Edge, Coventry University, Devon Youth Dance, LCDS and he is a 2013 Place Prize Finalist.

Class description: Rick’s warm-up articulates the soft athletics and multidirectional awareness of CI in solo movement. Taking responsibility of one’s own weight within one’s own dancing allows CI to be a meeting place for two aware bodies. Embracing opposites will be the theme for partner dances throughout the morning. Sets of opposed qualities, ideas or materials such as stillness and movement; Improvisation and set exercises; Pedestrian movement and virtuosic dancing will frame a range of explorations - from the slow and meditative to the vigorous and acrobatic.

SCHEDULE & WELCOME INFO
Click here to download a copy of the Schedule and the Welcome Letter

Contact Festival Dartington 2013 - The Performance Centre - 1 Apr 13 12:00
2013-04-01 12:00 - 2013-04-07 18:00 | The Performance Centre, University College Falmouth, Tremough Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9LX, United Kingdom
Contact Festival Dartington is in its third year as the UK’s only international festival of contact improvisation. In the spirit of the summer dance festivals organised by Steve Paxton and Mary Fulkerson at Dartington College of Arts in the 1980s, CFD formed to support the rigorous, delightful investigation and enquiry which is at the heart of contact improvisation.​

​​​​Contact Festival Dartington aims to:

support the development and appreciation of contact and improvisation practices
facilitate a collaborative learning environment in which principles of movement can be explored by practitioners of all levels of experience
promote research into the applications and implications of contact improvisation practice for different contexts including movement education, somatic studies, performance training, health and wellbeing, choreographic practice, medical research, social sciences, experiential learning and philosophy
encourage questioning of the impact and application of contact improvisation practice in different contexts through dialogues, presentations of research, performances and shared workshop experience

CFD is a small festival in which all participants are invited to join in a programme of workshops, jams, performances and dialogues which take place in the same studio space from early morning until late evening. No parallel sessions means that the activities of the week promote a shared language and research experience among all members of the group. ​

​Three international teachers are featured each year. Charlie Morrissey, a Dartington alumni and dance artist based in Brighton, UK, teaches a two-day intensive during each year of the festival and is joined in 2013 by Ezster Gal of Budapest, Hungary, Karen Nelson of Seattle, USA and Kayla Dougan Bowtell UK. In addition to Charlie Morrissey, teachers at past CFDs have included:

2012 Mirva Makinen (Finland), Lucia Walker (UK) and Kayla Dougan Bowtell (UK)

2011 Kathy Crick (UK) and Riccardo Meneghini (Italy/UK)

For more information: www.contactfestivaldartington.com

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 7 Apr 13 17:30
2013-04-07 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

BEING GROUNDED: Grounding is the definitively fundamental foundation skill of CI. In This class we'll be looking at what it is; what it isn't; how to experience it; how to share it and why it's so worth the effort. Please be punctual as that's a lot to manage in a short period of time.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 7 Apr 13 18:30
2013-04-07 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
This Jam will be preceded by a warm-up class. To attend both is just £8, to attend just one is £5.

A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation (beginners) - Bristol Community Dance Centre - 10 Apr 13 18:15
2013-04-10 18:15 - 19:15 | Bristol Community Dance Centre, Jacobs Wells Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 1DX, United Kingdom
With partners and in groups Contact is a shared dance experience. Technical exercises support exploration of the form. Sessions contrast wild energy with meditative stillness. Come along and revel in the unexpected and limitless dialogue of improvisation, both in silence and with music.

Contact Julia on 07986 961809 for more info.

Held in the 'South Studio at the Bristol Community Dance Centre

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 14 Apr 13 17:30
2013-04-14 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
I am the centre of my dance, From Here I meet you.

I have been venturing back into the dance arena after having eye surgery. I have been given the following restrictions by my doctor, do not pick up more than 15kg of weight and limited bending forward. To put it simply dance without strain, dance from my centre. So I have been exploring this territory and I invite you to this dance, one where you truly look after yourself and yet commit to the dance.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 14 Apr 13 18:30
2013-04-14 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation (beginners) - Bristol Community Dance Centre - 17 Apr 13 18:15
2013-04-17 18:15 - 19:15 | Bristol Community Dance Centre, Jacobs Wells Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 1DX, United Kingdom

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 21 Apr 13 17:30
2013-04-21 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

These Sunday sessions are run and taught by a community of contact dancers. Classes are open to all levels and generally led by a different teacher each week. If you are new to the form and want to find out more before you come, feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Soft power: In this class I want to look at fluidity and resistance. how can we use the strength of our structure while being released and fluid in our dance. I'd like to take some time to examine some different forms of structure and where and how we can use this information in the dance, how we can offer and take weight subletly, and how to redirect a strong invitations, challenging our habbitual patterns but let the dance flow.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 21 Apr 13 18:30
2013-04-21 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation (beginners) - Bristol Community Dance Centre - 24 Apr 13 18:15
2013-04-24 18:15 - 19:15 | Bristol Community Dance Centre, Jacobs Wells Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 1DX, United Kingdom

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 28 Apr 13 17:30
2013-04-28 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Following the point, traveling with the point, traveling towards the point
We will:

Warm various layers of our body up
Practice a couple of contact improvisation techniques around the point of contact
Explore a score ‘Destination, direction, obstacle, arrival’ into the jam where you can apply these techniques.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 28 Apr 13 18:30
2013-04-28 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation (beginners) - Bristol Community Dance Centre - 1 May 13 18:15
2013-05-01 18:15 - 19:15 | Bristol Community Dance Centre, Jacobs Wells Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 1DX, United Kingdom

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 5 May 13 17:30
2013-05-05 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Open/Closed/Edges: Following my own line of inquiry and curiosity around what more is possible when we acknowledge where we are in the dance I offer an exploration of our edges of opening and closing. Held by similar themes to Nancy Stark Smiths underscore and my own interest in how fascia responds to more than just physical stretching, my interest is around what is actually possible in physical range and connection.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 5 May 13 18:30
2013-05-05 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation (beginners) - Bristol Community Dance Centre - 8 May 13 18:15
2013-05-08 18:15 - 19:15 | Bristol Community Dance Centre, Jacobs Wells Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 1DX, United Kingdom

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 12 May 13 17:30
2013-05-12 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Breath & Flow

When I move from dancing by myself into contact with a partner, I often feel a disruption in my breathing pattern, sometimes holding my breath in anticipation. Using this experience as a starting point, I offer an exploration on breath and flow. We will focus on breath awareness, initiate movement from breath, lungs and heart, and use our breathing rhythms like music to dance to.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 12 May 13 18:30
2013-05-12 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation (beginners) - Bristol Community Dance Centre - 15 May 13 18:15
2013-05-15 18:15 - 19:15 | Bristol Community Dance Centre, Jacobs Wells Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 1DX, United Kingdom

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 19 May 13 17:30
2013-05-19 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Change in schedule! I will be taking this week's class and Rebecca will take next week (26th).
My class will be a playful exploration of Contact as a movement dialogue. Are we clear and articulate in our dancing? Is our physical communication clear or do we mumble incoherently. Do we listen and initiate in equal measure or "talk" incessantly? How long are our physical sentences? Is politeness over valued? Is clarity a good thing? Is not knowing an absence of wisdom? These questions and more in physical form, Noel

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 19 May 13 18:30
2013-05-19 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation (beginners) - Bristol Community Dance Centre - 22 May 13 18:15
2013-05-22 18:15 - 19:15 | Bristol Community Dance Centre, Jacobs Wells Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 1DX, United Kingdom

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 26 May 13 17:30
2013-05-26 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Exploring the point of contact
Going back to basics! In this warm up classes I will propose simple exercises to explore different ways to relate to the point of contact:
Moving towards, moving away,pushing, rolling, sliding, pivoting moving in and out of contact in order to find efficient interdependency with the ground and with other bodies. Rebecca

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 26 May 13 18:30
2013-05-26 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation (beginners) - Bristol Community Dance Centre - 29 May 13 18:15
2013-05-29 18:15 - 19:15 | Bristol Community Dance Centre, Jacobs Wells Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 1DX, United Kingdom

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 2 Jun 13 17:30
2013-06-02 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
In this class we will play with the notion of scaffolding and how our body structures itself in space to propose places of balance for each other and share off-balance. Slow motion, build ups and soft crashes governed by the law of gravity and flow will lead us into the dance.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 2 Jun 13 18:30
2013-06-02 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation (beginners) - Bristol Community Dance Centre - 5 Jun 13 18:15
2013-06-05 18:15 - 19:15 | Bristol Community Dance Centre, Jacobs Wells Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 1DX, United Kingdom

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 9 Jun 13 17:30
2013-06-09 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
In this class we will explore tone, and its effect on our movement, our partner, and how we can use it in our dance to be soft, heavy, or help create momentum.

NB. Hamilton House are having an open day, that afternoon, which includes some DMAC classes offering tasters to the public. This means there is a chance it will be busy in the building.
Please arrive early so we can start promptly at 5.30pm. DOORS WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 5.30-6.30PM SO AS NOT TO INTERRUPT THE CLASS

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 9 Jun 13 18:30
2013-06-09 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation (beginners) - Bristol Community Dance Centre - 12 Jun 13 18:15
2013-06-12 18:15 - 19:15 | Bristol Community Dance Centre, Jacobs Wells Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 1DX, United Kingdom

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 16 Jun 13 17:30
2013-06-16 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
The alchemy between the polarities

Imagine two polarities, feel into one of them, move it, become it, be moved by it, describe it and let it go. Then go to the other pole and do the same. Finally bring the two experiences together into the same space and see how they melt, fuse, react as a mix. This is at the heart of the dance between the polarities, dark and light, male and female, energy and conciousness. I’d like to explore what the fusion of two opposite energies create as a third energy in the middle; and then dance it.

Please arrive early so we can start promptly at 5.30pm. DOORS WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 5.30-6.30PM SO AS NOT TO INTERRUPT THE CLASS

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 16 Jun 13 18:30
2013-06-16 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation (beginners) - Bristol Community Dance Centre - 19 Jun 13 18:15
2013-06-19 18:15 - 19:15 | Bristol Community Dance Centre, Jacobs Wells Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 1DX, United Kingdom

Global Underscore 2013 - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 23 Jun 13 14:00
2013-06-23 14:00 - 18:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
PLEASE NOTE: doors close at 2.15pm, though arrive early for the explanation at 2pm if you are unfamiliar with the underscore. Please come prepared to stay for the whole time

Open to all - beginners welcome

The Global Underscore is a simultaneous practice of the Underscore around the world. The Underscore NYC group has continued the tradition that dancer Claire Filmon began in 2000 of creating and coordinating a global Underscore at the summer solstice.

Click here to see a map of participants across the globe.

The Global Underscore practice is a slightly modified Underscore. A special “small dance” stand happens during the “skinesphere” phase, in which each site faces the next site on the path of Underscores happening around the world. A closing small dance stand, facing the other direction, concludes the Global Underscore.

If you have never been at an Underscore before, be there by 2pm to hear the explanation. Doors close at 2.15pm and you undertake to stay for the whole event.

Please note: there will be no class and jam at the usual time on this day

Schedule

14:45 preambulation
14:50 opening 5 min global Small Dance, facing the next site to the east according to the map
17:55 closing global Small Dance, facing the next site to the west according to the map
18:00 closing

Please be prompt as no latecomers admitted.
What is an Underscore?
The Underscore is a framework for practicing and researching dance improvisation that Nancy Stark Smith has been developing since 1990 based on her work with Contact Improvisation. It is a long jamming/CI/improvisation score that guides dancers through a series of “changing states”—from solo relaxation and sensitizing to gravity and support, through group circulation and interaction, to contact improvisation engagements, then opening out to full group improvisation, and back to rest and reflection.

For more Information go to www.nancystarksmith.com/underscore
Global Underscore blog: www.globalunderscore.blogspot.co.uk

Contact Improvisation (beginners) - Bristol Community Dance Centre - 26 Jun 13 18:15
2013-06-26 18:15 - 19:15 | Bristol Community Dance Centre, Jacobs Wells Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 1DX, United Kingdom

Impulsive Melody Making - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 29 Jun 13 00:00
2013-06-29 00:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 30 Jun 13 17:30
2013-06-30 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
To come... (usually updated by the Wednesday or Thursday prior to the class, if not earlier, so please check back later)

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 30 Jun 13 18:30
2013-06-30 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 7 Jul 13 17:30
2013-07-07 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
We will begin solo, finding release and tone through the body, exploring levels and potential structures as we move and arrive into our bodies. Our partners will then create structures for us to explore, play and climb on - here we can experiment with weight giving, balance, dis-orientation, rolling, extending, release. Finally we can dance fluidly together, both partners offering structures and support for one another as we explore the limitless possibilites of the contact improvisation playground!

Suna studied performance and visual arts, and has subsequently trained with many dance practitioners including Helen Poyner, Miranda Tufnell, and Andrea Olsen. Her passion for contact improvisation has been informed by working with practitioners such as Nitta Little, Lucia Walker and Karen Nelson. In 2012 she undertook intensive training with Nancy Stark Smith and subsequently runs bi-weekly jams and workshops in Contact Improvisation in Hampshire. Suna teaches improvisation and site specific performance at The University of Winchester and is a self employed dance practitioner.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 7 Jul 13 18:30
2013-07-07 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sunday Warm-Up Class - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 14 Jul 13 17:30
2013-07-14 17:30 - 18:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Myriad Shades of Touch
This class will be about listening with your skin; speaking through your body; negotiating boundaries; differentiating qualities of touch; altering the „map of the body“; creating new meanings for touch, movement, gesture. To this end, we will refine our perception of inner space and body rhythms, as well as our outer sensory/spatial awareness. We will focus on working with the basic principles of contact improvisation. We’ll also look at ways of combining contact improvisation and bodywork.

Sunday CI Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 14 Jul 13 18:30
2013-07-14 18:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 8 Sep 13 17:30
2013-09-08 17:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
A fascia-nating dance: An Experiential journey into the connective tissue of the body. In this class we will go into some investigation of our fascia system. "A structure of connective tissue that surrounds muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, binding some structures together, while permitting others to slide smoothly over each other." ( wikipedia ) Through some hands on work, along with some visualisations we shall develop an awareness of how it is to move with these qualities as a contact dancer.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 15 Sep 13 17:30
2013-09-15 17:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Play
For me contact dance has always been a playground, not only a place to move and flow, but also a place to explore our physical selves and express ourselves in ways that most of our life doesn't encourage; expression through physicality, not for competitive purposes, just for the sheer joy of movement and freedom of expression! This warm up will be based around physical games, incorporating: mimicry, co-ordination, reflexes, and the senses. K'Lo
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Fundamentals with Saskia Chaplin - The Willow Studio - 18 Sep 13 19:00
2013-09-18 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
Date: Starts Wednesday 18th September
Time: 7pm - 9pm
Venue: The Willow Studio, St Werburghs Primary School
Cost: £50 for all or £10/£8 (conc) drop-in
Led by: Saskia Chaplin

Starting on Wednesday 18th September for 7 consecutive weeks. A weekly two-hour class exploring the basics of contact improvisation.

Contact Improvisation
CI is an improvised dance form that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

Some of the fundamentals we will explore in this course include; the rolling point of contact, weight exchange, basic lifts, leading & following, ways to say yes, no, and maybe, spirals, the small dance, safety, and more.

Practicals
This course is suitable for complete beginners and those wanting to revisit the fundamentals. It is ideal to attend the whole course, at a cost of just £50. However, drop-in is also possible at £10 per class (£8 concessions)

Each class will include a led warm-up at the start and warm-down at the end, a focus on CI fundamentals, and time for questions, discussion and feedback.

Please bring loose comfortable clothing, with a warm layer to start and end in, kneepads if you have them (I will bring a few pairs for sale, £10 per pair), and water (though there is access to tap water).

Contact
To book your place or find out more, email Saskia on saskia@contactdance.co.uk or phone 07904 121 646 (if phoning, please do so on or after the 15th September as I’m currently abroad)

Content
Week 1:
First contact – first finding our connection to the floor we will explore the use of push, roll, and slide in contact with the floor and our partners to make first contact in the dance

Week 2:
Follow the leader – using exercises to offer direction, leading and following our partners in space

Week 3:
Give and take – giving and taking weight, counterbalance, using weight, and exploring how to say yes/no through our bodies

Week 4:
Up – exploring some simple lifts, the table, hip lifts, etc, and finding movement with weight exchange

Week 5:
The Centre – moving from our centres, offering and taking lifts, leading and following from centre

Week 6:
Spiralling Softly – finding pathways from, to, and with, the floor and our partners

Week 7:
Bringing it all together – following our 7-week journey this class will revisit what we have learnt, combining it in a dance

* please note I may decide to change the format slightly as we work together as a group
*See you Dancing, Saskia *

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam * EARLY EDITION * - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 22 Sep 13 14:00
2013-09-22 14:00 - 17:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
We are trying out a series of monthly earlier Sunday class & jams to enable dancers with children to come, and bring their children too if they want. This is the first one!

Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 2-3pm followed by the jam 3-5pm. Children Welcome. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description - Suitable for All

Body Structures part 1. Taking Root (to Fly) [* part 2 next week... ]
In the class we will spend the majority of time “taking root” in the dance floor and only then we begin to explore ways of rising off the floor. We will use various imagery tools to arrive in the body in the solo work: body carthography, bone meditations and partner work: exploring landscapes. As the floor work continues we will engage in body round dances.
The class covers grounds of experiential anatomy, perception, proprioception and multidimensionality.
Agnieszka
Note: As this is an early class time slot we encourage children to join us and we embrace their presence in the dance space. We will use the following statements as a guideline for all of us moving together:

Suitable for All class – Vision Statements:
1. Parents/carers of younger ones are the co facilitators of the class. The teacher’s role is to flag up situations where it might be unsafe to proceed with movement.
2. Safety is a joint responsibility of all in the space. We are all aware of what is happening in us and around us.
3. For the younger ones we allocate a protected quiet base in the dance space, where non messy snacks, art materials and soft toys can be found.
4. When it gets to class to jam transition time it is solely down to parents/carers to take responsibility for the younger ones. We all continue to keep awareness of safety and the protected quiet base remains unchanged.

Please arrive early so we can start promptly at 2pm. DOORS WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 2-3PM SO AS NOT TO INTERRUPT THE CLASS

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Fundamentals with Saskia Chaplin - The Willow Studio - 25 Sep 13 19:00
2013-09-25 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 29 Sep 13 17:30
2013-09-29 17:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Body Structures part 2.
Modulation of Tone – and Center Work.
From exploring the skeletal structure of the dancing body last week, in this class we move down to deeper layers of our muscular system and its web of connective tissue (fascia).
We will be invited to start by finding and connecting to the center – the sphere of initiation of all movement, using one simple and potent practice. From there we will articulate different ways of tone modulation in partner work. We’ll examine the muscles -‐ flexible hinges that travel across the bones, able to extend and contract, lengthen and shorten, reach and retreat. From the place of “muscle meditations” with the awareness of the all -‐ connecting center we will arrive in focused duet dance engagements and practice some center to center work.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Fundamentals with Saskia Chaplin - The Willow Studio - 2 Oct 13 19:00
2013-10-02 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam * EARLY EDITION * - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 6 Oct 13 14:00
2013-10-06 14:00 - 17:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
We are trying out a series of monthly earlier Sunday class & jams to enable dancers with children to come, and bring their children too if they want.

Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 2-3pm followed by the jam 3-5pm. Children Welcome. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Interruption: keeping open and soft - class taken by Lisa and Poppy
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Fundamentals with Saskia Chaplin - The Willow Studio - 9 Oct 13 19:00
2013-10-09 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday UNDERSCORE - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 13 Oct 13 17:30
2013-10-13 17:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Time: 5.30-8.30pm (no late entry) Please come prepared to stay for the whole time
The Underscore
I am facilitating The Underscore this Sunday. It would be great to see some of you there, Kathleen

About the Underscore:
It is a long-form dance improvisation structure developed by Nancy Stark Smith. It has been evolving since 1990 and is practiced all over the globe.
The Underscore is a vehicle for incorporating Contact Improvisation into a broader arena of improvisational dance practice; for developing greater ease dancing in spherical space - lone and with others; and for integrating kinesthetic and compositional concerns while improvising. It allows for a full spectrum of energetic and physical expressions, embodying a range of forms and changing states. Its practice is familiar yet unpredictable.

The practice - usually 3 to 4 hours in length - progresses through a broad range of dynamic states, including long periods of very small, private, and quiet internal activity and other times of higher energy and interactive dancing.

There are 20+ phases of the score - each with a name and a graphic symbol.

This session runs through from 5.30pm till 8.30pm with no separation between class and jam.
If you are coming be prepared to be here for 3 hours without leaving it makes a big difference to the whole group.
I will talk through the score before we dance.
Please arrive by 5.20pm so we can start at 5.30pm

For more Information go to www.nancystarksmith.com/underscore

CI Fundamentals with Saskia Chaplin - The Willow Studio - 16 Oct 13 19:00
2013-10-16 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 20 Oct 13 17:30
2013-10-20 17:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
We're going to be using partner inquiry and blindfolds to deepen sensory awareness. This work can be profound and lovely in its own right as it promotes a sense of timeless engagement with the world of touch. It also deepens the somatic awareness required to make CI graceful, satisfying and safe. There should be something there for all levels of dancers and meditators. Tariq

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Fundamentals with Saskia Chaplin - The Willow Studio - 23 Oct 13 19:00
2013-10-23 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 27 Oct 13 17:30
2013-10-27 17:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
[This description is usually updated by the Wednesday/Thursday before the class and sent out in our regular mailouts, along with information about what musician is playing, if any, for the jam.]
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 3 Nov 13 17:30
2013-11-03 17:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
The Spaces in Between
When dancing in contact with each other our kine spheres merge, creating a relationship that supports our bodies moving in space where our individual structures organize themselves in a collaboration to defy gravity.
In this warm up class I would like to pay attention and explore the space 'in between' our bodies moving, developing and awareness of the contextual space around us as well as of our individual spaces and how these influence each other in the overall dance.We will explore this through exercises with voice and movement, allowing sound to be part of the dance.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Fundamentals with Saskia Chaplin - The Willow Studio - 6 Nov 13 19:00
2013-11-06 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
Date: Starts Wednesday 18th September*
Time: 7pm - 9pm
Venue: The Willow Studio, St Werburghs Primary School
Cost: £50 for all or £10/£8 (conc) drop-in
Led by: Saskia Chaplin

Starting on Wednesday 18th September for 7 consecutive weeks (*except for the 30th October when there will be no class, so last session is on the 6th November). A weekly two-hour class exploring the basics of contact improvisation.

Contact Improvisation
CI is an improvised dance form that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

Some of the fundamentals we will explore in this course include; the rolling point of contact, weight exchange, basic lifts, leading & following, ways to say yes, no, and maybe, spirals, the small dance, safety, and more.

Practicals
This course is suitable for complete beginners and those wanting to revisit the fundamentals. It is ideal to attend the whole course, at a cost of just £50. However, drop-in is also possible at £10 per class (£8 concessions)

Each class will include a led warm-up at the start and warm-down at the end, a focus on CI fundamentals, and time for questions, discussion and feedback.

Please bring loose comfortable clothing, with a warm layer to start and end in, kneepads if you have them (I will bring a few pairs for sale, £10 per pair), and water (though there is access to tap water).

Contact
To book your place or find out more, email Saskia on saskia@contactdance.co.uk or phone 07904 121 646 (if phoning, please do so on or after the 15th September as I’m currently abroad)

Content
Week 1:
First contact – first finding our connection to the floor we will explore the use of push, roll, and slide in contact with the floor and our partners to make first contact in the dance

Week 2:
Give and take – giving and taking weight, counterbalance, using weight, and exploring how to say yes/no through our bodies

Week 3:
Follow the leader – using exercises to offer direction, leading and following our partners in space

Week 4:
Up – the art of simple lifts (the table, hip lifts, etc), and finding movement with weight exchange

Week 5:
The Centre – moving from our centres, offering and taking lifts, leading and following from the centre

Week 6:
Spiraling Softly – finding pathways from, to, and with, the floor and our partners

Week 7:
Bringing it all together – following our 7-week journey this class will revisit what we have learnt, combining it in a dance

* please note I may decide to change the format slightly as we work together as a group
*See you Dancing, Saskia *

Martin Keogh in Bristol, 9-13th November - The Kingswood Foundation - 9 Nov 13 11:00
2013-11-09 11:00 - 2013-11-13 17:00 | The Kingswood Foundation, The Kingswood Estate, 20 Old School House, Britannia road, Bristol, BS15 8DB, United Kingdom
Hi all, we're excited to be inviting Martin Keogh to Bristol for a 5-day intensive from the 9-13th November. This is an advanced level training for those with a strong grasp of Contact Improvisation fundamentals.
Galactic Pelvis Global Awakening Tour
Join good company on the shores of Bristol for dancing and discovery. With somatic exercises, games, some sweat, and the unique physicality of the contact body we will savor and rock the boundaries of our dances.

In this five-day intensive we will investigate the relationship of our pelvic floor to the unpremeditated dance. Contact Improvisation reveals to us that instability leads to mobility … and great instability leads to exhilarating mobility.

We begin by decelerating our sense of time to enter the details of our pelvic bowl. From here we locate our ground to dance while in the act of falling. Surprising ourselves in flight and extended follow-through. And dance we will.

This is an advanced level training for those with a strong grasp of CI fundamentals.
Price
The cost of this 5-day intensive is £170 waged, £160 part-time/freelance, £150 unwaged. A deposit of £50 (or the full amount) is needed to confirm your place.

Price does not include food or lodging – for those participants traveling from afar, we hope to host you with local dancers. You could also try airbnb.co.uk as an alternative, and perhaps cheaper and nicer way, to find a B&B.

Cancellations and Refunds: The price includes a non-refundable registration fee of £10. Full payment to be made 2 weeks prior to the start of the event. Cancellations made with at least 2 weeks notice will receive full refund less registration fee. Cancellations made with at least 1 weeks notice will receive full refund less deposit amount. If you cancel with less than a weeks notice we will keep the full amount.
Contact
To book email: saskia@contactdance.co.uk, giving a brief outline of your CI experience, and stating if you need or can offer lifts and/or accommodation. You can also join the facebook event.
Timings

Saturday 11am - 6m (with a 1-hour lunch break)
Sunday 10am - 5pm (with a 1-hour lunch break) * Please note that Bristol's normal class & jam will happen from 5.30pm - 8.30pm, a group of us will probably travel from Kinsgwood Estate to Hamilton House for this
Monday 10am - 1pm HALF DAY
Tuesday 10am - 5pm (with a 1-hour lunch break)
Wednesday 10am - 5pm (with a 1-hour lunch break)

* timings may vary slightly
Venue

The Kingswood Estate, Studio 1

Martin Keogh

Martin Keogh has taught and performed contact improvisation for over three decades. For his contribution to the development of the form he is a Fulbright Senior Specialist and listed in Who's Who in the World. Martin spent time traveling to monasteries in Japan and Korea and was the director of the Empty Gate Zen Center in Berkeley before discovering the world of dance. He has co-facilitated teacher's conferences on five continents and is the author several books including: Hope Beneath Our Feet: Restoring Our Place in the Natural World.

Martin now rarely tours as he concentrates on his writing. He currently lives in San Miguel, Mexico where he is on the board of directors of El Charco del Ingenio. The Dalai Lama recently designated this conservation area a “Zone of Peace.” http://www.elcharco.org.mx/Ingles/index.html

More info at: www.martinkeogh.com

Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?Tell me, what is it you plan to dowith your one wild and precious life?(Mary Oliver)

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 10 Nov 13 17:30
2013-11-10 17:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

EXPLORING CENTER with Jamus Wood - Class 1 - The Willow Studio - 13 Nov 13 19:00
2013-11-13 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
EXPLORING CENTER with Jamus Wood
2 contact fundamentals classes, open to all.

Class 1: FINDING CENTER

In this class we will start from a soft fluid place, yielding our weight to the earth. Discovering how it feels to melt into the support of the floor. Letting go and finding ways to move from a softened body. In the first part of this class we will create 'the right conditions' to find and move from center. Letting go of our habitual need to get somewhere and opening our beginners mind to move from sensation.

In the latter stages of the class we will take this moving center and move through a series of contact exercises working close to the ground. Using our center to move us on and around our dance partner. And ending the class with some jam time.

I start my classes promptly so please arrive in good time so we can begin together.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam * EARLY EDITION * - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 17 Nov 13 14:00
2013-11-17 14:00 - 17:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
We are trying out a series of monthly earlier Sunday class & jams to enable dancers with children to come, and bring their children too if they want.

Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 2-3pm followed by the jam 3-5pm. Children Welcome. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
[This description is usually updated by the Wednesday/Thursday before the class and sent out in our regular mailouts, along with information about what musician is playing, if any, for the jam.]
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

EXPLORING CENTER with Jamus Wood - Class 2 - The Willow Studio - 20 Nov 13 19:00
2013-11-20 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
EXPLORING CENTER with Jamus Wood
2 contact fundamentals classes, open to all.

I start my classes promptly so please arrive in good time so we can begin together.

Class 2: HANDS, FEET AND CENTER

We will return to our sense of center from the previous weeks explorations. This time we will seek out a playful connection to our hands and feet. Discovering the vitality of pushing and pulling. Moving through space and occupying space.

We will return to exercises’ from the previous week and add detail. This time working in and out of the floor, to discover creativity, spontaneity and pleasure in our dancing, with time to dance at the end of the class.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 24 Nov 13 17:30
2013-11-24 17:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
“An exploration of contact and space”
Different ways we can invite and lead in the dance. Using Pressure and Breath, Inside and Outside
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Labbing Session - The Willow Studio - 27 Nov 13 19:00
2013-11-27 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
A co-created session of exploration around one or more aspects of contact improvisation. Topic may be pre-decided or worked out on the day.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 1 Dec 13 17:30
2013-12-01 17:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
We will spend time working with eyes closed, exploring sensory perception. We will also explore shared perception within our dance. We will experiment with spoken audio-description when witnessing and participating in the dance. I look forward to dancing with you - Holly

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Water Dancer - - 6 Dec 13 18:00
2013-12-06 18:00 - 2013-12-08 18:00
with Daniel Werner
When I float in water, my body remembers. What does it remember you might ask. It remembers what it is like to be held utterly. All my years of holding it together begin to relax, the muscles around my spine soften and expand, my spine starts to move in ways that it has not done since I was a 2 year old. Truly I have a snake spine, joyful early movement patterns and qualities, become available to me.

Together we will spend one full day in the warm water unfolding unwrapping opening. Dancing in water will open new dimensions and possibilities that the will guide and nourish our bodies. Then we will return to our dance on the land ground this new movement potential into our land dancing body.

Bookings

To Book your Place:

Or For More Information
Tel: 07966498596
email: embodiedpresence@gmail.com

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 8 Dec 13 17:30
2013-12-08 17:30 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5.30-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.45-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Pathways of supportBy tracking the pathways that run around our boney structure of the shoulder girdle and the pelvis, we can find new ways to give and receive support whilst we dance. I'd like also to explore the pathways that run through the crossing muscles groups in our trunk to link up with our shoulder girdle and pelvis. Finding the cross cross matrix of support that lives in our whole torso from our shoulders to our pelvis.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - EARLY EDITION - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 15 Dec 13 14:00
2013-12-15 14:00 - 17:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
We are trying out a series of monthly earlier Sunday class & jams to enable dancers with children to come, and bring their children too if they want.

Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 2-3pm followed by the jam 3-5pm. Children Welcome. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Flying Angels: Contact and Christmas
Focusing on the power of centering, we will begin by practicing flying angels in the ground, with the support of another and in the air, and celebrate the spirit of Christmas in our contact dancing. Beginning with some fundamentals of weight sharing and partnering we will work to build trust between us and develop full expansive dancing where we release the angels within. The class will be energetic, fun and suitable for all ages. You are invited to wear something sparkly and join us for a christmas drink and nibble after the jam.
Tamara Ashley's Bio:
Tamara's improvisation practice is focused on durational, site-specific, digital and environmental performance. She has undertaken several large-scale durational performances in landscapes and places, such as Performing the Pennine Way and The Garden, as well as working as a choreographer for theatre companies, community groups and youth dance programmes. She holds an MFA in Choreography for which she developed a series of stage works that explored the politics of social rituals in everyday situations. Her PhD investigated dance improvisation in the context of ecological activism and environmental change. She has enjoyed fruitful collaborations with other artists including Simone Kenyon, Lilly Picts, Tim Rubidge, Fiona Wright, and Nala Walla. Tamara has practiced improvisation in performance for over 15 years, taking inspiration from mentors and teachers such as Nancy Stark Smith, KJ Holmes, Andrew Harwood and Janis Claxton, and has performed at Earthdance, West Coast Contact Improvisation Jam, Contact Festival Dartington, NottDance, and at other venues nationally and internationally. Her work has also been informed by somatic practices, through her teacher training certifications in yoga and pilates, and performer training in body mind centering. She was previously the programme leader for BA(Hons) Choreography at Northumbria University. She is currently the artistic director of dancedigital and programme leader for the MA in Community Dance Leadership at the University of Bedfordshire.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 12 Jan 14 16:00
2014-01-12 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 4-5pm followed by the jam 5.15-7pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Hi, I'll be leading the warm up / class on Sunday. Last time I was in Bristol (and at the solstice jam) I was focussing on the 'chemistry' end of the contact spectrum. This time I'll explore more at the 'physics' end.
Specifically I want to look at the 'under-dance'; playing with balance, and how the two can combine. This can be a gentle approach to aerial dance for those who want to develop in that direction, or it can open up new possibilities for those who are tired of the old shoulder loop routine. I'm looking forward to seeing you there x Tariq

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 19 Jan 14 16:00
2014-01-19 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 4-5pm followed by the jam 5.15-7pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Movement Mandala
My proposition for this class is for us to explore such constellation of the dance form where:
Contact stands for Inner/Outer
Improvisation stands for In and Out of contact, in and out of time, in and out of structure
Dance stands for dance with the body that you have.

We simply begin in the center of self, from breath to movement to following whilst practicing being responsive to center of gravity shifts and point of contact constantly moving and changing. We’ll be invited to warm up in three planes of movement, practice three types of weight and three types of spaces. This will lead us to finally engage in the trio dance practice rooted in the authentic dance score.
Agnieszka Grenckowska

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Course with Alistair Edmunds - The Willow Studio - 22 Jan 14 19:00
2014-01-22 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
The Body Parts Series
A collection of contact improvisation classes exploring movement through different parts of the body
In this series we will use a variety of: body work, hands on investigations, somatic movement, limited scores, body puzzle and movement biased activities to develop a better understanding of fundamental CI-skills. We will look at: active listening, rolling, pushing, sliding, spirals, sharing weight, staying mobile, getting support form the floor, communication through touch and flying through the lens of specific body parts.
Open to all levels.
This will be a good foundation for beginners, as well as providing space for deeper investigation for more experienced movers. Classes can be attended individually, however there will be some progression in the material so it is recommended to complete the course ( 8 Weeks )
Bring your questions, curiosity welcome and encouraged.
Contact Alistair on 07805 762998 for further information.
First Class
Feet on the ground
In this first class of the series we will explore the feet and our connection to the earth, how to have a sense of the ground through the feet. We will look at some ways into and out of the floor, and the concept of pouring weight

Directions To the Studio: (map below)
From Better food in St Werburghs, continue along York St, over the small roundabout to James Street, Go past Stafford Road on the right, and you will see St Werburghs Primary School on the right, (before going under the railway bridge )
Turn into the School front car park, To get to the studio, go through the gate on the right and follow the path round to the back of the school, you will be able to get into the last door on the left, this will lead to the studio.
See you on the dance floor!
Ring me if you get lost : 07805762998.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 26 Jan 14 16:00
2014-01-26 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 4-5pm followed by the jam 5.15-7pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Being in the moment: Working with breath to find presence in our movement alone and in contact, using the floor and each other to give us feedback in a rolling moment of time... Lisa May Thomas

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Course with Alistair Edmunds - The Willow Studio - 29 Jan 14 19:00
2014-01-29 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
The Body Parts Series
A collection of contact improvisation classes exploring movement through different parts of the body

In this series we will use a variety of: body work, hands on investigations, somatic movement, limited scores, body puzzle and movement biased activities to develop a better understanding of fundamental CI-skills. We will look at: active listening, rolling, pushing, sliding, spirals, sharing weight, staying mobile, getting support form the floor, communication through touch and flying through the lens of specific body parts.

Open to all levels.

This will be a good foundation for beginners, as well as providing space for deeper investigation for more experienced movers. Classes can be attended individually, however there will be some progression in the material so it is recommended to complete the course ( 8 Weeks )

Bring your questions, curiosity welcome and encouraged.

Contact Alistair on 07805 762998 for further information.

Playful Legs

In this class we will spend some time looking at the role of the legs in the dance, we will spend some time releasing tension in the legs from the ankles right into the hip sockets, we will explore some configurations of how the legs can facilitate effortless spirals through the body which can help us move with weight and change levels easily.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 2 Feb 14 16:00
2014-02-02 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 4-5pm followed by the jam 5.15-7pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Moments and Momentum
In my dance, I find movement that flows and then there is a moment when everything becomes still. In these moments there is a three dimensional sense of myself and everything around me. I would like to visit this place in our time together. We will begin with the floor and work our way out of the floor into playing with momentum, falls and small flights of fancy. See you there.
Jamus Wood

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Course with Alistair Edmunds - The Willow Studio - 5 Feb 14 19:00
2014-02-05 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
The Body Parts Series
A collection of contact improvisation classes exploring movement through different parts of the body

In this series we will use a variety of: body work, hands on investigations, somatic movement, limited scores, body puzzle and movement biased activities to develop a better understanding of fundamental CI-skills. We will look at: active listening, rolling, pushing, sliding, spirals, sharing weight, staying mobile, getting support form the floor, communication through touch and flying through the lens of specific body parts.

Open to all levels.

This will be a good foundation for beginners, as well as providing space for deeper investigation for more experienced movers. Classes can be attended individually, however there will be some progression in the material so it is recommended to complete the course ( 8 Weeks )

Bring your questions, curiosity welcome and encouraged.

Contact Alistair on 07805 762998 for further information.

Curious pelvis

Spending some time with the centre of the body, we will explore how a subtle control of the pelvis and centre can increase our ability to respond to impulses and input to move. We will explore connectivity in the dance and see how this centre to centre connection helps flow and fluidity.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 9 Feb 14 16:00
2014-02-09 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 4-5pm followed by the jam 5.15-7pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
I will be leading the class this week. During the class we will explore our shared perception within our dance. Working with eyes closed; we will begin to listen to and describe our dance. This workshop will be acessible to people with a visual impairment. If you would like to discuss any access requirements that you may have, prior to the class please email me.
Holly Thomas
holly.bristol@btinternet.com

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Course with Alistair Edmunds - The Willow Studio - 12 Feb 14 19:00
2014-02-12 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
The Body Parts Series
A collection of contact improvisation classes exploring movement through different parts of the body

In this series we will use a variety of: body work, hands on investigations, somatic movement, limited scores, body puzzle and movement biased activities to develop a better understanding of fundamental CI-skills. We will look at: active listening, rolling, pushing, sliding, spirals, sharing weight, staying mobile, getting support form the floor, communication through touch and flying through the lens of specific body parts.

Open to all levels.

This will be a good foundation for beginners, as well as providing space for deeper investigation for more experienced movers. Classes can be attended individually, however there will be some progression in the material so it is recommended to complete the course ( 8 Weeks )

Bring your questions, curiosity welcome and encouraged.

Contact Alistair on 07805 762998 for further information.

Articulating the Spine

Through a series of hands on exploration, body work, body puzzles, and movement scores we will explore how to combine soft suppleness of the spine with inner strength and support for taking weight. Connecting the whole of the upper body a supple spine can open a wealth of options in the dance, we will explore some ways to release tension in the spine and look at the role of the spine in some lifts.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 16 Feb 14 16:00
2014-02-16 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 4-5pm followed by the jam 5.15-7pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Spiralling Support: In this warm up class we will explore spiralling motion to find soft pathways, meet, greet and leave the floor and our partners.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Course with Alistair Edmunds - The Willow Studio - 19 Feb 14 19:00
2014-02-19 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
The Body Parts Series
A collection of contact improvisation classes exploring movement through different parts of the body

In this series we will use a variety of: body work, hands on investigations, somatic movement, limited scores, body puzzle and movement biased activities to develop a better understanding of fundamental CI-skills. We will look at: active listening, rolling, pushing, sliding, spirals, sharing weight, staying mobile, getting support form the floor, communication through touch and flying through the lens of specific body parts.

Open to all levels.

This will be a good foundation for beginners, as well as providing space for deeper investigation for more experienced movers. Classes can be attended individually, however there will be some progression in the material so it is recommended to complete the course ( 8 Weeks )

Bring your questions, curiosity welcome and encouraged.

Contact Alistair on 07805 762998 for further information.

Pathways of the hart

This class will look at the area round the heart, the shoulder girdle and the ribcage, sometimes referred to as our high centre. We will trace the pathways around this area of the body, freeing up movement in the shoulders and down the arms. we can also look at getting and offering support using hooks and fluid transitioning pathways of weight.

UNDERSCORE - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 23 Feb 14 16:00
2014-02-23 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
This format is different to our regular Sunday class and jam. You will be expected to stay for the whole 3 hours and to arrive on time, 4pm.
What is an Underscore?
The Underscore is a framework for practicing and researching dance improvisation that Nancy Stark Smith has been developing since 1990 based on her work with Contact Improvisation. It is a long jamming/CI/improvisation score that guides dancers through a series of “changing states”—from solo relaxation and sensitizing to gravity and support, through group circulation and interaction, to contact improvisation engagements, then opening out to full group improvisation, and back to rest and reflection.

For more Information go to www.nancystarksmith.com/underscore

CI Course with Alistair Edmunds - The Willow Studio - 26 Feb 14 19:00
2014-02-26 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
The Body Parts Series
A collection of contact improvisation classes exploring movement through different parts of the body

In this series we will use a variety of: body work, hands on investigations, somatic movement, limited scores, body puzzle and movement biased activities to develop a better understanding of fundamental CI-skills. We will look at: active listening, rolling, pushing, sliding, spirals, sharing weight, staying mobile, getting support form the floor, communication through touch and flying through the lens of specific body parts.

Open to all levels.

This will be a good foundation for beginners, as well as providing space for deeper investigation for more experienced movers. Classes can be attended individually, however there will be some progression in the material so it is recommended to complete the course ( 8 Weeks )

Bring your questions, curiosity welcome and encouraged.

Contact Alistair on 07805 762998 for further information.

The art of hugging

… and other arm related material. we will have a detailed look at how the arms feed into the dance. Both as a way in and as a way to get space. We will also spend some time on the concepts of leading and following, the options we have in accepting and going with, or resisting and opposing what opportunities these decision present.

London National Jam - Siobhan Davies Studio - 28 Feb 14 18:00
2014-02-28 18:00 - 2014-03-02 20:00 | Siobhan Davies Studio, 85 St George's Road, London, SE1 6ER, United Kingdom
WEEKEND NATIONAL CONTACT IMPROVISATION JAM
AT SIOBHAN DAVIES STUDIOS
Saturday 1st March (11.00–21.00) & Sunday 2nd March (11.00-20.00)

Plus a Friday evening jam at Chisenhale Dance Space (18.00-21.00) to welcome our Parisian guests

Back by popular demand, a weekend devoted to dance and creative connection, open to all interested in Contact Improvisation. Come and join us for an evening and two full days of dancing. There will be warm up classes (with Thomas Kampe and others TBC). There will be live music with Gianfranco Biasiol and David Leahy. We will dance an Underscore on Sunday afternoon. Please bring food to share. Beginners are more than welcome.

Further details of the programme coming soon....

Siobhan Davies Studios, 85 St George's Road, London, SE1 6ER, http://www.siobhandavies.com/visit/

Chisenhale Dance Space, 64 - 84 Chisenhale Road, London, E3 5QZ, http://www.chisenhaledancespace.co.uk/about/visit

COST:

£35/£25conc JAM & FRIDAY
£30/£20conc WEEKEND (SAT & SUN) TICKET
£15/£10conc DAY TICKET
£7/£5conc FRIDAY JAM ONLY

To book a place or for more info please contact: robert@contactimprovisation.co.uk, +44 (0)7814 790 757

Accommodation help available for dancers from out of town.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 2 Mar 14 16:00
2014-03-02 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 4-5pm followed by the jam 5.15-7pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
{Class description usually updated here on the Wednesday or Thursday before the class - it is also send out weekly via our mailing list}

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Course with Alistair Edmunds - The Willow Studio - 5 Mar 14 19:00
2014-03-05 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
The Body Parts Series
A collection of contact improvisation classes exploring movement through different parts of the body

In this series we will use a variety of: body work, hands on investigations, somatic movement, limited scores, body puzzle and movement biased activities to develop a better understanding of fundamental CI-skills. We will look at: active listening, rolling, pushing, sliding, spirals, sharing weight, staying mobile, getting support form the floor, communication through touch and flying through the lens of specific body parts.

Open to all levels.

This will be a good foundation for beginners, as well as providing space for deeper investigation for more experienced movers. Classes can be attended individually, however there will be some progression in the material so it is recommended to complete the course ( 8 Weeks )

Bring your questions, curiosity welcome and encouraged.

Contact Alistair on 07805 762998 for further information.

Free you mind and you ass will follow

We will take some time to go deep into bodywork to release the neck and allow the head to initiate movement. This process can be extremely helpful in opening up new possibilities in the dance, helping us break some of our patterns

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 9 Mar 14 16:00
2014-03-09 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 4-5pm followed by the jam 5.15-7pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
… its behind you !
In this warm up class we will spend some time awakening the back body. Bringing some awareness to the lesser seen part of the body. After warming up the back, we will look at moving into and falling into the back space as well as how to go there safely.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Course with Alistair Edmunds - The Willow Studio - 12 Mar 14 19:00
2014-03-12 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
The Body Parts Series
A collection of contact improvisation classes exploring movement through different parts of the body

In this series we will use a variety of: body work, hands on investigations, somatic movement, limited scores, body puzzle and movement biased activities to develop a better understanding of fundamental CI-skills. We will look at: active listening, rolling, pushing, sliding, spirals, sharing weight, staying mobile, getting support form the floor, communication through touch and flying through the lens of specific body parts.

Open to all levels.

This will be a good foundation for beginners, as well as providing space for deeper investigation for more experienced movers. Classes can be attended individually, however there will be some progression in the material so it is recommended to complete the course ( 8 Weeks )

Bring your questions, curiosity welcome and encouraged.

Contact Alistair on 07805 762998 for further information.

Making jam

Throughout this course, I want to offer a number of useful skills for jamming, In this last class we will really draw out the usefulness of those skills in the context of a jam. Leaving you free to further explore and develop you contact improvisation skills, so you can continue to explore your investigations and to follow your curiosity whilst evolving your dance.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 16 Mar 14 16:00
2014-03-16 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 4-5pm followed by the jam 5.15-7pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Upside Down Together
In this class we will look at ways of using each others support to travel through headstand and handstand positions. This is good for people who are frightened of handstands, or headstands, well versed or anywhere else in between. You can also do the class with whatever energy you have soft and squidgy or springy and bouncy!
It follows on well from the backspace class as we use a lot of back space in the exercises

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Labbing Session - The Willow Studio - 19 Mar 14 19:00
2014-03-19 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
A co-created session of exploration around one or more aspects of contact improvisation. Topic may be pre-decided or worked out on the day. All welcome.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 23 Mar 14 16:00
2014-03-23 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

CI Course with Saskia Chaplin - The Willow Studio - 26 Mar 14 19:00
2014-03-26 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
States of Being and Becoming
Explorations in Contact Improvisation - increasing our vocabulary of movement possibilities
8 week course. Open to all levels. Drop in welcome.

Date: Starts Wednesday 26th March - ends Wednesday 14th May 2014
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Venue: The Willow Studio, St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol BS2 9US
Cost: £10 (£8 conc) drop-in. £60 for the course (2 classes free)

Contact Improvisation opens a door to a world of fun, creative expression, joy in movement, and awareness. To get the most out of it, having a healthy mix of technique alongside an openness and ability to improvise really helps.

The aim of this course is to find ways in to the dance by connecting to where we are in the moment and offering explorations of other states; through improvisational scores, imagery, and bodywork. Weaving in exercises of CI fundamentals to embody the techniques of the form.

Areas we will cover include; connecting to ourselves, the floor and our partners, attuning our listening, exploring movement patterns and pathways, working with restrictions, finding disorientation, finding ease and flow. There will also be time for discussion and open dancing.

There will be a progression of material, so attending the whole course is recommended, but drop in is also welcome.

Class 1: 26th March - A 3-part journey of listening; moving from your internal landscape of feeling and sensation, into aware contact through touch with others, then outwards into a wider sense of the space, as we dance in and out of contact.
Class 2: 2nd April - Working with ease and flow and exploring the awkward.
Class 3: 9th April - Massaging into Movement: we will use bodywork to bring awareness and movement from our skin, muscles and bones.
Class 4: 16th April - Evolution in movement: exploring natures pathways and our animal bodies.
Class 5: 23rd April - Nature in Movement
Class 6: 30th April - Covered by Lisa May Thomas Piloting - working with eyes closed/blindfolds
Class 7: 7th May - Orientation & Disorientation
Class 8: 14th May -

Practicalities
Bring yourself as you are, loose comfortable clothing, kneepads if you have them, a curiosity to explore and an openness to be inspired from new ways in. It also helps to have a notebook to support your learning.

Contact
To book your place or find out more, email Saskia on saskia@contactdance.co.uk or phone 07904 121 646.

Contact Festival Dartington 2014 - Performance Centre - 30 Mar 14 14:30
2014-03-30 14:30 - 2014-04-06 17:30 | Performance Centre, Falmouth University, Falmouth, United Kingdom
Dear performers and improvisers, You are warmly invited to attend Contact Festival Dartington 2014, taking place this spring break 30 March – 6 April in The Performance Centre at Falmouth University and featuring internationally recognised teachers of improvisation Ray Chung (San Francisco, USA), Charlie Morrissey (Brighton, UK), and Eszter Gal (Budapest, Hungary). The week will include a series of workshops in contact improvisation, morning vinyasa yoga with Kayla Dougan Bowtell (UK) , evening jamming and performances by teachers and participants, as well as a half-day conference of research presentations. The unique format of Contact Festival Dartington with no parallel sessions mean that teachers and students follow a shared journey of research throughout the week. More information is available attached and at www.contactfestivaldartington.com Registration is now open; we look forward to welcoming you to The Performance Centre in March and April. All the best, Malaika & Richard Sarco-Thomas, co-organisers of Contact Festival Dartington 2014 www.contactfestivaldartington.com

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 30 Mar 14 16:00
2014-03-30 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 4-5pm followed by the jam 5.15-7pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Opening the Chest

Weaving Pilates, somatic exploration and pair work we will focus on movement in shoulder girdle and thoracic spine to help us reach upwards, outwards and beyond. I am currently completing my Pilates teacher training at the Scott Studio, and this class is part of my research on how to teach Pilates in the context of dance improvisation.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Course with Saskia Chaplin - The Willow Studio - 2 Apr 14 19:00
2014-04-02 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
States of Being and Becoming
Explorations in Contact Improvisation - increasing our vocabulary of movement possibilities
8 week course. Open to all levels. Drop in welcome.

Date: Starts Wednesday 26th March - ends Wednesday 14th May 2014
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Venue: The Willow Studio, St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol BS2 9US
Cost: £10 (£8 conc) drop-in. £60 for the course (2 classes free)

Contact Improvisation opens a door to a world of fun, creative expression, joy in movement, and awareness. To get the most out of it, having a healthy mix of technique alongside an openness and ability to improvise really helps.

The aim of this course is to find ways in to the dance by connecting to where we are in the moment and offering explorations of other states; through improvisational scores, imagery, and bodywork. Weaving in exercises of CI fundamentals to embody the techniques of the form.

Areas we will cover include; connecting to ourselves, the floor and our partners, attuning our listening, exploring movement patterns and pathways, working with restrictions, finding disorientation, finding ease and flow. There will also be time for discussion and open dancing.

There will be a progression of material, so attending the whole course is recommended, but drop in is also welcome.

Class 1: A 3-part journey of listening; moving from your internal landscape of feeling and sensation, into aware contact through touch with others, then outwards into a wider sense of the space, as we dance in and out of contact.

Class 2: Working with ease and flow, and exploring the awkward.

Practicalities
Bring yourself as you are, loose comfortable clothing, kneepads if you have them, a curiosity to explore and an openness to be inspired from new ways in. It also helps to have a notebook to support your learning.

Contact
To book your place or find out more, email Saskia on saskia@contactdance.co.uk or phone 07904 121 646.

CI Course with Saskia Chaplin - The Willow Studio - 2 Apr 14 19:00
2014-04-02 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 6 Apr 14 16:00
2014-04-06 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 4-5pm followed by the jam 5.15-7pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Choices: Exploring the delicate relationship of our head balancing on top of our spine we will begin with some gentle bodywork into movement. We will then play with making choices in the dance. Choosing to respond or not so that we can notice more closely our reactions, exploring new possibilities of playful choice within the dance.

Claire Coveney

I have always danced and feel a real need in me to move. I have also always been really inquisitive about others movement and the way I can feel drawn to the way someone moves.

I completed a degree in Dance with Biology in 1994 from Roehampton Institute and danced mainly contemporary techniques until discovering contact improvisation around 2004 but at the time didn’t really realise that was what this form was. At the time I was training as an Alexander Technique teacher and found that I really enjoyed exploring Alexanders ideas through a more improvised form. I have been teaching the Alexander Technique since 2005 and love exploring this work every time I dance and enjoy how the dance can be both fun and a way of learning more about myself.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Course with Saskia Chaplin - The Willow Studio - 9 Apr 14 19:00
2014-04-09 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
States of Being and Becoming
Explorations in Contact Improvisation - increasing our vocabulary of movement possibilities
8 week course. Open to all levels. Drop in welcome.

Date: Starts Wednesday 26th March - ends Wednesday 14th May 2014
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Venue: The Willow Studio, St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol BS2 9US
Cost: £10 (£8 conc) drop-in. £60 for the course (2 classes free)

Contact Improvisation opens a door to a world of fun, creative expression, joy in movement, and awareness. To get the most out of it, having a healthy mix of technique alongside an openness and ability to improvise really helps.

The aim of this course is to find ways in to the dance by connecting to where we are in the moment and offering explorations of other states; through improvisational scores, imagery, and bodywork. Weaving in exercises of CI fundamentals to embody the techniques of the form.

Areas we will cover include; connecting to ourselves, the floor and our partners, attuning our listening, exploring movement patterns and pathways, working with restrictions, finding disorientation, finding ease and flow. There will also be time for discussion and open dancing.

There will be a progression of material, so attending the whole course is recommended, but drop in is also welcome.

Class 3: Massaging into Movement: we will use bodywork to bring awareness and movement from our skin, muscles and bones.

Practicalities
Bring yourself as you are, loose comfortable clothing, kneepads if you have them, a curiosity to explore and an openness to be inspired from new ways in. It also helps to have a notebook to support your learning.

Contact
To book your place or find out more, email Saskia on saskia@contactdance.co.uk or phone 07904 121 646.

CI Course with Saskia Chaplin - The Willow Studio - 9 Apr 14 19:00
2014-04-09 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 13 Apr 14 16:00
2014-04-13 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 4-5pm followed by the jam 5.15-7pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
How many hands have you got?
Cultivating embodied presence for the dance. Suitable for all levels.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Course with Saskia Chaplin - The Willow Studio - 16 Apr 14 19:00
2014-04-16 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 20 Apr 14 16:00
2014-04-20 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 4-5pm followed by the jam 5.15-7pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
{Class description usually updated here on the Wednesday or Thursday before the class – it is also send out weekly via our mailing list}

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Course with Saskia Chaplin - The Willow Studio - 23 Apr 14 19:00
2014-04-23 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 27 Apr 14 16:00
2014-04-27 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

CI Course with Saskia Chaplin - The Willow Studio - 30 Apr 14 19:00
2014-04-30 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol National Jam 2014 & Contact In Water Workshop - Bristol Community Dance Centre - 2 May 14 19:00
2014-05-02 19:00 - 2014-05-05 18:00 | Bristol Community Dance Centre, Jacobs Wells Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 1DX, United Kingdom
Dates: Friday 2nd May 2014 –Monday 5th May 2014
Times: 2nd May: 7:30pm-10pm | 3rd May: 10am-10pm | 4th May: 10am-10pm | 5th May: 10am - 6pm *
Venue: Bristol community dance centre, Jacob wells road.

Offering 3 days of Contact Improvisation jamming, embracing all levels and inviting inquiring body minds.

Its also possible to come to any part of the event, single days, or parts of a day, please see the schedule attached at the bottom of the page.

We are excited to welcome two guest teachers from Switzerland, Adrian Russi and Manuela Blanchard Russi who will be leading morning classes. There will also be various jam formats, facilitated and not, music scores form talented local musicians and open lab invitations from local teachers.

Manuela will also be offering an optional full day of Contact Improvisation in Water on Monday 5th May in a heated pool situated on the grounds of Bristol’s Leigh Woods.

Short Video from Manuela
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVvDsB9gMdI

Price:

Full Event

£60 early bird (before 31th March) - Jam only
£70 (after 31th March) - Jam only
£15 Single Class (see schedule attached )
£8 Single Jam ( see schedule attached )

( water day fully booked !)

(Includes basic refreshments but not food and accommodation)

Click here To book

For any further question or queries please contact Claire Coveney , Tel: 07773738241

* exact timings may change

Adrian Russi

For more than twenty years Adrian has been deeply involved in the exploration of the body and many things more that go beyond but stay connected with the physical basis. Beside the dance he has studied martial art (Wu Chi, Tai Chi, Escrima, Kung Fu), bodywork and energy work. Starting with Contact Improvisation in 1992 , New Dance and Open Improvisation joined short time later. And since then dance has kept him - "it influences and inspires my life to a high degree". After finishing his studies in New Dance at “bewegungs-art” in Freiburg / Germany Adrian started teaching Contact Improvisation and New Dance and initiated “Arte Schoki”, a company working with open improvisation on stage, and this became the basis of further performance work. Formation went on continuously in different ways (workshops, festivals, laboratories) and with various teachers, among them Steve Paxton and Nancy Stark Smith who have started to develop CI in the early seventies with a group of other movers. A big influence also came from Lilo Stahl, Andrew Harwood and David Zambrano. Besides the dance Adrain studied Craniosacral Bodywork what has been very important for my understanding of the subtle connections within the body.

Manuela Blanchard Russi (originally a sociologist/ethnologist from french speaking Switzerland)

Has taught contact improvisation and new dance for the past 10 years after having trained intensively and performed in dance, physical theatre, clown and synchronised swimming for the past 25 years. Discovering improvised dance touched a very profound core in her, and led her to meet great teachers (such as Steve Paxton, Nancy Stark Smith, Kirstie Simson, Martin Keogh und Andrew Harwood) and to continue to explore the form with others. Manuela is also a water body therapist, certified in WATSU® & Water Dance®, and trained in Healing Dance®. Her love for contact improvisation and aquatic bodywork has brought her to develop "Contact Dance in Water" in 2007, as an integration of her different passions. She is been teaching CI in water, in nature and even on the dance floor ;-) in several contact festivals abroad (Israel water & CI festivals, Moscow, CMC Göttingen, Cadaquès, Grenoble, Fuerteventura, Ibiza, Crete, Tokyo, Freiburg, Thailand). She is also Esalen Massage practitionner (Californian bodywork).

For more information on the schedule and welcome info, please see the attachments below.
Schedule 2014
welcome info NJ 2014

CI Course with Saskia Chaplin - The Willow Studio - 7 May 14 19:00
2014-05-07 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
States of Being and Becoming
Explorations in Contact Improvisation - increasing our vocabulary of movement possibilities
8 week course. Open to all levels. Drop in welcome.

Date: Starts Wednesday 26th March - ends Wednesday 14th May 2014
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Venue: The Willow Studio, St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol BS2 9US
Cost: £10 (£8 conc) drop-in. £60 for the course (2 classes free)

Contact Improvisation opens a door to a world of fun, creative expression, joy in movement, and awareness. To get the most out of it, having a healthy mix of technique alongside an openness and ability to improvise really helps.

The aim of this course is to find ways in to the dance by connecting to where we are in the moment and offering explorations of other states; through improvisational scores, imagery, and bodywork. Weaving in exercises of CI fundamentals to embody the techniques of the form.

Areas we will cover include; connecting to ourselves, the floor and our partners, attuning our listening, exploring movement patterns and pathways, working with restrictions, finding disorientation, finding ease and flow. There will also be time for discussion and open dancing.

There will be a progression of material, so attending the whole course is recommended, but drop in is also welcome.

Class 1: 26th March - A 3-part journey of listening; moving from your internal landscape of feeling and sensation, into aware contact through touch with others, then outwards into a wider sense of the space, as we dance in and out of contact.
Class 2: 2nd April - Working with ease and flow and exploring the awkward.
Class 3: 9th April - Massaging into Movement: we will use bodywork to bring awareness and movement from our skin, muscles and bones.
Class 4: 16th April - Evolution in movement: exploring natures pathways and our animal bodies.
Class 5: 23rd April - Nature in Movement
Class 6: 30th April - Covered by Lisa May Thomas Piloting - working with eyes closed/blindfolds
Class 7: 7th May - Orientation & Disorientation: opening up our back spaces to find our upside down, downside up, and round-a-bout!
Class 8: 14th May -

Practicalities
Bring yourself as you are, loose comfortable clothing, kneepads if you have them, a curiosity to explore and an openness to be inspired from new ways in. It also helps to have a notebook to support your learning.

Contact
To book your place or find out more, email Saskia on saskia@contactdance.co.uk or phone 07904 121 646.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 11 May 14 16:00
2014-05-11 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 4-5pm followed by the jam 5.15-7pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
During this session we will explore tactile mapping, listening with touch, spoken description and the breath as tools to enable us to establish and maintain a dialogue with our partner in the dance. Holly Thomas

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Course with Saskia Chaplin - The Willow Studio - 14 May 14 19:00
2014-05-14 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
States of Being and Becoming
Explorations in Contact Improvisation - increasing our vocabulary of movement possibilities
8 week course. Open to all levels. Drop in welcome.

Date: Starts Wednesday 26th March - ends Wednesday 14th May 2014
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Venue: The Willow Studio, St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol BS2 9US
Cost: £10 (£8 conc) drop-in. £60 for the course (2 classes free)

Contact Improvisation opens a door to a world of fun, creative expression, joy in movement, and awareness. To get the most out of it, having a healthy mix of technique alongside an openness and ability to improvise really helps.

The aim of this course is to find ways in to the dance by connecting to where we are in the moment and offering explorations of other states; through improvisational scores, imagery, and bodywork. Weaving in exercises of CI fundamentals to embody the techniques of the form.

Areas we will cover include; connecting to ourselves, the floor and our partners, attuning our listening, exploring movement patterns and pathways, working with restrictions, finding disorientation, finding ease and flow. There will also be time for discussion and open dancing.

There will be a progression of material, so attending the whole course is recommended, but drop in is also welcome.

Class 1: 26th March - A 3-part journey of listening; moving from your internal landscape of feeling and sensation, into aware contact through touch with others, then outwards into a wider sense of the space, as we dance in and out of contact.
Class 2: 2nd April - Working with ease and flow and exploring the awkward.
Class 3: 9th April - Massaging into Movement: we will use bodywork to bring awareness and movement from our skin, muscles and bones.
Class 4: 16th April - Evolution in movement: exploring natures pathways and our animal bodies.
Class 5: 23rd April - Nature in Movement
Class 6: 30th April - Covered by Lisa May Thomas Piloting - working with eyes closed/blindfolds
Class 7: 7th May - Orientation & Disorientation
Class 8: 14th May - Essential Jam skills: offering, taking, leaving invitations, and exploring ways in and out of the dance.

Practicalities
Bring yourself as you are, loose comfortable clothing, kneepads if you have them, a curiosity to explore and an openness to be inspired from new ways in. It also helps to have a notebook to support your learning.

Contact
To book your place or find out more, email Saskia on saskia@contactdance.co.uk or phone 07904 121 646.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 18 May 14 16:00
2014-05-18 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

CI Lab - held by Agnieszka - The Willow Studio - 21 May 14 19:00
2014-05-21 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
Willow studio LAB proposal May the 21st and May the 28th Agnieszka Grenckowska

I’d like to invite all the teachers, facilitators, creators and CI dance enthusiasts to take part in these series of CI LAB’s.

The offering is to give:

Training ground for your ideas
Opportunity to practice the skill of giving and receiving feedback

To expand on the above, I’d like to ask you :

Are you working on a design for a workshop, writing a class, thinking of a score, working on a solo piece or group performance?

This LAB could be a great opportunity to present it to a peer group. Can be an unfinished work in progress type material or a ready to go stuff.

Are you, like me, inspired to learn and practice the art of feedback and articulation?

This LAB could give you the tools to start or improve your navigating the creative process that feedback giving and receiving offers.

So, what’s next? I would like to hear from you beforehand if you have something in mind that you would like to present in the LAB. Otherwise we will go with what is in the space when we get together.

We can do a series of demos or one long demo, all followed by a feedback.

I will do my best to facilitate the feedback process, drawing form Liz Lerman’s ‘Critical Response Process’ and other feedback systems as outlined in the Contact Quarterly. Feedback and Articulation, 2008.

I am aware that we have volunteered CI for a taster class as well as performance for the Hamilton House open day in June. I suggest that we use this LAB space to design what we aim to deliver to the wide public in these promotional slots.

As there are two LAB’s scheduled, I propose we dedicate the first one on the 21st May to CI class/workshop/score and the following one on the 28th either continue or present/develop & review a performance piece.

How does this sound for you?

Looking forward to sharing those Wednesday evenings with you, back in our hub of Bristol CI.

Agnieszka

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 25 May 14 16:00
2014-05-25 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 4-5pm followed by the jam 5.15-7pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Here you are a bit of info about the theme:

Ma is a Japanese word which can be roughly translated as "gap", "space", "pause" or "the space between two structural parts." The spatial concept is experienced progressively through intervals of spatial designation. In Japanese, ma, the word for space, suggests interval. It is best described as a consciousness of place, not in the sense of an enclosed three-dimensional entity, but rather the simultaneous awareness of form and non-form deriving from an intensification of vision.
Ma is not something that is created by compositional elements; it is the thing that takes place in the imagination of the human who experiences these elements. Therefore ma can be defined as experiential place understood with emphasis on interval.(from Wikipedia)
'This warm up class will focus on the spatial relationships and designs that we create as we move in and out of contact.
We will start our exploration, rather than thinking straight away about how to make contact, by observing the spaces in between our bodies, continuing our movement exploration from this point of view gradually moving into contact.'
Hope to see you there!

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Lab - held by Agnieszka CANCELLED - The Willow Studio - 28 May 14 19:00
2014-05-28 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
Apologies - this lab is cancelled as the studio is unable to open up for us due to unforeseen circumstances.

Willow studio LAB proposal May the 21st and May the 28th Agnieszka Grenckowska

I’d like to invite all the teachers, facilitators, creators and CI dance enthusiasts to take part in these series of CI LAB’s.

The offering is to give:

Training ground for your ideas
Opportunity to practice the skill of giving and receiving feedback

To expand on the above, I’d like to ask you :

Are you working on a design for a workshop, writing a class, thinking of a score, working on a solo piece or group performance?

This LAB could be a great opportunity to present it to a peer group. Can be an unfinished work in progress type material or a ready to go stuff.

Are you, like me, inspired to learn and practice the art of feedback and articulation?

This LAB could give you the tools to start or improve your navigating the creative process that feedback giving and receiving offers.

So, what’s next? I would like to hear from you beforehand if you have something in mind that you would like to present in the LAB. Otherwise we will go with what is in the space when we get together.

We can do a series of demos or one long demo, all followed by a feedback.

I will do my best to facilitate the feedback process, drawing form Liz Lerman’s ‘Critical Response Process’ and other feedback systems as outlined in the Contact Quarterly. Feedback and Articulation, 2008.

I am aware that we have volunteered CI for a taster class as well as performance for the Hamilton House open day in June. I suggest that we use this LAB space to design what we aim to deliver to the wide public in these promotional slots.

As there are two LAB’s scheduled, I propose we dedicate the first one on the 21st May to CI class/workshop/score and the following one on the 28th either continue or present/develop & review a performance piece.

How does this sound for you?

Looking forward to sharing those Wednesday evenings with you, back in our hub of Bristol CI.

Agnieszka

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 1 Jun 14 16:00
2014-06-01 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sensing, Feeling, and Action - Short Course with K'Lo Harris - The Willow Studio - 4 Jun 14 19:00
2014-06-04 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
Short 4-week course from 4th June 26th June. Suitable for all levels. Drop-ins welcome, but attending the whole series is ideal.
Sensing, Feeling, and Action (Ready Steady Go!)
A series of four Body Mind Centering inspired somatic movement workshops, for dancers and movers and movement therapists, a very brief introduction to some very big ideas.

This is about a journey into ourselves and back out again, through movement and how states of being effect our movement and how movement effects our state of being.
Dancing the Senses
This workshop will explore movement in relationship to our senses. What it is to be in the sensing place. By stimulating our different sense organs to heighten the awareness of the process of simply receiving information.
Moving the Feelings
By stimulating the endocrine system, that part of our physiology that release the chemicals, as well as exploring some of our organs, often cited by in oriental medicine as a place that houses our emotions, in relationship to movement, to find out how move when we are in a state of feeling.
Action! Action! Action!
Action is something that is happening all the time in the first two classes, but the focus is not on it, in this class we will use the muscles as a way into exploring action in movement, without thinking or feeling or sensing were that movement might come from. This class will be about just doing and moving.
Integration
This fourth workshop will play with the score of sensing, feeling and action, moving between all the different states, a chance to experience ourselves in our dance and were we like to hover. And the relationship between them and the grey areas of where they meet.

This mini set of workshops, ideally should be done as a whole as you will be led through a process that will culminate in the fourth. They can be taken individually if this isn’t possible for you.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 8 Jun 14 16:00
2014-06-08 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sensing, Feeling, and Action - Short Course with K'Lo Harris - The Willow Studio - 11 Jun 14 19:00
2014-06-11 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 15 Jun 14 16:00
2014-06-15 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sensing, Feeling, and Action - Short Course with K'Lo Harris - The Willow Studio - 18 Jun 14 19:00
2014-06-18 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 22 Jun 14 16:00
2014-06-22 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Sensing, Feeling, and Action - Short Course with K'Lo Harris - The Willow Studio - 25 Jun 14 19:00
2014-06-25 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 29 Jun 14 16:00
2014-06-29 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

CI Class With Lisa May Thomas - The Willow Studio - 2 Jul 14 19:00
2014-07-02 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
Two classes with Lisa May Thomas;
Session 1 (TODAY!)
Follow, help, hinder - working with the idea of following, supporting the flow and moving against the flow.
A lead session with Lisa May Thomas leading into time for open jam space

Session 2 (next week)
Moving from our own dancing spaces to dancing with each other, moving through layers of air, body surfaces and deep tissues to connect with each other.
A lead session with Lisa May Thomas leading into time for open jam space

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 6 Jul 14 16:00
2014-07-06 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

CI Class With Lisa May Thomas - The Willow Studio - 9 Jul 14 19:00
2014-07-09 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
Class with Lisa May Thomas;
Session 2
Moving from our own dancing spaces to dancing with each other, moving through layers of air, body surfaces and deep tissues to connect with each other.
A lead session with Lisa May Thomas leading into time for open jam space

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 13 Jul 14 16:00
2014-07-13 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

CI Class With Holly Thomas - The Willow Studio - 16 Jul 14 19:00
2014-07-16 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
I am leading the contact classes on the 16th and 23rd of July at the Willow Studio 7 - 9 pm. The classes are open to any one with an interest in contact improvisation, no previous experience is needed. Both classes will be accessible to visually impaired people. Please contact me if you have any access requirements. It would be great to see you there!! Holly

Class one: Tuning in: We will spend time becoming aware of and ‘tuning in’ to our senses and our dance. We will explore the tactile and auditory space around us. From here we will find ways of connecting with each other in the space. Working with a partner we will explore listening, reading, leading and following within our dance. During this class we will spend some time working with eyes closed.

Class two: (next week) pathways:We will explore some of the movement pathways available to us when dancing in contact with our partner. Using rolling and surfing we will find the ‘over’ and ’under’ in the dance. We will then work from the point of contact to find our own pathways in the dance. There will be time for open jamming toward the end of the class.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 20 Jul 14 16:00
2014-07-20 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

CI Class With Holly Thomas - The Willow Studio - 23 Jul 14 19:00
2014-07-23 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
I am leading the contact classes on the 16th and 23rd of July at the Willow Studio 7 - 9 pm. The classes are open to any one with an interest in contact improvisation, no previous experience is needed. Both classes will be accessible to visually impaired people. Please contact me if you have any access requirements. It would be great to see you there!! Holly

Class one: (last week) Tuning in: We will spend time becoming aware of and ‘tuning in’ to our senses and our dance. We will explore the tactile and auditory space around us. From here we will find ways of connecting with each other in the space. Working with a partner we will explore listening, reading, leading and following within our dance. During this class we will spend some time working with eyes closed.

Class two: (this week) pathways:We will explore some of the movement pathways available to us when dancing in contact with our partner. Using rolling and surfing we will find the ‘over’ and ’under’ in the dance. We will then work from the point of contact to find our own pathways in the dance. There will be time for open jamming toward the end of the class.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 27 Jul 14 16:00
2014-07-27 16:00 - 19:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 4-5pm followed by the jam 5.15-7pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Breath & Flow
Many, many months ago I led a class on Breath & Flow, which went down a treat. For the last class of the term we will revisit and develop this material, focussing on breath awareness, initiating movement from breath, lungs and heart, and using our breathing rhythms like music to dance to. Let’s “sail” into the summer holidays!
Itta Howie

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Course With Jocasta and Ali - The Willow Studio - 3 Sep 14 19:00
2014-09-03 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
A Series for the Spine
A collection of contact improvisation classes exploring the spine in detail.

In this series we will go into a deep exploration into the anatomy of our most delightful backbone, Investigating the structure of your spine and how it allows you to arch, bend and twist.

Using a variety of techniques such as: body work, hands on investigations, somatic movement, limited scores, body puzzle and movement biased activities. We will further our understanding of Contact improvisation through a deeper understanding of our own anatomy expanding our capacity for movement within the form

Open to all levels.

This will be a good foundation for beginners, as well as providing space for deeper investigation for more experienced movers. Classes can be attended individually, however there will be some progression in the material so it is recommended to complete the course ( 8 Weeks )

Week 1 - An Introduction to the Spine

In this class we will try and gain some insight to our own perception of our spine, and throughout the class this may change, we will map the different regions of the spinal column and identify some of their differences

Contact Alistair on 07805 762998 for further information.

CI Course With Jocasta and Ali - The Willow Studio - 10 Sep 14 19:00
2014-09-10 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
A Series for the Spine
A collection of contact improvisation classes exploring the spine in detail.

In this series we will go into a deep exploration into the anatomy of our most delightful backbone, Investigating the structure of your spine and how it allows you to arch, bend and twist.

Using a variety of techniques such as: body work, hands on investigations, somatic movement, limited scores, body puzzle and movement biased activities. We will further our understanding of Contact improvisation through a deeper understanding of our own anatomy expanding our capacity for movement within the form

Open to all levels.

This will be a good foundation for beginners, as well as providing space for deeper investigation for more experienced movers. Classes can be attended individually, however there will be some progression in the material so it is recommended to complete the course ( 8 Weeks )

Week 2 - The Tail

Contact Alistair on 07805 762998 for further information.

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 14 Sep 14 17:00
2014-09-14 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £5, or stay for the jam, £8.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Beginnings - With Jamus Wood
In this class we will return to a simple score of releasing and arriving into touch and connection. Allowing a dance to emerge from listening. This class will include a simple warm up and a return to of contact improvisations core skills. In this class there will be something for the beginner and for those with much more experience. If this is your first class ever, feel very welcome to join us.

Jamus Wood is a dancer and teacher of the embodied arts, having spent the last 15 years researching and exploring his moving body. Jamus generally co teaches with his partner Lee Bolton and together they offer trainings in Somatic Embodiment. For more information please visit www.embodiedpresence.co.uk.

Jamus and Lee will be running a series of 5 morning classes in Contact Improvisation 27 -31 October. Exploring moving from the centre. Stay tuned.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Course With Jocasta and Ali - The Willow Studio - 17 Sep 14 19:00
2014-09-17 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
A Series for the Spine
A collection of contact improvisation classes exploring the spine in detail.

In this series we will go into a deep exploration into the anatomy of our most delightful backbone, Investigating the structure of your spine and how it allows you to arch, bend and twist.

Using a variety of techniques such as: body work, hands on investigations, somatic movement, limited scores, body puzzle and movement biased activities. We will further our understanding of Contact improvisation through a deeper understanding of our own anatomy expanding our capacity for movement within the form

Open to all levels.

This will be a good foundation for beginners, as well as providing space for deeper investigation for more experienced movers. Classes can be attended individually, however there will be some progression in the material so it is recommended to complete the course ( 8 Weeks )

Week 3 - The Sacrum

Contact Alistair on 07805 762998 for further information.

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 21 Sep 14 17:00
2014-09-21 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
{Class description usually updated here on the Wednesday or Thursday before the class – it is also send out weekly via our mailing list}

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Course With Jocasta and Ali - The Willow Studio - 24 Sep 14 19:00
2014-09-24 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
A Series for the Spine
A collection of contact improvisation classes exploring the spine in detail.

In this series we will go into a deep exploration into the anatomy of our most delightful backbone, Investigating the structure of your spine and how it allows you to arch, bend and twist.

Using a variety of techniques such as: body work, hands on investigations, somatic movement, limited scores, body puzzle and movement biased activities. We will further our understanding of Contact improvisation through a deeper understanding of our own anatomy expanding our capacity for movement within the form

Open to all levels.

This will be a good foundation for beginners, as well as providing space for deeper investigation for more experienced movers. Classes can be attended individually, however there will be some progression in the material so it is recommended to complete the course ( 8 Weeks )

Week 4 - Lumbar

Contact Alistair on 07805 762998 for further information.

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 28 Sep 14 17:00
2014-09-28 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Flying close to the ground Part2

In this 2 part class we will engage with the floor work in Contact Improvisation.
The inspiration comes from watching the predator birds gliding very close to the ground yet staying masterful and focused. The observation we will together explore is - how we consciously bring our dance toolkit from upper levels to lower levels and vice versa.
Each class will start with taking considerable amount of time for recognition and release of tension in the body to free up inner space. Next we'll explore our relationship to the floor and the "last six inches", the underside and the backspace.
This will allow us to practice movement principles of rolling, body surfing and falling and consequently establish a baseline for active participation in a duet.
Each of the two classes is complete in itself, but may vary in terms of dynamic. All levels welcome.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Course With Jocasta and Ali - The Willow Studio - 1 Oct 14 19:00
2014-10-01 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
A Series for the Spine
A collection of contact improvisation classes exploring the spine in detail.

In this series we will go into a deep exploration into the anatomy of our most delightful backbone, Investigating the structure of your spine and how it allows you to arch, bend and twist.

Using a variety of techniques such as: body work, hands on investigations, somatic movement, limited scores, body puzzle and movement biased activities. We will further our understanding of Contact improvisation through a deeper understanding of our own anatomy expanding our capacity for movement within the form

Open to all levels.

This will be a good foundation for beginners, as well as providing space for deeper investigation for more experienced movers. Classes can be attended individually, however there will be some progression in the material so it is recommended to complete the course ( 8 Weeks )

Week 5 - Thoracic

In this class we will investigate the part of the spine that attaches to the rib cadge

Contact Alistair on 07805 762998 for further information.

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 5 Oct 14 17:00
2014-10-05 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Space Dynamics 1
Starting from an internal awareness of breath and of the space and movement that it creates inside our body, visualizing and sensing the support offered by our skeletal structure and the mobility given by our joints, we'll gradually expand our awareness to the overall space. Exploring ways our body naturally organizes itself to defy gravity as we move through different kinospheres as solos, couples and trios, we'll find points of interdependency and sharing of weight, swapping leaderships as we initiate movement across the space.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Course With Jocasta and Ali - The Willow Studio - 8 Oct 14 19:00
2014-10-08 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
A Series for the Spine
A collection of contact improvisation classes exploring the spine in detail.

In this series we will go into a deep exploration into the anatomy of our most delightful backbone, Investigating the structure of your spine and how it allows you to arch, bend and twist.

Using a variety of techniques such as: body work, hands on investigations, somatic movement, limited scores, body puzzle and movement biased activities. We will further our understanding of Contact improvisation through a deeper understanding of our own anatomy expanding our capacity for movement within the form

Open to all levels.

This will be a good foundation for beginners, as well as providing space for deeper investigation for more experienced movers. Classes can be attended individually, however there will be some progression in the material so it is recommended to complete the course ( 8 Weeks )

Week 6 - Cervical

This weeks class will explore the vertebra of the neck

Contact Alistair on 07805 762998 for further information.

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 12 Oct 14 17:00
2014-10-12 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Space Dynamics 2

Starting from an internal awareness of breath and of the space and movement that it creates inside our body, visualizing and sensing the support offered by our skeletal structure and the mobility given by our joints, we'll gradually expand our awareness to the overall space. Exploring ways our body naturally organizes itself to defy gravity as we move through different kinospheres as solos, couples and trios, we'll find points of interdependency and sharing of weight, swapping leaderships as we initiate movement across the space.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI Course With Jocasta and Ali - The Willow Studio - 15 Oct 14 19:00
2014-10-15 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
A Series for the Spine
A collection of contact improvisation classes exploring the spine in detail.

In this series we will go into a deep exploration into the anatomy of our most delightful backbone, Investigating the structure of your spine and how it allows you to arch, bend and twist.

Using a variety of techniques such as: body work, hands on investigations, somatic movement, limited scores, body puzzle and movement biased activities. We will further our understanding of Contact improvisation through a deeper understanding of our own anatomy expanding our capacity for movement within the form

Open to all levels.

This will be a good foundation for beginners, as well as providing space for deeper investigation for more experienced movers. Classes can be attended individually, however there will be some progression in the material so it is recommended to complete the course ( 8 Weeks )

Week 7 - Integration of the spine

How all the parts fit together.

Contact Alistair on 07805 762998 for further information.

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 19 Oct 14 17:00
2014-10-19 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

CI Course With Jocasta and Ali - The Willow Studio - 22 Oct 14 19:00
2014-10-22 19:00 - 21:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
A Series for the Spine
A collection of contact improvisation classes exploring the spine in detail.

In this series we will go into a deep exploration into the anatomy of our most delightful backbone, Investigating the structure of your spine and how it allows you to arch, bend and twist.

Using a variety of techniques such as: body work, hands on investigations, somatic movement, limited scores, body puzzle and movement biased activities. We will further our understanding of Contact improvisation through a deeper understanding of our own anatomy expanding our capacity for movement within the form

Open to all levels.

This will be a good foundation for beginners, as well as providing space for deeper investigation for more experienced movers. Classes can be attended individually, however there will be some progression in the material so it is recommended to complete the course ( 8 Weeks )

Week 8 - Integration spine to rest of the body.

Join us for our last class of this series, where we place the spine in the context and landscape of the body.

Contact Alistair on 07805 762998 for further information.

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 26 Oct 14 17:00
2014-10-26 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
In this class I’d like to take a look at early developmental movement pattern within the context of contact improvisation. Going back to these early patterns ( 0 - 1 years approx. ) as dancers, looking for ease of movement and efficiency of transition form floor to standing both with and with out weight.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 2 Nov 14 17:00
2014-11-02 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description - This Table is Alive !

In way of continuation from last week ( belly to all 4’s ) I like in this class to go into some details about the the “Table” position or small animal. Finding ways; up and down; into and out of this structure both with and without weight, letting the static becoming fluid and mobile support. Inhabiting this posture with a sense of aliveness can increase the options we have in the dance.

There is no need to have attended last weeks class.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 9 Nov 14 17:00
2014-11-09 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Spirals of the body - Bones - The Willow Studio - 12 Nov 14 07:00
2014-11-12 07:00 - 09:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
In this course I want to look at some of the different spirals we can find in the body. Starting with small details, body work or somatic movement, circling and expanding out into connections within the body.. through whole body systems and out into the space.

Open to all levels, this course would serve as a good grounding in various contact Improvisation Techniques. Should also provide some development and progression for those with some experience.

There is no need to come to all the classes, But I will build on themes so there will be an advantage in doing so.

I would like to work with 4 specific system in this course: Bones, Organs, Embryology and Fascia. Throughout the course we will be looking at how we can use these spirals we find in our body to enhance our dance both in and out of contact.

Inspiration

"The koru (Māori for "loop") is a spiral shape based on the shape of a new unfurling silver fern frond and symbolizing new life, growth, strength and peace. It is an integral symbol in Māori art, carving and tattoos. The circular shape of the koru helps to convey the idea of perpetual movement while the inner coil suggests a return to the point of origin."

quote form Wikipedia

12th Nov: Week 1 - Spirals in the Bones

19th Nov: Week 2 - Spiralling through the Organs

26th Nov: Week 3 - Embryological Spirals

3rd Dec: Week 4 - Facia and spirals

Malcolm Manning Workshop in Bristol - Bristol Community Dance Centre - 15 Nov 14 10:00
2014-11-15 10:00 - 2014-11-16 17:00 | Bristol Community Dance Centre, Jacobs Wells Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 1DX, United Kingdom
Expanding into space : an investigation of spatial support
Support can come from orientation to space as well as from the earth. Spatial support brings lightness and expansiveness to dancing CI. It's the key to all the flying skills and a sense of freedom and independence in dancing with another.In this workshop we’ll study the relationship between structural and spatial support, bring what we learn from that into our practice of CI technique, and explore what this expanded awareness of space can bring to open dancing together.

Malcolm Manning : I think of myself as a somatic movement researcher, educator, mentor and artist. In my classes, I share my inquiry of what it is to be a thinking, feeling, moving subject in this world through developing a dialogue with ourselves and our environment in which we are empowered to be our own experts.

I am certified to teach the Feldenkrais Method® and the Body And Earth work developed by Andrea Olsen and Caryn McHose. I studied for two years at SNDO Amsterdam and have an MA in Dance Pedagogy. I have also made extensive studies of Contact Improvisation, Authentic Movement, Movement Shiatsu, Body Mind Centering and experiential anatomy. For more info visit www.movetolearn.com

Details
Date: Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th November
Venue: The Dance Center Bristol, Jacobs Wells Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 1DX
Cost: £80 / £70 concs.
Bookings: To book please contact Jocasta on - deva-shanti@hotmail.com or 07875151582 / 0117 9255539

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 16 Nov 14 17:00
2014-11-16 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Spirals of the body - Organs - The Willow Studio - 19 Nov 14 07:00
2014-11-19 07:00 - 09:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
In this course I want to look at some of the different spirals we can find in the body. Starting with small details, body work or somatic movement, circling and expanding out into connections within the body.. through whole body systems and out into the space.

Open to all levels, this course would serve as a good grounding in various contact Improvisation Techniques. Should also provide some development and progression for those with some experience.

There is no need to come to all the classes, But I will build on themes so there will be an advantage in doing so.

I would like to work with 4 specific system in this course: Bones, Organs, Embryology and Fascia. Throughout the course we will be looking at how we can use these spirals we find in our body to enhance our dance both in and out of contact.

Inspiration

"The koru (Māori for "loop") is a spiral shape based on the shape of a new unfurling silver fern frond and symbolizing new life, growth, strength and peace. It is an integral symbol in Māori art, carving and tattoos. The circular shape of the koru helps to convey the idea of perpetual movement while the inner coil suggests a return to the point of origin."

quote form Wikipedia

19th Nov: Week 2 - Spiralling through the Organs

26th Nov: Week 3 - Embryological Spirals

3rd Dec: Week 4 - Facia and spirals

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 23 Nov 14 17:00
2014-11-23 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Spirals of the body - Embryology - The Willow Studio - 26 Nov 14 07:00
2014-11-26 07:00 - 09:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
In this course I want to look at some of the different spirals we can find in the body. Starting with small details, body work or somatic movement, circling and expanding out into connections within the body.. through whole body systems and out into the space.

Open to all levels, this course would serve as a good grounding in various contact Improvisation Techniques. Should also provide some development and progression for those with some experience.

There is no need to come to all the classes, But I will build on themes so there will be an advantage in doing so.

I would like to work with 4 specific system in this course: Bones, Organs, Embryology and Fascia. Throughout the course we will be looking at how we can use these spirals we find in our body to enhance our dance both in and out of contact.

Inspiration

"The koru (Māori for "loop") is a spiral shape based on the shape of a new unfurling silver fern frond and symbolizing new life, growth, strength and peace. It is an integral symbol in Māori art, carving and tattoos. The circular shape of the koru helps to convey the idea of perpetual movement while the inner coil suggests a return to the point of origin."

quote form Wikipedia

26th Nov: Week 3 - Embryological Spirals

3rd Dec: Week 4 - Facia and spirals

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 30 Nov 14 17:00
2014-11-30 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Spirals of the body - Fascia - The Willow Studio - 3 Dec 14 07:00
2014-12-03 07:00 - 09:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
In this course I want to look at some of the different spirals we can find in the body. Starting with small details, body work or somatic movement, circling and expanding out into connections within the body.. through whole body systems and out into the space.

Open to all levels, this course would serve as a good grounding in various contact Improvisation Techniques. Should also provide some development and progression for those with some experience.

There is no need to come to all the classes, But I will build on themes so there will be an advantage in doing so.

I would like to work with 4 specific system in this course: Bones, Organs, Embryology and Fascia. Throughout the course we will be looking at how we can use these spirals we find in our body to enhance our dance both in and out of contact.

Inspiration

"The koru (Māori for "loop") is a spiral shape based on the shape of a new unfurling silver fern frond and symbolizing new life, growth, strength and peace. It is an integral symbol in Māori art, carving and tattoos. The circular shape of the koru helps to convey the idea of perpetual movement while the inner coil suggests a return to the point of origin."

quote form Wikipedia

3rd Dec: Week 4 - Facia and spirals

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 7 Dec 14 17:00
2014-12-07 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Saturday 13th Dec CI workshop with Tara Brandel in Stroud - The Old Endowed School, Walkley Hill, Stroud, Gloucestershire - 13 Dec 14 11:00
2014-12-13 11:00 - 17:00 | The Old Endowed School, Walkley Hill, Stroud, Gloucestershire, Walkley Hill, Stroud, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
A day long Contact Improvisation workshop
with Tara Brandel
Saturday 13th December 11am-5pm.
@ 'The Old Endowed School'
Walkley Hill,
Stroud,
Gloucestershire.

"Focusing on sensation to find new ways into lifts, rides and airborne dancing.
We will build up our responsiveness to and awareness of touch and weight to lead us beyond the mechanics of dancing. Where am I? Where is the dance? How can I respond to the dance now and now and now?
Working with the idea of 'velcro contact' we will play with hands free dancing, will free dancing and effort free dancing.
Where does the dance go when I am no longer leading?"

Tara Brandel is a contemporary dancer, choreographer and CI teacher, and currently artistic Director of Croi Glan, an Integrated Dance company in Ireland (croiglan.com).
She trained in contemporary dance at the Laban Centre, and trained in CI with Steve Paxton, Juleyn Hamilton and Kirstie Simpson. She has danced for Ka Rustler, Feri de Gues, Jess Curtis, and Emilyn Claid, among others, and has taught Contact Improvisation at Tanz Fabrik, Ponderosa, Seattle Festival of Dance and Improvisation (SFADI), West Coast Contact Festival (San Francisco), GLACIER (USA), Liverpool Performing Arts School (LIPA) and Chisenhale Dance Space amongst others.

Most recently she has taught contact workshops in Melbourne, Sydney and Toronto, and also teaches ongoing contact classes in West Cork Ireland where she lives.

£30 waged
£25 unwaged/low wage

For more information or to Book contact:
Natasha 07944780874
kaayathai@gmail.com

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 14 Dec 14 17:00
2014-12-14 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
This week we have a visiting teacher, all the way from Ireland. Here is her Bio:
Tara Brandel is a contemporary dancer, choreograher and Contact Improv teacher, and currently artistic Director of Croi Glan, an Integrated Dance company in Ireland (www.croiglan.com).

She trained in Contact Improv with Steve Paxton, Juleyn Hamilton and Kirstie Simpson. She has taught Contact Improvisation at Tanz Fabrik, Ponderosa, Seattle Festival of Dance and Improvisation (SFADI), West Coast Contact Festival (San Francisco), GLACIER (USA), Liverpool Performing Arts School (LIPA) and Chisenhale Dance Space amongst others.

Most recently she has taught Contact workshops in Melbourne, Sydney and Toronto, and also teaches ongoing contact classes in West Cork Ireland where she lives.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 21 Dec 14 17:00
2014-12-21 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Solstice Fancy Dress Jam!

This will be a jam with a difference. It may contain serious dancing and silly costumes, silly dancing and serious costumes. Ace comedy improv musician Knud Stuwe (from "Instant Wit") will provide suitably eclectic musical accompaniment.

"Winter Solstice" is the theme, so let your imagination run riot. Dancing in non-contact clothing can change your dance and can be very interesting, fun, entertaining, improvisational. Make sure that whatever you wear isn't too special, so if it gets ripped or damaged in the dance, it's ok.

Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Sunday's class will start by tuning into organ time, resting, listening and slowly moving into organic dancing as a group. Then we'll sweep out the old and welcome in the new together, finally dancing out the opposites inside us and with each other in our fancy dress clothes. Be sure to come fancy...

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.
At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 4 Jan 15 17:00
2015-01-04 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
One Prescription for a Jam...
"The Underscore" is a framework for dancing, describing and understanding the different things that might happen in a contact improvisation jam, formulated by Nancy Stark Smith, one of the originators of CI. This class will be inclusive and beginner friendly, actively exploring some of the content of the underscore.
This is an all action/no sitting around underscore,that will re circulate straight into the jam, so if you are new or unconfident with the concept of underscore please come from the beginning. For the confident there will be a window of opportunity to join in from 6.45. Please arrive energetically in the mind of the underscore if joining late.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

From the warm-up class we will move into the jam, continuing our exploration of the underscore elements in a freely improvised format.

Hope you can come to both, but it is OK to come to either on its own.

For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 11 Jan 15 17:00
2015-01-11 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
The Class
Back To Basics

This class will revisit the pattern of naval radiation, also no known as the starfish pattern. We will use it to facilitate rolling at floor level, as well as exploring the possibilities of rolling upwards against gravity in partner work and to roll on and off table position. It will also be used to explore our moving kinosphears, looking for the spaces as well as the moments of connection. Dancing in and out of contact.

This pattern is very useful for connecting our centre to our periphery in that it helps us move from our centre whilst still being able to extend out into space. It is also useful for strengthening core mobility, underpinning and bringing to consciousness a lot of what already happens in contact dance.
For those new to contact this will really get you moving, and for those of you with experience it is a chance to revisit one of the core techniques of improvisational movement.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday Eve CI: 12 week Fundamentals Course - The Willow Studio - 14 Jan 15 19:15
2015-01-14 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
Date: 14th January - 1st April 2015 inclusive
Class time: 7.15pm - 9.15pm *please note slightly later start time

Taught by Alistair Edmunds & Saskia Chaplin

Alistair and Saskia will share the teaching of this course, alternating sessions. We aim to offer explorations of the fundamentals of CI, enabling you to develop core skills to support fluidity and safety, whilst opening up to new possibilities in your movement.

The course is suitable for beginners as well as those experienced in the form. You are welcome to join for the whole course, for which there is a discount, or to attend on a drop in basis.
Wednesday 14th January: This first class will be taught by Saskia and will explore 'ways in' to the dance.
- : -
Contact Improvisation (CI) is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together, a dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, it is a form open to all bodies and enquiring minds.
- : -
PracticalitiesBring yourself as you are, loose comfortable clothing, kneepads if you have them, a curiosity to explore and an openness to be inspired from new ways in. It also helps to have a notebook to support your learning.
Venue: The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US
Cost: £10/£8 conc. (discount for booking all 12 - £85)
Contact: Ali 07805 762998 alistair@contactdance.co.uk or Saskia 07904 121646 saskia@contactdance.co.uk

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 18 Jan 15 17:00
2015-01-18 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Wednesday Eve CI: 12 week Fundamentals Course - The Willow Studio - 21 Jan 15 19:15
2015-01-21 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
Date: 14th January - 1st April 2015 inclusive
Class time: 7.15pm - 9.15pm *please note slightly later start time

Taught by Alistair Edmunds & Saskia Chaplin

Alistair and Saskia will share the teaching of this course, alternating sessions. We aim to offer explorations of the fundamentals of CI, enabling you to develop core skills to support fluidity and safety, whilst opening up to new possibilities in your movement.

The course is suitable for beginners as well as those experienced in the form. You are welcome to join for the whole course, for which there is a discount, or to attend on a drop in basis.
Wednesday 14th January: This first class will be taught by Saskia and will explore 'ways in' to the dance.
Wednesday 21st January: This class will be taught by Alistair and will be looking at giving and receiving weight.

- : -
Contact Improvisation (CI) is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together, a dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, it is a form open to all bodies and enquiring minds.
- : -
PracticalitiesBring yourself as you are, loose comfortable clothing, kneepads if you have them, a curiosity to explore and an openness to be inspired from new ways in. It also helps to have a notebook to support your learning.
Venue: The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US
Cost: £10/£8 conc. (discount for booking all 12 - £85)
Contact: Ali 07805 762998 alistair@contactdance.co.uk or Saskia 07904 121646 saskia@contactdance.co.uk

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 25 Jan 15 17:00
2015-01-25 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Wednesday Eve CI: 12 week Fundamentals Course - The Willow Studio - 28 Jan 15 19:15
2015-01-28 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 1 Feb 15 17:00
2015-02-01 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Wednesday Eve CI: 12 week Fundamentals Course - The Willow Studio - 4 Feb 15 19:15
2015-02-04 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 8 Feb 15 17:00
2015-02-08 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Wednesday Eve CI: 12 week Fundamentals Course - The Willow Studio - 11 Feb 15 19:15
2015-02-11 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 15 Feb 15 17:00
2015-02-15 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Space Dynamics 3 Starting from an internal awareness of breath and of the space and movement that it creates inside and outside our body, visualizing and sensing the support offered by our skeletal structure and the mobility given by our joints, we ll gradually expand our awareness to the overall space. We will play with the idea of dance as a conversation, alternating questioning and answering as tools for dialogue with the shared space and in between each other, from agreements to disagreements, we will play with possible solutions on how to investigate ways into embodiment of space from our core.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday Eve CI: 12 week Fundamentals Course - The Willow Studio - 18 Feb 15 19:15
2015-02-18 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 22 Feb 15 17:00
2015-02-22 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Space Dynamics
Starting from an internal awareness of breath and of the space inside and outside our body, we ll gradually shift our attention to the overall space, investigating possible dialogues we will play with the idea of dance as a conversation in and out of contact. Moving from agreements to disagreements, to new agreements we will play with possible solutions investigate different ways to embody space.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday Eve CI: 12 week Fundamentals Course - The Willow Studio - 25 Feb 15 19:15
2015-02-25 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 1 Mar 15 17:00
2015-03-01 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
In this weeks class I want to explore verticality. Last week we looked at grounding through the lower limbs and the pelvis, I want to continue this week with an exploration of the spine and head reaching into space, as well as awakening a sense of connectivity through the spine. I’m interested in how this can support us our lifts and help us to fly.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday Eve CI: 12 week Fundamentals Course - The Willow Studio - 4 Mar 15 19:15
2015-03-04 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 8 Mar 15 17:00
2015-03-08 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Space Dynamics
Starting from an internal awareness of breath and of the space inside and outside our body, we ll gradually shift our attention to the overall space, investigating possible dialogues, we will play with the idea of dance as a conversation in and out of contact. Moving from agreements to disagreements, to new agreements, we will play with possible solutions and investigate different ways to embody space.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday Eve CI: 12 week Fundamentals Course - The Willow Studio - 11 Mar 15 19:15
2015-03-11 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 15 Mar 15 17:00
2015-03-15 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
"The Underscore" is a framework for dancing, describing and understanding the different things that might happen in a contact improvisation jam, formulated by Nancy Stark Smith, one of the originators of CI. This class will be inclusive and beginner friendly, actively exploring some of the content of the underscore.

From the warm-up class we will move into the jam, continuing our exploration of the underscore elements in a freely improvised format.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday Eve CI: 12 week Fundamentals Course - The Willow Studio - 18 Mar 15 19:15
2015-03-18 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 22 Mar 15 17:00
2015-03-22 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Rolling, rolling and more rolling! Rolling in the horizontal, rolling up, rolling down, rolling on, and rolling off. Rolling in and out of contact. Maybe a few twists and turns and spirals to.
One of the most fundamental skills a contact dancer needs.

Let’s roll and roll!
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday Eve CI: 12 week Fundamentals Course - The Willow Studio - 25 Mar 15 19:15
2015-03-25 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 29 Mar 15 17:00
2015-03-29 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
In this class we are going to bring awareness to and dance the "dark side of the body" [Steve Paxton], our back, both in horizontal and vertical positioning. Including the head & tail exploration from one of the previous classes, I will invite us to follow on to further explore the structure of the spine, practice spine undulation and mobilise adjacent bony and muscular structures. How can we use the back bone isolation to support our dance improvisation?
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday Eve CI: 12 week Fundamentals Course - The Willow Studio - 1 Apr 15 19:15
2015-04-01 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 12 Apr 15 17:00
2015-04-12 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Rolling cont…

Continuing the theme of rolling and rolling patterns in the body ( from my last class in March), this class will explore more initiation points of rolling, using the senses and our reach and pull patterns as guides. Finding momentum as we evolve these patterns into spirals in and out of the floor as well as in and out of contact, touching briefly on rolling points of contact, this theme will be continued in the next class as well thus layering and building our core Contact Dance stamina and skills.

Suitable for all abilities
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Centred and Connected - 4 classes in contact improvisation - The Willow Studio - 15 Apr 15 19:15
2015-04-15 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
4 weeks in Contact Improvisation and Movement Fundamentals

Taught by Jamus Wood

Dates: April 15, 22 & 29 May 6
Times: 7.15 - 9.15pm ( please arrive a little early so that we can begin in good time)
Cost: £32 (£28) for 4
£10 (£8) drop in

Contact Improvisation is a physical conversation in space and time, to describe it we us words such as weight, space, reach, release and sense.

It is a way of living our life in an alive and awake manner. To dance contact is to be brought into the presence of time and space changing. Each moment is a new opportunity, to be lived afresh.

These 4 weeks of dancing are centred in this conversation.

Week 1: Moving from centre: An exploration of our bodies centre. Clarifying our centre of gravity and our moving centre, they are different.

Week 2: Making Connections: Exploring our arms and our legs and how they can reach deep into our moving centre. Finding softness and fluidity as our dance comes and goes from the floor.

Week 3: Finding centre amongst the many: This class concerns itself in arriving into your own physical space and the physical space of the group. Dance into of out of connection.

Week 4: Bringing it all together: This week will work with group scores, plenty of dancing and some time to revisit themes presented in the previous three weeks.

Each class stands on its own, yet one week connects to the next week.

Please wear comfortable clothes to move in, that give you full movement possibility.

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 19 Apr 15 17:00
2015-04-19 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Rolling Point of Contact and Momentum

Building on the themes in the last two classes, we will explore rolling point of Contact in more detail, playing with qualities of meeting, how to hold and play the tone between you and your partner, so that different dance dynamics can emerge. Momentum will also be explored as it is a way to investigate continuous motion by finding your flow in the rolling and spiralling patterns.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Centred and Connected - 4 classes in contact improvisation - The Willow Studio - 22 Apr 15 19:15
2015-04-22 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 26 Apr 15 17:00
2015-04-26 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Momentum, Structure, and Rest.

This class will aim to integrate the previous three classes, offering chances to witness each other as well as just dancing, and looking for the resting places in the dance, whilst at the same time briefly introducing structure through the bones as a way to build confidence with taking weight, a theme I will continue in my next set of classes.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Centred and Connected - 4 classes in contact improvisation - The Willow Studio - 29 Apr 15 19:15
2015-04-29 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 3 May 15 17:00
2015-05-03 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

The Falling Up Dance

An experimental exploration into the bodies postural righting reflex and how the reflexes can work to help us fall safely if we let them.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Centred and Connected - 4 classes in contact improvisation - The Willow Studio - 6 May 15 19:15
2015-05-06 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 10 May 15 17:00
2015-05-10 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation classes with Agnieszka - The Willow Studio - 13 May 15 19:15
2015-05-13 19:15 - 2015-05-14 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation Dance block of 4 sessions

Please arrive a little early so that we can begin in good time

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 17 May 15 17:00
2015-05-17 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Nancy Stark Smiths “The Underscore” Abridged
Usually around 3 hours long this practice developed by Nancy Stark Smith is a score for practising or supporting contact improvisation.
This will be a condensed version allowing us to explore the elements of this practice as a way of becoming more aware of, and supporting us in the jam.
If you want to find out more about The Underscore check out this great Youtube discussion with Nancy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzG609NWp1Y&spfreload=10
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation classes with Agnieszka - The Willow Studio - 20 May 15 19:15
2015-05-20 19:15 - 2015-05-21 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation and Shiatsu workshop with Ray Chung - Wild Goose Space - 23 May 15 09:00
2015-05-23 - 2015-05-24 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom
Touch into Movement workshop Bristol 23/24 May 2015
Parallels between shiatsu and CI are examined and explored as different levels of touch and weight give rise to similar bodily connections and pathways in both practices. Drawing on the movement vocabulary of Contact Improvisation, judo, and shiatsu, we will mix and match, contrast and compare and re-invent new ways of using our bodies as we work with the bodies of others. These classes will work with the individual´s particular way of moving and the organization of their body to enable the effortless, integration of movement and bodywork (shiatsu) into dancing. Fundamental concepts of shiatsu, meridians, and tsubos, as well as functional and experiential anatomical features will be covered. Some experience with dance or CI is desirable but not essential.
Ray Chung is a performer, teacher, engineer, and artist
who has a passion for dancing which he likes to share
with other people. His main focus is improvisation and he
has worked with Contact Improvisation since 1979 as part
of improvisational performance practice and integrates
other movement forms into his work, including martial arts,
bodywork and Authentic Movement. Ray has worked with
the leading proponents of Contact Improvisation and
regularly collaborates with dancers, musicians, and other
artists. His work has been featured at numerous national
and international festivals and venues. Currently based in
San Francisco, Ray regularly teaches abroad.
Fixed price for the event is £90 Book here: http://contactdance2.apphb.com/Touch-into-movement-May-2015/Bookings/Create

All levels of experience welcome - please ask if you have any questions about this. Contact:

contactimprov_shiatsu_info@yahoo.co.uk

This workshop is intended to be a small intensive workgroup so please book early.

What to expect at Touch into Movement weekend?

Contact Improvisation is an evolving system of movement form based on the communication between two moving bodies that are in physical contact and their combined relationship to the physical laws that govern their motion—gravity, momentum, inertia.
It is a free play with balance, bringing forth a physical/emotional truth about a shared moment of movement that leaves the participants informed, centered, and enlivened. [ early definition by Steve Paxton and others, 1970s, from CQ Vol. 5:1, Fall 1979 ]

In my recent years of practicing CI, I became curious about some of the in – the - body pathways that often enable more easy and natural flow of solo dance and may be pivotal for our level of openness into sensation and skills of negotiation in improvisation dialogues. I look forward to experiencing where we get to go together at the Touch Into Movement.
Agnieszka Grenckowska

Shiatsu is a bodywork therapy, which supports body’s natural wisdom and intuition creating space for healing.
Shiatsu has its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine and its diagnostics but the very important aspect is based on the human contact, touch in the present moment.

As Shiatsu so much relates to the movement of energy in the body or its restricted flow, a practitioner follows it intuitively, meeting another where the need is. And in this meeting there is a great potential for transformation and healing.

In my own work as a shiatsu practitioner I greatly value a spontaneous and playful approach to shiatsu and I am very excited about the opportunity Touch Into Movement workshop will give.
Lets all dive into unknown…
Kasia Bratek

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 24 May 15 17:00
2015-05-24 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
An exploration of a Listening Touch and its impact on Weight Redistribution:
Through a 'mapping', 'listening', 'tracking' and 'sharing' of weight, guided by breath and hands on touch, we'll engage in an exploration of personal Authentic movement qualities as a way into shared dance dialogues in and out of contact, in a process of intuitively accessing and rearranging patterns and implicit directionalities stored within our skinespheres.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation classes with Agnieszka - The Willow Studio - 27 May 15 19:15
2015-05-27 19:15 - 2015-05-28 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 31 May 15 17:00
2015-05-31 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
ligaments and fascia

In this class I want to look at the space between. How the ligaments and fascia can provide direction, clarity and support in the dance. We will start with some detailed exploration of small ligaments leading into investigation of joint casuals and finally integrating with the fascia matrix throughout the body, as we transition from static to more fluid movement scores.
The Jam

A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation classes with Agnieszka - The Willow Studio - 3 Jun 15 19:15
2015-06-03 19:15 - 2015-06-04 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol National Jam 2015 - ICIA, Bath - 5 Jun 15 13:00
2015-06-05 13:00 - 2015-06-07 17:00 | ICIA, Bath, ICIA, The Edge, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
Charlie Morrissey and Gesine Daniels will join us for this year's Bristol National Jam. Held in the beautiful dance studio in the brand new ICIA Bath.

Classes, underscore, open jam, live local musicians, social time and sharing.

Please join us for an exploration of this incredible dance form.

All levels welcome.

£80.00 Early bird (booking before 10th of May)
£90.00 Full price (booking after 10th of May)

Book here:

http://contactdance2.apphb.com/bristol-national-jam-2015/Bookings/Create

Wednesday CI Classes (ongoing) - The Willow Studio - 10 Jun 15 19:15
2015-06-10 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
Back again for a 6 week series: From floor to flying

Taught by Alistair Edmunds & Saskia Chaplin

Alistair and Saskia will share the teaching of this course, alternating sessions. We aim to offer explorations of the fundamentals of CI, enabling you to develop core skills to support fluidity and safety, whilst opening up to new possibilities in your movement.

The course is suitable for beginners as well as those experienced in the form. You are welcome to join for the whole course, for which there is a discount, or to attend on a drop in basis.
- : -
Contact Improvisation (CI) is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together, a dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, it is a form open to all bodies and enquiring minds.
- : -
Practicalities
Bring yourself as you are, loose comfortable clothing, kneepads if you have them, a curiosity to explore and an openness to be inspired from new ways in. It also helps to have a notebook to support your learning.

Contact: Ali 07805 762998 alistair@contactdance.co.uk or Saskia 07904 121646 saskia@contactdance.co.uk

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 14 Jun 15 17:00
2015-06-14 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Wednesday CI Classes (ongoing) - The Willow Studio - 17 Jun 15 19:15
2015-06-17 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 21 Jun 15 17:00
2015-06-21 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
This class will be focussing on trying out some simple techniques with an awareness on the movements of the spine through bodywork, solo practice and dancing together in duos and trios.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday CI Classes (ongoing) - The Willow Studio - 24 Jun 15 19:15
2015-06-24 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 28 Jun 15 17:00
2015-06-28 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

On Breathing: a warm up class exploring how our breath affects the way we move and designs our movement composition in space.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday CI Classes (ongoing) - The Willow Studio - 1 Jul 15 19:15
2015-07-01 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 5 Jul 15 18:30
2015-07-05 18:30 - 22:00 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Please note there is no class 5 to 6:30 on this date. The jam will run as normal 6:30 to 8:30
The Jam

A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday CI Classes (ongoing) - The Willow Studio - 8 Jul 15 19:15
2015-07-08 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 12 Jul 15 17:00
2015-07-12 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
In this class we will be looking at some in and out of contact connections, playing with proximity and distance into falling. We will also explore various tones of tension/relaxation to find easy ways up and of the floor into continuous movement using the format of fun duets and trios.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday CI Classes (ongoing) - The Willow Studio - 15 Jul 15 19:15
2015-07-15 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 19 Jul 15 17:00
2015-07-19 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 26 Jul 15 17:00
2015-07-26 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 13 Sep 15 17:00
2015-09-13 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Wednesday CI Classes - Autumn Term - The Willow Studio - 16 Sep 15 19:15
2015-09-16 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
Back for the Autumn with something to warm your heart as the days draw in and the nights get colder. Let's celebrate this gathering and harvesting season; can we fall as a leaf from a tree, or gather and sweep up majestically like wind blown foliage?
Contact Improvisation Classes
Taught by Saskia Chaplin and Alistair Edmunds

Alistair and Saskia will share the teaching of this course, alternating sessions. We will offer more in depth explorations of the fundamentals of CI, enabling you to develop core skills to support fluidity and safety, whilst opening up to new possibilities in your movement.

The course is suitable for beginners as well as those experienced in the form. You are welcome to join for the whole course, for which there is a discount, or to attend on a drop in basis.

For our regulars we will be gathering and enriching some of the skills you know, we will dig deeper and find the new within the familiar.

For people new to the form this will be an ideal introduction, as always, with contact there are many levels, in which to engage.

- : -

Contact Improvisation (CI) is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together, a dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, it is a form open to all bodies and enquiring minds.
- : -

Practicalities
Bring yourself as you are, loose comfortable clothing, kneepads if you have them, a curiosity to explore and an openness to be inspired from new ways in. It also helps to have a notebook to support your learning.

Venue: The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US
Cost: £10/£8 conc. (discount for booking all 14 classes £100 or 7 in a row for £52)
Contact: Ali 07805 762998 alistair@contactdance.co.uk or Saskia 07904 121646 saskia@contactdance.co.uk

For more information and updates go to www.contactdance.co.uk or join the Facebook event.

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 20 Sep 15 17:00
2015-09-20 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Wednesday CI Classes - Autumn Term - The Willow Studio - 23 Sep 15 19:15
2015-09-23 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 27 Sep 15 17:00
2015-09-27 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Continuing this trio of classes all themed around Fascia.

This class will explore the strength and support aspects of fascia through its tensile structure.

Fascia holds the possibility of active support through its contracting and expanding qualities.

The idea being that by really getting in touch with this structural component of our anatomy we can explore how to lift from a place flexible support.

‘Due to its strong tensile nature, fascia can mechanically transfer pulling forces throughout the body. Indeed, much of the stability of the body is provided by fascia via what is known as the tensegrity model: tensegrity refers to the tensile (pulling) forces that hold structures in their appropriate postures’ (from an article called: Body Mechanics by Joseph E. Muscolino).

By reviewing briefly the flow, bounce and connective aspects of our fascia we may also make ourselves more able to be lifted by flowing and bouncing in and of the ground.

But let’s see how far we get.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday CI Classes - Autumn Term - The Willow Studio - 30 Sep 15 19:15
2015-09-30 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 4 Oct 15 17:00
2015-10-04 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Breathing space
An exploration of how our way of breathing affects our weight distribution, our way of dancing and perceiving the relationship to our own body, the one of others and the surrounding space.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday CI Classes - Autumn Term - The Willow Studio - 7 Oct 15 19:15
2015-10-07 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 11 Oct 15 17:00
2015-10-11 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Class Description
Breathing space
An exploration of how our way of breathing affects our weight distribution, our way of dancing and perceiving the relationship to our own body, the one of others and the surrounding space.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday CI Classes - Autumn Term - The Willow Studio - 14 Oct 15 19:15
2015-10-14 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 18 Oct 15 17:00
2015-10-18 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Wednesday CI Classes - Autumn Term - The Willow Studio - 21 Oct 15 19:15
2015-10-21 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 25 Oct 15 17:00
2015-10-25 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Low
Level
Dynamic.

We'll stay low-to-the-ground, sitting or kneeling on all fours being the highest we'll come... Often when we're low to the floor, we melt and cuddle, squash and squeeze; all lovely and delightful. Yet, there are also waýs to move down low that may be thrilling, freeing and wild... we'll practice and play with various ways to move that could open up new possibilities, pathways and pleasures in your CI...

5.00pm -6.30pm at DMAC, Hamilton House. Class £6 or stay for the jam as well 6.30pm to 8.30pm for £9.

Asher Levin, born and raised in Bristol, lives in Berlin and the countryside of the Uckermark. He teaches regular CI classes in Berlin, at K77 Studio and Tanzfabrik; he teaches at various festivals, generally preferring weekend events, as long festivals may be a bit overwhelming. He can be found this year in Bremen Christmas and New year Jam festivals. Bremen is a very sweet cosy town and the festivals are great. Last year he performed in a history of CI with Company Degadezo in Strasbourg University, which was inspiring and interesting. Mmmm, what else? Rich CI for me is about play, about beauty, beauty of moving from the bodymind, about being willing time and time again to not know what I'm doing, about instantly forgiving myself and enjoying making a mistake or being clumsy or ugly or undefinable, about discovering and showing what I am, what I'm not, how I react or not... it's about having a frame, a space to meet, move and be together in as free a way as a frame or space allows....Hmmm

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday CI Classes - Autumn Term - The Willow Studio - 28 Oct 15 19:15
2015-10-28 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: The Moving Underscore - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 1 Nov 15 17:00
2015-11-01 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Really want to get confident with how to Jam?
This will give you everything you need to know.
The how, the what, the where you are in the dance space at any given moment.
The underscore is a practice based around the observations made a
nd notated by Nancy Stark Smith, (one of the pioneers of Contact Improvisation Dance).
Nancy has over time observed the ingredients that go in to a Jam.
Whilst there are some staple ingredients that a CI Jam will always need, other ingredients are optional, consequently CI Jams will always be experimental, and unknown depending on what gets put in the pot (dance space).
Ok so enough with the Jam analogy perhaps.
Agnieszka and I will lead you through the Jam space in an alive and moving way. There will not be a long talk through the ingredients, rather we will take you through them in movement.
THINGS YOU NEED TO BE AWARE OF!
• We are TAKING OVER THE WHOLE CLASS AND JAM SPACE.
• You need to arrive on time (especially if you have never done the underscore before)
• Once the Jam starts we are happy for experienced Underscore jammers to join, but can cannot guarantee any one will be available to answer the door
• If you really know you want to come and can’t get there on time contact us in advance of Sunday, we may be able to sort something out.
• Bring fruit, juice or other goodies to share for the thanks giving at the end.
ABSOLUTLY NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED AND WE AIM TO MAKE THIS EVENT AS ACCESSABLE AS POSSIBLE, IF YOU HAVE ANY ENQUIRY’S PLEASE DO MESSAGE US.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1644301125823592/

info@contactdance.co.uk

Wednesday CI Classes - Autumn Term - The Willow Studio - 4 Nov 15 19:15
2015-11-04 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 8 Nov 15 17:00
2015-11-08 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Bryn Thomas recently graduated from the Northern School of Contemporary Dance with an MA in dance performance, he previously trained at London Contemporary Dance School working on contact improvisation with teachers including Rick Nodine and Charlie Morrissey.

The class will look into the conversation of weight that occurs when two individuals move together and the functional structure of our bodies meeting the demands of another.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday CI Classes - Autumn Term - The Willow Studio - 11 Nov 15 19:15
2015-11-11 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 15 Nov 15 17:00
2015-11-15 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
This week's class will focus on serious playing. We will look at giving receiving in a light, impulsive manner. Expect fun and games!

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday CI Classes - Autumn Term - The Willow Studio - 18 Nov 15 19:15
2015-11-18 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 22 Nov 15 17:00
2015-11-22 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
We will be exploring dynamics of individual and group work as well as our readiness to give and receive contact, grades of intensity of this experience while changing pace.
It’s very tempting to get into the pattern of dancing in pairs while improvising. I believe that there is plenty to discover while consciously synchronizing breath and movement with the whole group of people.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday CI Classes - Autumn Term - The Willow Studio - 25 Nov 15 19:15
2015-11-25 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 29 Nov 15 17:00
2015-11-29 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
We are excited to bring to you teachings of Sebastian Flegiel. After probing what skills are most desired in our practicing CI here in Bristol myself (Agnieszka) and Sebastian have come up with this class description:
Responding to popular interest, I'd like to work on aikido material in CI. Whilst cracking that, we will work on using spirals in movement and how spirals lead to partnering and lifting. During all that work I will speak about methodology of teaching this material and how brake the ideas to step it up in terms of advancement in movement.

Sebastain Flegiel is a contact improvisation dancer and teacher with a broad experience of various movement disciplines from contemporary dance through acrobatics, gymnastics, juggling to action theatre and physical theatre. Based in Poland (Lodz) and England (Brighton), he regulary teaches in his home country as well as abroad, is co funder of contactimprovisation.eu website and recently co created and run series of successfull and inspiring "Peaceful Dynamics" workshop (together with Maga Radlowska).
Sebastian is dancing CI, on daily basis, from 2001, and started to teach in 2007. Being a philosopher and engineer, he understands movement from both artistic and construction point of view. He is interested in broadening awareness in movement, through conscious attention as well as understanding of physics of bodies in motion.

Wednesday CI Classes - Autumn Term - The Willow Studio - 2 Dec 15 19:15
2015-12-02 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 6 Dec 15 17:00
2015-12-06 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Leaving the floor

This week’s warm up class will focus on getting airborne. We will work on some techniques for supporting and being supported, as well as looking at having clear communication with your partner so moments of possible flight don’t go begging!
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday CI Classes - Autumn Term - The Willow Studio - 9 Dec 15 19:15
2015-12-09 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 13 Dec 15 17:00
2015-12-13 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Something Simple: Slipping and Sliding, Rolling,Falling and Gliding

This class will be a playful exploration into ways we can move in and around each, in and out of the floor.

Suitable for all who like to move.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday CI Classes - Autumn Term - The Willow Studio - 16 Dec 15 19:15
2015-12-16 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 20 Dec 15 17:00
2015-12-20 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Party night!
Tonight is Bristol CI's Solstice party night, featuring warm up games from K'Lo Harris and Holly Thomas 5pm to 6pm followed by jamming from 6pm to 8:30, with music to groove, roll, slide and fly to from the incomparable DJ Kevin Hughes. Special price £7 for the whole evening. Please bring snacks to share dress in something sparkly!
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 10 Jan 16 17:00
2016-01-10 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 13 Jan 16 19:15
2016-01-13 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
10 weeks of Contact Improvisation Fundamentals

With Jamus Wood and Lee Bolton
Starts January 13th 2016

This 10 week Course is an invitation to explore the roots and core exercises of contact improvisation. It will be a course devoted to bringing a sense of practice to our dancing. We will return again and again to a set of core movement inquiries and over time allow these core movements or dancing puzzles to release there potential into our bodies. Each week there will be some of the same and something new to dance with.

We will work hard and play well. As such the last 30 minutes of each class will be devoted to dancing, digesting and playful physics where we will let the teaching and exercises go and dance together.

Part 1: Finding Ground
January 13: Finding a relationship to Gravity
January 20: Dancing From Our Mid Line.
January 27: Finding Breath or Taking Away What Binds Us
February 3: Connections - From Center Into Space
February 10: Rolling, Sliding and Pivoting: Dancing in Contact.

Part 2: Letting Go Into Confidence
February 24: Falling: Gaining Confidence
March 2: Traveling: small lifts
March 9: Flying: Leaving The Floor
March 16: Conversations Of Space & Form
March 23: Mixing it Up.

Cost: £10 or £8 concessions or a block of 5 consecutive classes £40 or £30 concessions.

Wednesdays 7.15 - 9.15pm

Venue: The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US. Access the studio by walking around to the back of the building from the main car park.

Contact: Jamus 07908582791, email: embodiedpresence@gmail.com

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 17 Jan 16 17:00
2016-01-17 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 20 Jan 16 19:15
2016-01-20 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 24 Jan 16 17:00
2016-01-24 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 27 Jan 16 19:15
2016-01-27 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 31 Jan 16 17:00
2016-01-31 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Shake & Bounce: exploring our inner bounce and elasticity. This class will offer ways in to real-ise the potential, energy and softness of our body's innate resilient elastic form; as we roll, meet, interrupt, and safely collide with our partners and the floor.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 3 Feb 16 19:15
2016-02-03 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 7 Feb 16 17:00
2016-02-07 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Linzy Nakorn is teaching. Have a look at her website here.

https://nananakornmoving.wordpress.com/
Hello!

Come join me for an evening of exploring contact dance through breath!

We will play with how breath can affect our touch, speed and agility when moving through space together whilst also focusing on how breath can help us to soften into the body allowing us to be kind to our joints and muscles.

This will be a short class, the space will be available from 5 o'clock so please be warm and ready to move at 5:30!
See you there!
Linzy
x

About Linzy

Linzy Na Nakorn is a free-lance dance artist newly re-located to Bristol. She is a co-facilitator and performer for multi-sensory performance company Bittersuite as well as a maker of her own work. Linzy likes to explore what it means to be human with the central focus of her work looking to engage with current social, cultural and archetectual environments.

She has shown work across the UK and Italy and has taught classes in contemporary technique, contact, choreography and improvisation, to dancers, adults and chidren a like.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 10 Feb 16 19:15
2016-02-10 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 14 Feb 16 17:00
2016-02-14 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Little Lows, Little Highs.

Part work shop, part lab this session will focus on key tools that help us be lifted and if time help us be confident with lifting.

I will lead a warm based around giving the body the patterns it needs, that help facilitate ‘flying’.

Exploring key ingredients like, momentum, gravity, intention, continuous motion, extension and gaze.

Being confident with lifting is all about catching the moment of up, not about how strong you are or how big they are.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 21 Feb 16 17:00
2016-02-21 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-7pm (please note this is an extra long class) followed by the jam 7-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Please note: Extra long class flowing straight into Open Jam from 7pm

A sea of people all moving in and around each other
Sometimes apart, sometimes together.
Colliding Kinesphere’s
Rolling, tumbling, flying
Standing, snoozing, breathing, laughing or maybe even crying.
What the hell is going on?
Bang goes the idiot button.

Based on the observations of Nancy Stark Smith, we will guide you in movement through the Underscore. Giving insight to the dynamics of any CI Jam you may encounter, but also now a practice in its own right that brings focus to the dance.

Facilitated By Agnieszka Grenckowska and K’lo Harris.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 24 Feb 16 19:15
2016-02-24 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 28 Feb 16 17:00
2016-02-28 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
"This will be a journey through many different stages, with partner and without, to:
open up your awareness
open up your senses
listen to the group
listen to your own body
observe what you see
explore the space
explore movement and different qualities of movement
wake-up, energise and be dynamic
find your place to rest
discover the landscape of your body
move through levels from floor to standing
offer support and make a conversation in your body
embody the flow of the imagination in movement and stillness
and feel...
and dance...
and enjoy…"

About Maga: Graduating from LCDC and Middlesex University in London, Magdalena has fifteen years professional experience in contemporary dance, physical theatre, contact improvisation and improvisation, and has created and performed in many pieces in international festivals across Europe and the Middle East. Magdalena has worked with companies, dancers and choreographers such as Jose Vidal Company, Bettina Carpi, Paweł Matyasik and Nadar Rosano. In 2013 and 2014 Magdalena performed for Zawirowanie Dance Theatre in Israel, Sweden, Lithuania, Ukraine, Hungary, Germany, Croatia and Portugal. She has been taught by: Melissa Monteros, Wojciech Mochniej, Gabriella Koch, Nita Little, Ray Chung, Daniel Kramer, Frauke Requardt, Robert Anderson, Katy Dymoke, Simonetta Allesandri, Rick Nodine, Charlie Morrissey, Thomas Kampe, Andrew Harwood (GB). Magdalena was co-organiser for ECITE 2013 in Poland. Magdalena has been nominated for scholarships and won several awards, most recently winning first prize in the Warsaw Polish Platform Choreography Contest (November 2014). Her award-winning work in the community sector has been presented across Europe and attracted interest from national media.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 2 Mar 16 19:15
2016-03-02 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 6 Mar 16 17:00
2016-03-06 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Loving the ground
In this class we will make friends with the ground. There will be simple solo exercises, links to human developmental patterns and partner bodywork (suitable for all levels). We will practice in twos and threes, giving and receiving weight, opening into a CI jam to use what we have learnt. Perfect for beginners or more experienced dancers who want to revisit fundamental principles.

The Class is facilitated by Sam Bloomfield. Sam is a trainee Dance Movement Psychotherapist and an experienced workshop leader and bodyworker. Email with questions to sam@sambloomfield.org.uk

Sam Bloomfield sam@sambloomfield.org.uk tel: 07527885150

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 9 Mar 16 19:15
2016-03-09 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 13 Mar 16 17:00
2016-03-13 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
{Class description usually updated here on the Wednesday or Thursday before the class – it is also send out weekly via our mailing list}

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Tonight's live music is provided by 'Over and Ava Again', an improvised musical project by Ava Osbiston. She uses live vocal and percussion loops to create extended soundscapes that gradually change and evolve. She uses effects and reversing to alter the sounds. Ava is primarily focused on fresh raw creativity without edit as a form of expression, release, meditation and fun.

Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 16 Mar 16 19:15
2016-03-16 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 20 Mar 16 17:00
2016-03-20 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
The class will focus on listening, and sensing the source of movement for improvisation in contact. We will explore inner and outer impulse and our choice to follow or resist this movement while maintaining a sense of our centre in the space. There will be a gradual progression towards free improvisation and the jam....

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 23 Mar 16 19:15
2016-03-23 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 17 Apr 16 17:00
2016-04-17 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Dynamic Space, an exploration of our body perceived as density in and of space, through drawing,moving and sensing.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 24 Apr 16 17:00
2016-04-24 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Haptical Viewing: and exploration of the dialogue between the sense of touch and the sense of vision and how they influence our way of moving and connecting to one another in space.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 1 May 16 17:00
2016-05-01 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 8 May 16 17:00
2016-05-08 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 15 May 16 17:00
2016-05-15 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 22 May 16 17:00
2016-05-22 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 29 May 16 17:00
2016-05-29 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Bristol Contact Improvisation National Jam 2016 - The Trinity Centre - 4 Jun 16 10:00
2016-06-04 - 2016-06-05 | The Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NW, United Kingdom
Bristol National Jam 2016
Here are the final details for the event. Please read carefully if you are coming or are thinking of coming.

Dear participants dancers, musicians, helpers, organisers and support teachers coming to the event, if you've been following us you know we are having a social and food on Friday evening at 6pm at the Old Market Assembly Rooms. If you are keen to join and eat please go ahead and look at the menu below and DO LET ME KNOW YOUR CHOICE BY FRIDAY MORNING 10am AT THE LATEST by emailing me on agrenckowska@hotmail.com To make it easy could you follow a format: your name and one choice from the main menu plus if you'd like a side. I'm looking forward to trying an english version of polish Pierogi myself ;) Agnieszka.
To find the Assembly Rooms follow these directionshttp://www.oldmarketassembly.co.uk/contact/
Remember that after the social we are heading off to the Trinity Centre for our opening Jam at 8 pm!

Contact Improvisation Dance event, a weekend devoted to dance and creative connection, morning and afternoon classes exploring some of the most essential practices in CI including physical forces of gravity, levity, inertia and momentum, aerial and acrobatic work, rolling points of contact, perceiving and following, different axis and how to use rotation in them to generate a centrifugal force; breath as baseline for the above.

Teachers
Co teaching this year are Sebastain Flegiel (Poland/Brighton UK) and Maga Radlowska (Poland/London UK) and will deliver series of classes exploring momentum, centrifugal and gravitational forces of two bodies in a shared kinosphere and how from there we can generate lifts and be airborne. We will be learning how to domesticate dynamics and use them to our advantage, whilst focusing on the importance of breathing.
There is a potential for working towards short performance piece that Maga would facilitate and direct. We will decide on Saturday by lunchtime.

Jams
3 evenings for open jamming welcoming all interested in Contact Improvisation.
This year our support musicians are first time BNJ musicians:

Ava Osbiston (Bristol UK) with the slow changing improvised soundscapes made with overlapping loops played with synth, percussion and vocals.

A pop up musician...

Jim Barnes (Bristol UK) playing hang drum

Movement Lab for children
Also, first time appearance is the Movement Lab for Children (included in your event/day pass ticket; or if you only dropping in with your kid for exclusively this session - we ask for a donation) created and facilitated by lovely Reby and Silvia

Playing with movement, discovering the body through creative dance and imagination.
Movement Lab for children ages 5 to 11
Date: Sunday, 5th June
Time: 14 to 16
Facilitators: Rebecca Marta D’Andrea & Silvia Carderelli-Gronau
The Movement LAB invites a playful approach into Contact Improvisation, facilitating and giving basic tools for children to enter and enjoy a Jam session.
Using simple movement games and sequences to introduce the idea of body awareness, sharing of weight and touch to find new possibilities of being in relationship with one another and dancing together.

That’s 11 hrs CI practice time and up to 10 hrs jamming time, packed with some rigorous and some less serious dancing. GET READY TO RAISE THE BAR OF YOUR CI PRACTICE! WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING EACH ONE OF YOU THERE!

Booking
Pay in advance or just turn up.
Full admission is 90 GBP
Day pass: 40 pounds
Individual sessions: one class 15 pounds/one jam 10 pounds
Book here http://contactdance2.apphb.com/
Any booking queries please contact Bryn 07846278379
Any accommodation queries please contact Jocasta 07875151582
Any other questions direct to Agnieszka 07871455025 or Lisa May 07812136681
Any queries regarding Movement Lab for Children get in touch with Silvia 07780855165

How to get there:
Location 1: Main event at Trinity Community Centre is an old converted church situated on the corner of Trinity Road and Clarence Road, address is Trinity Road, BS2 0NW. It is 10 minutes walk from the main Bristol railway station, Bristol Temple Meads and close to Stapleton Road where a number of bus routes run, For details directions go to Trinity Centre website http://3ca.org.uk/contact

Location 2: Meeting point on Friday 3rd June at 6 pm at the Assembly Rooms,25 West Street, Old Market BS2 0DF. We are aiming to all gather there and have food together before we move on to the dance venue that is 5 minutes down the road. It is 5 minutes walk from the main venue. To get there is a ten-minute walk from Bristol city centre, through Castle Park and up Old Market high street. The Old Market Assembly is the one on the left hand side that has big windows with flagpoles above, on the other side of the road to the Bristol Bear Bar. For detailed directions and info about the place go to their website: http://www.oldmarketassembly.co.uk/

The food is really good there so check out their menu - you may be wanting to get your nutritional needs met there during the event!

Parking: there is parking at the roadside and there is car park at the venue that has meter (doesn't accept mobile payment, so please bring cash if you consider this option)

BNJ 2016 schedule

Location: Trinity Community Centre, Trinity Garden, Assemby Rooms Note: space is open from 9 am for your personal warm up

Time / period

Friday 3rd June

Saturday 4thJune

Sunday 5th June

10-13

Class

Ending with a Jam
Class

Ending with a Jam

13-16

Lunch

Open space (bodywork/ labbing/
dance practice)
Lunch

14-16 Movement LAB for Children

(age 5 – 11)

16-19
18-20

Welcome and food at the

Assembly Rooms&

Wardrobe Theatre

Old Market

Warm up class

Into Jam
Warm up class

Into Jam

19-22
20-22

Opening Jam

with Ava delivering soundscapes
Music Jam +/- Performance
Closing Jam

With Jim Barnes on Hang

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 12 Jun 16 17:00
2016-06-12 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 19 Jun 16 17:00
2016-06-19 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator orinfo@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

We are very excited to have visiting teacher Jacqueline McCormick teaching tonight.
Jacqueline McCormick has been teaching, performing and making dances for over thirty years. Her work has been greatly influenced by her research into improvisation, especially Contact Improvisation. Since 1990 Jacqueline has taught Contact Improvisation at numerous Contact Festivals and workshops throughout the USA and Europe, and from 1997-2000 she co-led the CI Teachers Lab in San Francisco, California.
Jacqueline has a B.Ed in Human Movement Studies, an M.A degree in Dance from Mills College, California, and has been an Associate Professor in Dance at Western Oregon University (1985- 1996) and Connecticut College, USA (2000-2004). She has directed and performed in her company DanceAbout, works that take a dancing journey through the outback of the self. Her current inquiry is exploring site as contact partner. Jacqueline was Artistic Director for Cheshire Dance from 2004-2016.
Along with Contact Improvisation her curiosities lie in dance forms that emphasise ‘process,’ bringing the dance artist to engage the whole body-mind, the feeling, sensing, learning and expressive being. She has taught workshops in New Dance Technique, Authentic Movement and Ensemble Improvisation. All of her work is informed by her extensive knowledge of the kinesiology of the body. To have a look at Jacqueline’s solo film work click on the links below…
Settle www.vimeo.com/68956462
Outside www.vimeo.com/68960956
Parched Earth www.vimeo.com/68519471

She has just returned from teaching at the Italy Contact Festival in Amelia and is excited to share some of the work she has been developing around Vulnerability as power in Contact Improvisation and how a quiet listening centre prepares for spiralling in partnership.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 26 Jun 16 17:00
2016-06-26 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Outdoor Contact Improvisation Jam - The Old Bowling Green, Brandon Hill Park - 3 Jul 16 18:00
2016-07-03 18:00 - 20:30 | The Old Bowling Green, Brandon Hill Park, Park Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR, United Kingdom
An outdoor contact improvisation jam in "The Old Bowling Green", Brandon Hill Park, off Park Street.
Inspired by the possibility of some sunshine and no jam at Hamilton House until September, we are proposing an outdoor jam Sunday evening as long as it's not chucking it down. Come and dance!

Outdoor Contact Jam - Brandon Hill Park - 10 Jul 16 18:00
2016-07-10 18:00 - 20:30 | Brandon Hill Park, Park St, Bristol, United Kingdom
There are no Sunday night contact jams at Hamilton House until September......
However, last week we had a fantastic outdoor jam with loads of dancers doing their thing, so if it isn't raining there will be another contact jam in Brandon Hill Park on the evening of Sunday 10th July at 6pm. We found a good spot on a flattish bit of grass below the tower looking out towards Jacob's Well Road. We'll gather there and then we can choose if we want to go to the really flat Old Bowling Green or not. Come and dance!

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 11 Sep 16 17:00
2016-09-11 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. Both also available to book via MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
{Class description usually updated here on the Wednesday or Thursday before the class – it is also send out weekly via our mailing list}

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday CI Class - The Willow Studio - 14 Sep 16 19:15
2016-09-14 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation - 14 week course - with Saskia

Date: Starts Wednesday 14th September 2016 - ends Wednesay 14th December 2016
Time: 7.15pm - 9.15pm
Venue: The Willow Studio, St Werburghs Primary School
Cost: £84 for the course, or £42 per block of 7. Otherwise £10 (£8 conc) to drop-in
Led by: Saskia Chaplin

Starting on Wednesday 14th September for 14 consecutive weeks. A weekly two-hour class exploring the basics and more of contact improvisation.

Contact Improvisation (CI)
CI is an improvised dance form that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

This series of classes will offer an in depth explorations into the fundamentals of CI, enabling you to develop core skills to support fluidity and safety, whilst opening up to new possibilities in your movement.

Practicalities
This course is suitable for all levels, whether complete beginners, or those wanting to deepen their practice. It is ideal to attend the whole course, as there will be a progression of learning. However, drop-in is also possible at £10 per class (or £8 concessions)

Please bring loose comfortable clothing, with a warm layer to start and end in, kneepads if you have them, and water (though there is access to tap water in the adjoining kitchen area).

Contact
To book your place or find out more, email Saskia on saskia@contactdance.co.uk or phone 07904 121 646.

About the Teacher
Saskia Chaplin "I first met CI in 2007 and have since attended events and workshops all over the UK and Europe, entering the world of teaching in 2011. It’s a form that suits me well; I love the physicality of it, to be surprised and delighted in the moment. I love that sense of responding in new and unexpected ways in creative play, finding moments of synchronicity, feeling my body respond confidently and instinctively, whilst exploring the world in the moving 3D offered by other bodies & minds in the space.

Despite a science degree in Photography, I have always been drawn to engaging with the world through the body - yoga, meditation, and, since 2002, working as a massage therapist.
My CI journey coincided with my journey into biodynamic craniosacral therapy, for which I qualified as a therapist in 2010 and now offer alongside my massage work. I am intrigued by the links between these forms; where the micro reflects the macro, the individual reflects the group and visa versa."

Content
Below is my draft plan of this autumn course to give you a sense of what we will cover. I may decide to change the format slightly as we work together as a group.

Week 1:
First contact – first finding our connection to the floor we will explore the use of push, pull, and slide in contact with the floor and our partners to make first contact in the dance

Week 2:
Follow the leader – using exercises to offer direction, leading and following our partners in space, fundamentals of listening

Week 3:
Give and take – giving and taking weight, counterbalance, using weight, and exploring how to say yes/no through our bodies

Week 4:
Massage into Movement - we will use bodywork to bring awareness and movement from or skin, muscles and bones.

Week 5:
The Centre – moving from our centres, offering and taking lifts, leading and following from centre

Week 6:
Up – exploring some simple lifts, the table, hip lifts, etc, and finding movement with weight exchange

Week 7:
The Underscore - a light introduction to the led underscore. A held way to explore basic jam skills.

Week 8
Listening - a 3-part journey of listening; moving from your internal landscape of feeling and sensation, into aware contact through touch and others, then outwards into a wider sense of the space as we dance in and out of contact.

Week 9
Ease, Flow, and the Awkward

Week 10
Spiralling Softly – finding pathways from, to, and with, the floor and our partners

Week 11
Inside Out - tensegrity - exploring our inner bounce, tension, compression, reflection.

Week 12
Backspace - orientation and disorientation. Opening up our backspace to finr our upside down, downside up, and round-a-bout!

Week 13
Legs as arms - waking the legs and exploring the possibilities of low level moving.

Week 14
Essential Jam skills: offering, taking, leaving invitations, and exploring ways in and out of the dance.
*See you Dancing, Saskia *

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 18 Sep 16 17:00
2016-09-18 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Wednesday CI Class - The Willow Studio - 21 Sep 16 19:15
2016-09-21 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 25 Sep 16 17:00
2016-09-25 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Wednesday CI Class - The Willow Studio - 28 Sep 16 19:15
2016-09-28 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 2 Oct 16 17:00
2016-10-02 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Wednesday CI Class - The Willow Studio - 5 Oct 16 19:15
2016-10-05 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 9 Oct 16 17:00
2016-10-09 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Wednesday CI Class - The Willow Studio - 12 Oct 16 19:15
2016-10-12 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 16 Oct 16 17:00
2016-10-16 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Wednesday CI Class - The Willow Studio - 19 Oct 16 19:15
2016-10-19 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 23 Oct 16 17:00
2016-10-23 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Wednesday CI Class - The Willow Studio - 26 Oct 16 19:15
2016-10-26 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 30 Oct 16 17:00
2016-10-30 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Wednesday CI Class - The Willow Studio - 2 Nov 16 19:15
2016-11-02 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Flying Fishes - Frome Steiner Academy - 5 Nov 16 12:00
2016-11-05 - 2016-11-06 | Frome Steiner Academy, Park Road, Frome, Somerset, BA11 , United Kingdom
The warm water invites you to let go and to experiment in an organic and fluid way of moving. You learn how to play with its resistance and dynamic, how to transition between following the waves and making soft and clear propositions.

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 6 Nov 16 17:00
2016-11-06 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Wednesday CI Class - The Willow Studio - 9 Nov 16 19:15
2016-11-09 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Workshop with Nita Little: The informed bodymind - The Trinity Centre - 12 Nov 16 10:00
2016-11-12 - 2016-11-13 | The Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NW, United Kingdom
We are excited to be welcoming Nita Little to Bristol. An opportunity not to miss.

Please note that bookings are essential.

The informed Bodymind: Beyond dance/The invisible CI skills
This dance form invites us to have a self-sense that extends spatially to include our partners and our environment. Its skills ask for physical/mental states beyond our normative modes and modalities. And, it stretches our understanding of physicality and perception. The aim of this class is to increase our ability to act responsively through developing new physical and perceptual skills that enhance our peripheral intelligence. By discovering new forms of awareness we will learn to dance safely in a state that gives us an ability to read each ecological moment spatially and energetically. With the dance as our teacher, we will come to able to trust ourselves to meet each moment successfully whether we are falling or flying.

When: 12th and 13th November
Saturday 12th from 10am to 5:30pm
Sunday 13th from 9:30am to 2:30pm

Where:
Trinity Centre
Trinity Road
Bristol
BS2 0NW

For bookings:
Click here - Booking Essential

Bio
A pioneering choreographer, performer, and theorist in the field of ensemble improvisational dance and Contact Improvisation, Nita Little is invited to work with dancers on five continents. A (2014) PhD in Performance Studies from the University of California, Davis, Little participated in the emergence and development of Contact Improvisation in 1972 with Steve Paxton and Nancy Stark Smith. She has been exploring the embodied mind in the physics of motion, relational and creative action, and the performance of presence ever since. As a dance researcher she develops Research Laboratories devoted to the study of relational potentials through ensemble dance explorations in which the tactility of attention is an essential investigation.

Nita works with dancers and performers in numerous mediums and including stage, site-specific investigations and film. She tours on a regular basis making work, performing, and teaching technical and creative skills for companies, festivals and schools worldwide. Nita is a physical philosopher who has developed a movement pedagogy oriented around creative actions of the bodymind in dance. In 2016/17 you will find her choreographing and teaching in NYC, Europe, and South America.

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 13 Nov 16 17:00
2016-11-13 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Wednesday CI Class - The Willow Studio - 16 Nov 16 19:15
2016-11-16 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 20 Nov 16 17:00
2016-11-20 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Wednesday CI Class - The Willow Studio - 23 Nov 16 19:15
2016-11-23 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 27 Nov 16 17:00
2016-11-27 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. Both also available to book via MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Exploring contact improvisation through three qualities: snake, cat and bear.
In this warm-up workshop we will go from animal-body-work to movement scores in duets and trios and as a group. We will use these movement qualities as ways of exploring under and over dancing, safety and partnering.

Sam Bloomfield is a trainee dance movement psychotherapist and contact improvisation facilitator. He has an extensive bodywork, dance, poetry, didgeridoo, performance and workshop facilitation background. This class is inspired by Jamus Wood and his embodied presence work as well as many others.

Open to beginners or experienced contact dancers the class will be led in order to warm up and explore some skills used in the jam. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday CI Class - The Willow Studio - 30 Nov 16 19:15
2016-11-30 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 4 Dec 16 17:00
2016-12-04 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. Both also available to book via MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

This Sundays class will focus on the negotiation between finding form and softening in contact, melting in and reaching away.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday CI Class - The Willow Studio - 7 Dec 16 19:15
2016-12-07 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 11 Dec 16 17:00
2016-12-11 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. Both also available to book via MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Contact improvisation can be seen as an open-ended exploration of the kinaesthetic possibilities of bodies moving in contact with one another. Sometimes dynamic, acrobatic, and sometimes quiet and contemplative, it is a dance form inclusive of all bodies and enquiring minds.

In this class, we’ll sharpen our communication skills, apply physics and train our openness for collaboration. We will embrace detail and sensuousness and train our ability to be
spontaneously, viscerally creative.

Born in Southern Germany and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Ralf Jaroschinski graduated as a classical and modern dancer from the University of Music, Theater and Media in Hannover, Germany, and then studied several contemporary dance and composition techniques in New York on a stipend from the German Academic Exchange Service. He discovered contact improvisation for himself in 1994. From 1998 until 2002, he directed the dance company of the City Theater of Hildesheim, Germany, and included contact improvisation as part of the dancers' training and the creation of his works. He also got commissioned to create choreographies for several European, Asian and American municipal and national ballet companies and dance universities – so far, he has created some 100 dance pieces and improvisation scores.
Facilitating contact improvisation classes and workshops more regularly since 2004, Ralf has taught at numerous festivals, universities, dance schools and studios all over the world. He has trained the dancers of companies such as the Brazilian Curitiba Guaíra Ballet, the Australian “Canberra Dance Theatre”, “Frontier Danceland” in Singapore, the "Bangkok City Ballet" in Thailand, the German “Tanztheater Braunschweig”, "Carte Blanche" in Bergen, Norway, and the Swedish "Cullbergbaletten" in Stockholm in contact improvisation.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Wednesday CI Class - The Willow Studio - 14 Dec 16 19:15
2016-12-14 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

BRISTOL CI: SUNDAY CLASS & JAM - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 8 Jan 17 17:00
2017-01-08 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. Both also available to book via MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.

Class Description

Back Space, Front Space, Relational Space
Bodywork into movement and dance. We will explore different experiences of space, discovering and deepening back-space, front-space and relational-space as three possibilities in movement and emotion. The invitation will be to embody the dance instead of dancing the body. Open to all. Designed to lead you safely into the jam space.

Sam Bloomfield is a facilitator, body-worker, trainee dance movement psychotherapist and multi-media artist.
Sam Bloomfield sam@sambloomfield.org.uk tel: 07527885150
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CONTACT IMPROVISATION SKILLS - The Willow Studio - 11 Jan 17 19:15
2017-01-11 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
CONTACT IMPROVISATION SKILLS
7 Weeks Program

“Just the pleasure of moving and the pleasure of using your body is, I think, maybe the main point. And the the pleasure of dancing with somebody in an unplanned and spontanious way, when you’re free to invent and they are free to invent.” - Steve Paxton

Dates: Wednesdays From 11th january to 22nd February
Time: 7.15 - 9.15pm
Venue: The Willow Studio, St Werburghs Primary School
Cost: £10/£8 conc
MoveGB members welcome.

With Jamus Wood and Lee Bolton

Starting on Wednesday 11th January for 7 consecutive weeks. A weekly two-hour class exploring the Skills of contact improvisation.

This Seven week program is an opportunity to delve into the practice of contact improvisation. Beginning with exploring the basic movement principles of Contact Improvisation:

•Softening into and moving with the floor.
•dancing into and out of contact.
•Exploration of touch.
•Giving and receiving weight.
•Developing and sensing a good fluid alignment.
•Listening too and actioning our impulses.

We will also develop the less seen skills of contact improvisation:

•Awakening our senses and reflexes to be able to respond to space and each moment.
•Developing a bodily felt sense, and our ability to listen and respond too ourselves, our partner and the dance environment around us.

Over the weeks the dance will evolve and expand. We’ll explore specific pathways of movement to clarify the how involved in dancing with a partner. We will dance into and out of the floor, explorations into falling and flying.

Practicalities
These classes are open for those who are just beginning there journey with contact and for more experienced dancers who wish too deepen their practice finding subtleties in touch, direction and presence. It is ideal to attend the whole course, as there will be a progression of learning. However, drop-in is also welcome.
Please bring loose comfortable clothing, with a warm layer to start and end in, kneepads if you have them, and water (though there is access to tap water in the adjoining kitchen area).

Contact
To book your place or find out more, email Jamus on embodiedpresence@gmail.com or phone 0798582791.

For more information and updates go to Embodiedpresence Facebook Page.

BRISTOL CI: SUNDAY CLASS & JAM - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 15 Jan 17 17:00
2017-01-15 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. Both also available to book via MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Spirals, straight lines, push and pull.
Bodywork into movement and dance. We will explore different experiences of movement and intention using solo dance and building self-awareness to take our improvisations into duets and group interaction. The invitation as with last week's class will be to embody the dance instead of dancing the body. Open to all. Designed to lead you safely into the jam space.

Sam Bloomfield is a facilitator, body-worker, trainee dance movement psychotherapist and multi-media artist.
Sam Bloomfield sam@sambloomfield.org.uk tel: 07527885150
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CONTACT IMPROVISATION SKILLS - The Willow Studio - 18 Jan 17 19:15
2017-01-18 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

BRISTOL CI: SUNDAY CLASS & JAM - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 22 Jan 17 17:00
2017-01-22 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. Both also available to book via MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Contact Improvisation Sunday skills class with Maga

We will explore the technical parts of contact improvisation (such as handstands and backbends) in different scenarios, first practicing the skills separately and then while dancing.
The class will begin with a fairly intense warm up, including a lot of conditioning. We will go through principles of rolling on the floor and then expanding through to improvisation tasks and handstand / backbend techniques with a partner. To help contextualise we will also revisit some basics: rolling points of contact, sharing of the spine, perceiving and following, and making suggestions to take our dance into new and exciting places. The class is suitable for all levels.

Maga Radlowska (PL/UK) - contact improvisation dancer, performer, choreographer, improviser and teacher. Magdalena graduated from London Contemporary Dance School and Middlesex University in London, and has fifteen years professional experience in contact improvisation, contemporary dance, physical theatre and improvisation. Magdalena was co-organiser for ECITE 2013 in Poland, and has taught CI in many festivals in Poland and abroad. She regularly teaches CI workshops, Bristol, Brighton and London Contact Improvisation classes, as well as being a lecturer in CI at Middlesex University.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CONTACT IMPROVISATION SKILLS - The Willow Studio - 25 Jan 17 19:15
2017-01-25 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

BRISTOL CI: SUNDAY CLASS & JAM - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 29 Jan 17 17:00
2017-01-29 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. Both also available to book via MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Contruction and Deconstruction

Using counter balance to construct, a constantly balancing unit of more than one body, then letting go (deconstructing) to see where the momentum can take us.

Into a new balancing shape? Or somewhere else?

If walking can be described as a process of falling and catching yourself, this class will explore the same principle but instead of keeping ourselves upright, sometimes we will let gravity win.

This is a basic skills class suitable for all levels of experience.
Key concepts: Trust, balance, momentum and falling.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CONTACT IMPROVISATION SKILLS - The Willow Studio - 1 Feb 17 19:15
2017-02-01 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

BRISTOL CI: SUNDAY CLASS & JAM - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 5 Feb 17 17:00
2017-02-05 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. Both also available to book via MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
This weeks class will focus on finding the balance point when giving weight to find new pathways in, out and through the point of contact.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CONTACT IMPROVISATION SKILLS - The Willow Studio - 8 Feb 17 19:15
2017-02-08 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

BRISTOL CI: SUNDAY CLASS & JAM - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 12 Feb 17 17:00
2017-02-12 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. Both also available to book via MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

This weeks class we will be working on getting a fluid conversation of weight between partners, looking at movement patterns in to and out of lifts all the way through to flying.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CONTACT IMPROVISATION SKILLS - The Willow Studio - 15 Feb 17 19:15
2017-02-15 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

BRISTOL CI: SUNDAY CLASS & JAM - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 19 Feb 17 17:00
2017-02-19 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. Both also available to book via MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
The Eyes of The Skin

We will use this warm-up class to play in trios, exploring what it is like to move with our eyes closed and subsequently to find ways in which our vision can be less dominant in the dance of CI.

Lisa May Thomas is a contemporary dance artist and experienced contact improvisation dancer with a background in performance and film-making. She has worked extensively with themes around the connected body and connecting bodies through performance and technology.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CONTACT IMPROVISATION SKILLS - The Willow Studio - 22 Feb 17 19:15
2017-02-22 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

BRISTOL CI: SUNDAY CLASS & JAM - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 26 Feb 17 17:00
2017-02-26 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. Both also available to book via MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

‘Centre and Periphery'
We will use this warm-up class to engage with our centre and peripheries … then into ways in which we can share centre and extend peripheries.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Skills For Jamming - Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 1 Mar 17 19:15
2017-03-01 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
Date: Every Wednesday
Time: 7.15pm - 9.15pm
Venue: The Willow Studio, St Werburghs Primary School
Cost: £10 (£8 conc) to drop-in. Move GB members Welcome
£30 for the 5 week series..
Bookings: embodiedpresence@gmail.com
Led by: Jamus Wood and Lee Bolton

The jam, O so much potential and desire, sometimes we live this in the dance and sometimes we just miss.

This series of classes is designed to offer ways too jam. Its good for beginner as jams can be crazily complicated from the outside. It good for the veteran who wants to take a thin slice from the jamming experience open it up and explore. We can all learn in this melting pot of Skills For Jamming.

Each week we will explore a physical contact improvisation skill and a jamming focus. We will draw from the material developed by Nacy Stark Smith’s in her Underscore Practice.

Being Available: So are you open to the dance that is just in front of you. Or are you looking for something else, the perfect partner, the perfect moment. Can we say yes yes yes, or do we need to say no a thousand times before our yes arrive. Come play.

In Space: You are never alone in the dance. You alway have space as a partner and the choreography of the group to dance with. When we feel we can not enter a dance or have a bumpy exit we often don't see what is available to us. This class will focus on moving with and partying with space.

So join us for a dance of contact improvisation.
A weekly two-hour class exploring the Skills of contact improvisation.

This five week program is an opportunity to delve into the practice of contact improvisation. Beginning with exploring the skills used in dancing Contact Improvisation.

Practicalities

These classes are open for those who are just beginning there journey with contact and for more experienced dancers who wish too deepen their practice finding subtleties in touch, direction and presence. It is ideal to attend the whole course, as there will be a progression of learning. However, drop-in is also welcome.

Please bring loose comfortable clothing, with a warm layer to start and end in, kneepads if you have them, and water (though there is access to tap water in the adjoining kitchen area).

Contact

To book your place or find out more, email Jamus on embodiedpresence@gmail.com or phone 0798582791.

About the Teachers

About Jamus: I love to dance, to move, to be in stillness, to find rest and support in my body, too breath. To drop my weight and connect to the earth.

I have been learning and exploring dance improvisation for 20 years now. Its been a long journey and I know that so much can be achieved if we give ourselves the space and time to listen and follow our inner conversations.

Our body’s are highly intelligent, we just need to lear too listen and be danced.

I have been teaching contact improvisation since 2003 and Somatic Yoga from 2010. I have a deep love of how the body moves and the genius of how our bodies are put together. I have done all of this, despite living with the consequences of a continual disabling eye condition.

About Lee: I work with movement and dance as an enquiry into the present moment. Fascinated by dance as a metaphor for life I have used Contact Improvisation, somatic movement, non-stylised movement and self enquiry as a vehicle to explore on the dance floor life, with freshness moment to moment.

I have been dancing for more than 10 years. When I first discovered dance it led me to places I had buried, contorted places I pushed away not wanting to feel or face. It has been a long long journey discovering just how far away from myself I have lived. Every dance, every movement session is an invitation to myself to find and meet a little more of myself. To bring more of me to taste more of the world. To breath more fully and to move from the inside and meet the world with interest and curiosity. This is my invitation to you.

For updates about this and other CI events in Bristol go to www.contactdance.co.uk

BRISTOL CI: SUNDAY CLASS & JAM - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 5 Mar 17 17:00
2017-03-05 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. Both also available to book via MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

This weeks class will be about falling, catching growing and collapsing.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Skills For Jamming - Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 8 Mar 17 19:15
2017-03-08 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

BRISTOL CI: SUNDAY CLASS & JAM - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 12 Mar 17 17:00
2017-03-12 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. Both also available to book via MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Jack is a graduate of the London Contemporary Dance School, and organised the contact jam there for two years whilst studying.

We'll begin the class with feeding the soul; by dancing to soul music. After warming the space, we will work from somatic images into movement. Working with light contact, I will propose a toolkit to join and seperate from other bodies in the room, using touch and natural platforms within the body to utilise, manipulate and negotiate.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

BRISTOL CI: SUNDAY CLASS & JAM - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 19 Mar 17 17:00
2017-03-19 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. Both also available to book via MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Conversations in the Gravity Field. Considering Contact Improvisation as a tool to investigate the body’s orientation as part of a wider interdependent landscape in constant transformation, these classes will explore how weight exchange can be a way to explore gravity as a primal language to re-negotiate our perspective of the present moment and engage in new conversations with the surrounding environment.

Rebecca Marta D'Andrea
Movement Artist
rebeccamartadandrea.wordpress.com

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Skills For Jamming - Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 22 Mar 17 19:15
2017-03-22 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
Date: Every Wednesday
Time: 7.15pm - 9.15pm
Venue: The Willow Studio, St Werburghs Primary School
Cost: £10 (£8 conc) to drop-in. Move GB members Welcome
£30 for the 5 week series..
Bookings: embodiedpresence@gmail.com
Led by: Jamus Wood and Lee Bolton

This week's Jamming Focus: Making Connections
Physical Skill: Sensing.

The jam, O so much potential and desire, sometimes we live this in the dance and sometimes we just miss.

This series of classes is designed to offer ways too jam. Its good for beginner as jams can be crazily complicated from the outside. It good for the veteran who wants to take a thin slice from the jamming experience open it up and explore. We can all learn in this melting pot of Skills For Jamming.

Each week we will explore a physical contact improvisation skill and a jamming focus. We will draw from the material developed by Nacy Stark Smith’s in her Underscore Practice.

Being Available: So are you open to the dance that is just in front of you. Or are you looking for something else, the perfect partner, the perfect moment. Can we say yes yes yes, or do we need to say no a thousand times before our yes arrive. Come play.

In Space: You are never alone in the dance. You alway have space as a partner and the choreography of the group to dance with. When we feel we can not enter a dance or have a bumpy exit we often don't see what is available to us. This class will focus on moving with and partying with space.

So join us for a dance of contact improvisation.
A weekly two-hour class exploring the Skills of contact improvisation.

This five week program is an opportunity to delve into the practice of contact improvisation. Beginning with exploring the skills used in dancing Contact Improvisation.

Practicalities

These classes are open for those who are just beginning there journey with contact and for more experienced dancers who wish too deepen their practice finding subtleties in touch, direction and presence. It is ideal to attend the whole course, as there will be a progression of learning. However, drop-in is also welcome.

Please bring loose comfortable clothing, with a warm layer to start and end in, kneepads if you have them, and water (though there is access to tap water in the adjoining kitchen area).

Contact

To book your place or find out more, email Jamus on embodiedpresence@gmail.com or phone 0798582791.

About the Teachers

About Jamus: I love to dance, to move, to be in stillness, to find rest and support in my body, too breath. To drop my weight and connect to the earth.

I have been learning and exploring dance improvisation for 20 years now. Its been a long journey and I know that so much can be achieved if we give ourselves the space and time to listen and follow our inner conversations.

Our body’s are highly intelligent, we just need to lear too listen and be danced.

I have been teaching contact improvisation since 2003 and Somatic Yoga from 2010. I have a deep love of how the body moves and the genius of how our bodies are put together. I have done all of this, despite living with the consequences of a continual disabling eye condition.

About Lee: I work with movement and dance as an enquiry into the present moment. Fascinated by dance as a metaphor for life I have used Contact Improvisation, somatic movement, non-stylised movement and self enquiry as a vehicle to explore on the dance floor life, with freshness moment to moment.

I have been dancing for more than 10 years. When I first discovered dance it led me to places I had buried, contorted places I pushed away not wanting to feel or face. It has been a long long journey discovering just how far away from myself I have lived. Every dance, every movement session is an invitation to myself to find and meet a little more of myself. To bring more of me to taste more of the world. To breath more fully and to move from the inside and meet the world with interest and curiosity. This is my invitation to you.

For updates about this and other CI events in Bristol go to www.contactdance.co.uk

BRISTOL CI: SUNDAY CLASS & JAM - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 26 Mar 17 17:00
2017-03-26 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. Both also available to book via MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Conversations in the Gravity Field part 2. Considering Contact Improvisation as a tool to investigate the body’s orientation as part of a wider interdependent landscape in constant transformation, these classes will explore how weight exchange can be a way to explore gravity as a primal language to re-negotiate our perspective of the present moment and engage in new conversations with the surrounding environment.

rebeccamartadandrea.wordpress.com

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Skills For Jamming - Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 29 Mar 17 19:15
2017-03-29 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

BRISTOL CI: SUNDAY CLASS & JAM - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 2 Apr 17 17:00
2017-04-02 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. Both also available to book via MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

An Exploration of Connection through our Senses.
This is something you are engaged with at every dance in every moment. It is a rich landscape that can be new and fresh in every dance you have for ever - lets take some time to put some emphasis here and feel what wakes up through connecting from our senses.

Lee - I work with movement and dance as an enquiry into the present moment. Fascinated by dance as a metaphor for life I have used Contact Improvisation, somatic movement, non-stylised movement and self enquiry as a vehicle to explore on the dance floor life, with freshness moment to moment. Lee co created Embodied Presence in 2012 and has been facilitating classes, workshops and retreats in the UK, Europe and Australia.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Skills For Jamming - Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 5 Apr 17 19:15
2017-04-05 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Touchdown Dance Weekend Workshop - Natural Theatre, Widcombe Institute - 8 Apr 17 11:00
2017-04-08 11:00 - 2017-04-09 17:00 | Natural Theatre, Widcombe Institute, Widcombe Hill, Bath, BA2 6AA, United Kingdom
Touchdown Dance weekend workshop

Touchdown Dance workshops are uniquely devised to bring visually Impaired and sighted people together in movement and dance.

LOCATION- Natural Theatre, Widcombe Institute, Widcombe Hill, Bath, BA2 6AA
April 8-9th 2017 from 11- 5p.m. each day with a lunch break.
Cost £60 for the weekend or £30 for a day.

Touchdown Dance workshops are an experience! Based in yoga, dance and movement disciplines you discover a greater awareness of your body, posture and range of movement potential.
We demonstrate and teach exercises, partnering and group explorations that are fun and intended to deepen your trust in your ability to move through space, improved orientation skills and general confidence in physical participatory activity.

We work with principles from somatic movement education - Body-Mind Centering®, and specialist methods developed over many years of research since 1986. Contact Improvisation involves working in physical contact with others to sense and feel our own weight, energy, and our ability to move together safely. Touchdown dance specialist workshop leaders are visually impaired and sighted.

-Touchdown Dance works in collaboration with Action for Blind, Henshaws Society for the Blind, SENSE, and many other organisations, nationally and internationally.
-Guide Dogs welcome and a walking area along the canal is a 5 minute walk from the building.
TO BOOK - please send your contact details, date of birth, and payment to Touchdown Dance, Waterside Arts Centre, Sale, M33 7ZF
BACS PAYMENT ; Touchdown Dance, sort code 16 -30-32 10130910
Contact Katy Dymoke and Holly Thomas at info@touchdowndance.co.uk or call
Katy 07932038730, or 0161 912 5760.
www.touchdowndance.co.uk

BRISTOL CI: SUNDAY CLASS & JAM - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 9 Apr 17 17:00
2017-04-09 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. Both also available to book via MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Awakening the Spine

Through a series of hands on exploration, somatic exorcises, and movement scores we will uncover the inner landscape of the our vertebrae. We will combine soft suppleness of the spine with inner strength and support for taking weight. Connecting to others and opening a wealth of opportunity in the dance.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Awakening The spine - Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 12 Apr 17 19:15
2017-04-12 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
A new 12 week series of classes that will focus on deeper understanding of the internal structure of the spine and its interconnection with the rest of the body.

Each week will begin with a invitation to slow down and drop into the body. We will use somatic approaches to learn about the body through experience. From here we will continue on to specific contact improvisation skills and into dancing.

Classes can be attended on a drop in basis. There is however a benefit in committing to the whole series

Weeks 1-4 Discovering the Spine

Becoming aware of the internal structure with in us, meeting our spine, Embodied anatomy, bodywork into movement, moving from and finding the articulation within each of the different parts of our central skeletal axis.

Weeks 5-8 Support for the spine
Finding support from within, from internal structure and system to energetic centres and nerve pathways. Looking at ways to find ease and to manage weight, both our own and others.

Weeks 9-12 Mobilising the spine
Working with developmental movement patterns, undulations, spirals and articulation, increasing the range of movement for the spine, opening new possibilities within the dance.
Date: Wednesday 12th April 2017 ( First Class )
Venue: The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US
Time: 19:15 - 21:15
Cost: £10
or Find it on MoveGB
Lead by: Alistair Edmunds

Awakening The spine - Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 19 Apr 17 19:15
2017-04-19 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Awakening The spine - Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 26 Apr 17 19:15
2017-04-26 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol Contact Improvisation National Jam 2017 - Steiner Academy - 28 Apr 17 18:00
2017-04-28 18:00 - 2017-05-01 17:00 | Steiner Academy, Steiner Academy, Elfin Road, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 2JP, United Kingdom
****DAY TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE SAT/SUN £35, MON £25****

The intention for this year’s edition is to have the performance as a focal point of the entire event, and at the same time keeping it true to its traditional free contact improvisation dance agenda. We have invited Jacqueline McCormick to lead the morning Contact Improvisation and performance activity and Ruth Janssen to facilitate lunchtime ContactKids activity.

Get tickets here, earlybird bookings open:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bristol-contact-improvisation-national-jam-tickets-32186392366?aff=es2

Early bird price £75 before 1st April, £85 after 1st April
The intention for this year’s edition is to have the performance as a focal point of the entire event, and at the same time keeping it true to its traditional free contact improvisation dance agenda, where participants can give themselves permission to play their heads and bodies off :)
Jacqueline McCormick will lead the morning Contact Improvisation and Performance activity.
Jacqueline McCormick's own words " Here is taste of what I'm sharing: Owning, exploring and playing with the emotional configurations that arise during being witnessed in our improvisation."
Ruth Janssen will facilitate lunchtime ContactKids *optional* activity - an opportunity to see how much of Contact Improv can be incorporated into improvising with the children.
Ruth offers "one hour, lots of physical games for you and your little one, together. We move together as a group, we dance, we swim and swoop, we go upside down, roll, jump, fall and run! "

The running format begins on Friday evening, then continues for two long days on Saturday and Sunday and a shorter day on Monday to finish the event at around 5pm.
This co created time frame will include a mixture of jam time and teaching time giving preference to open space exploration.
PLAY! ENTERTAIN! BE ENTERTAINED! PLAY!
Scores, stage presence and aesthetics, and possibly a performance sharing on one of the evenings are at the heart of us coming together this year, all this will be interspersed with time to explore the local and wonderful Oldbury Court Park as well as our own interests.
The event is open to all levels of experience, we encourage participants to bring their curiosities, research and desires to the event as there could be opportunity to (co)facilitate daytime jam slot.
Think 25 hr Contact Improvisation Dance Marathon.....

We also have a line up of fabulous improvising musicians of the vibrant Bristol music scene to support parts of the event.
All of this guaranteed to make it a well remembered Jam!

Jacqueline McCormick USA/UK

Jacqueline has been teaching, performing and making dances for over thirty years, directing and performing in her company DanceAbout works that take a dancing journey through the outback of the self. She is fascinated by creating movement from sensation, especially in natural environments, as captured in her dance films; Settle, Spiral and most recently The Walk, shot in Joshua Tree, California USA.
Jacqueline’s work is greatly influenced by her research into improvisation, especially Contact Improvisation. Since 1990 she has taught Contact Improvisation at numerous Contact Festivals and workshops throughout the USA and Europe, most recently at Italy Contact Festival 2016, Los Angeles USA, and Bristol UK.
As Artistic Director for Cheshire Dance 2004-2016 Jacqueline created small to large-scale site-based works involving professional artists and communities. The Moment When… 2012 involved over 900 performers, across 3 sites, as part of the NW Cultural Olympiad celebrations. Jacqueline has an M.A degree in Dance from Mills College, California, and was Associate Professor in Dance at Connecticut College, USA 2000-2004, and Western Oregon University 1985-1996.

Here is her description of what she will be offering:
"The Emotional Body in Performance

Tapping into the ever flowing emotions that touch reveals in Contact Improvisation and performance.
Owning, exploring and playing with the emotional configurations that arise during being witnessed in our improvisation.
Excavating the unconscious feelings that erupt; fear, that may keep us stuck from being present and limit our choices in the moment, while also inviting the witness to really 'see' us.
Exercises that help us to connect and integrate emotions into our dancing and improvising. How to inhabit all experiences as they arise.
We will experience roles as mover and witness, bringing attention to performing Contact Improvisation duets and ensembles using four forms; breath, continuous movement, large/loud travelling, outbursts."

Ruth Janssen UK

For 15 years Ruth danced professionally with some of Britain's leading dance makers, touring extensively nationally and internationally, and had work toured with dance and theatre companies in Britain and Italy, India and China, Malta and Finland. Ruth has worked for theatre companies Scottish Dance Theatre, Dundee Rep Ensemble, Mad Dogs Dance Theatre, Scarlattine Teatro and Gravity & Levity amoung others. As a dance and yoga teacher, Ruth has taught several professional dance companies regular company class including Scottish Dance Theatre and Phoenix Dance Theatre, and also guest lectured for vocational dance schools.
Ruth has practiced and taught Contact Improvisation and improvisation for over 10 years. When she heard about ContaKids it immediately made sense to go and train with Itay Yatuv to bring it here to the South West. Ruth teaches pregnancy and postnatal yoga in Exeter, and is seeking to bring support and fun to familes with young children through movement, dance and yoga.
​
Credentials / certifications:
1st Class degree in contemporary dance and choreography
16 years professional dance experience
Certified 200+yoga teacher from Centered Yoga with Paul Dallaghan
Certified Pre & Postnatal yoga teacher, including baby massage and yoga - Appleyoga & Katy Appleton
Advanced CPD in Modern Pregnancy Functional Exercise & Birth Preparation Programming - Burrell Education
Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance
Registered ContaKids teacher

Bristol National Jam 2017 Schedule
Please note that the schedule may change. Further information including practicalities & class descriptions will be sent to you upon registration.
Friday 28th April

Time

Event

Notes

6pm

Dinner gathering

Details and booking to follow

8pm-10pm

Jam

Live music from Moses Jones on Shakuhachi

Saturday 29th April

Time

Event

Notes

9.30am – 10am

Opening Circle

10am – 1pm

Class facilitated by Jacqueline McCormick

1-3pm

Lunch

2-3pm

Contakids with Ruth Janssen

For kids aged 2-10 with accompanying adult.

3.00-7.00pm

Warm up with Ruth Janssen into Jam

Live music from Joe Evans on double bass

7-8pm

Dinner

8.00-10pm

Play! Entertain! Be Entertained! Play! facilitated by K’lo Harris
(There will be space in this session for you to just jam if you wish.)

Live music from Joe Evans

Sunday 30th April

Time

Event

Notes

9am – 10am

Laughter Yoga with Joe Hoare

10am – 1pm

Class facilitated by Jacqueline McCormick

1-3pm

Lunch

2-3pm

Contakids with Ruth Janssen

For kids aged 2-10 with accompanying adult.

3.00-7.00pm

Warm up with Ruth Janssen into Jam

Pop up musicians

7-8pm

Dinner

8.00-10pm

Performance space facilitated by Jacqueline McCormick
(There will be space in this session for you to just jam if you wish.)

Monday 1st May

Time

Event

Notes

9am – 10am

Partner Yoga with Lioba Fezer

10am – 1pm

Class facilitated by Jacqueline McCormick

1-2.30pm

Lunch

2.30-4.30pm

Jam

Live Music with Christopher Baron on Hang

4.30-5pm

Closing circle

Awakening The spine - Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 3 May 17 19:15
2017-05-03 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 7 May 17 17:00
2017-05-07 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

After warming the space, we will work from somatic images into movement. Working with light contact, I will propose a toolkit to join and separate from other bodies in the room,

This class is about light touch and brief encounters.

After warming the body with hands-on, we'll engage in a brief compositional task to wake up our curiosity and awareness of the space and bodies around us.

After negotiating the passing through of other bodies, we'll see how and touch and natural platforms within the body allow us to utilise, manipulate and negotiate ourselves with each other, both on and off the alignment of our own access.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Awakening The spine - Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 10 May 17 19:15
2017-05-10 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 14 May 17 17:00
2017-05-14 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

This Sunday we will go back to basics - finding the floor as our partner, moving up and down through the levels alone and together and exploring how this opens our perceptions into the dance.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Awakening The spine - Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 17 May 17 19:15
2017-05-17 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 21 May 17 17:00
2017-05-21 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

We are going to be working mostly centre of gravity and the different qualities of touch for leading and following.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Awakening The spine - Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 24 May 17 19:15
2017-05-24 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 28 May 17 17:00
2017-05-28 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Conversations in the Gravity Field 2. Considering Contact Improvisation as a tool to investigate our body’s orientation as part of a wider interdependent landscape in constant transformation, in this session movement will be explored as a meditative practice. Drawing inspiration from Contemplative Practice of Barbara Dilley, we will investigate the relationship between stillness and movement, as a process o 'relating' to our sense of self embedded as part of a wider whole.Acknowledging the path of our attentive state, navigating through the map of the 'extended' body, embracing the primal language of gravity as a way to re-negotiate our perspective of the present moment and engage in new conversations with the surrounding environment.

Rebecca's bio
Rebecca Marta D'Andrea is a dance artist based in Bristol. Her work explores improvisational forms of creativity across different mediums, as a way to investigate the role of perception in shaping and being shaped by our environment. She graduated in Choreography at Dartington College of Arts in 2006, and has ever since continued studying and researching, as well as creating performances and installations in collaboration with other artists and co-organizing performative events to promote the dialogue across art forms. In Bristol she shares elements of her own movement research at The Island Dance Space and facilitates Contact Improvisation classes for Bristol Contact Improvisation. The score written for her movement study “Totem:Archeology of the Body” has been recently published as part of the anthology: “#Performance Project: Complici di una Scena Presente” curated by Max Schiavoni.
She has currently completed an MA in Creative Practice at Trinity Laban, Independent Dance and Siobhan Davies Dance with the support of a Gill Clarke Bursary, of Leverhulme Arts Scholars Awards.

more info on rebeccamartadandrea.wordpress.com
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Awakening The spine - Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 31 May 17 19:15
2017-05-31 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 4 Jun 17 17:00
2017-06-04 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Hugh is a Freelance Dance artist specializing Contact Improvisation and Contemporary Dance. He trained at Northern School of Contemporary Dance and has worked as a performer and teacher for over 10 years.

Throughout the past few years he has been training in different movement disciplines- from Contact Improvisation and Yoga, to Circus and Tai Chi - to gain a deeper understanding of the body and the power of moving with presence and awareness.

He teaches with a variety of different approaches to all ages and abilities, with a focus on creating an inclusive and open environment in which participants can feel free and able to discover new ways of moving. A space of ‘serious play time’!

The focus of class will be on accessing and exploring our individual movement patterns, progressing on to simple exercises to come into contact. Working with imagery to discover freedom in motion. Exploring the ‘Animal Spine’, spiral pathways and building momentum.

Exercises will alternate between contact and solo work to connect both to oneself and to the group as a whole. Emphasis will move on to improvised duets where we learn some pathways and techniques to enter and leave a dance.

This is a space to move with the joy, freedom and connection we can experience in Movement with others.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Awakening The spine - Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 7 Jun 17 19:15
2017-06-07 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 11 Jun 17 17:00
2017-06-11 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Falling (and a little catching)

Confidence with playing comes from freeing the fear.
What do we fear?
Falling and hurting ourselves.
Let’s learn to fall without fear, and see where the momentum takes us.
This class will explore our relationship with gravity, ourselves and others through falling.

The session will naturally encompass somatic principles of reach developmental patterns, and reflexive integration as well as an enlivening of our senses especially sight in a non-directional and more peripheral way.

It will be safe, accessible to all and explorative.

Come with a willingness to let go, stay in control, be clumsy, be flowing and enjoy meeting the ground.

‘Fall…Move from a higher to a lower level, typically rapidly and without control.
Synonyms: drop, drop down, plummet, descend, come down, go down, plunge, sink, dive, nosedive, tumble, pitch; …cascade… slope down, slope, slant down, go down, incline downwards, tilt downwards, drop away, drop, descend, dip, sink, plunge; …gravitate… topple over, tumble over, keel over, fall down, fall over, go head over heels, go end over end, fall headlong, go headlong, collapse, fall in a heap, take a spill, pitch forward; trip, trip over, stumble, stagger, slip, slide’ (google.co.uk).

The Jam
Wednesday or Thursday before the class – it is also send out weekly via our mailing list}
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Awakening The spine - Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 14 Jun 17 19:15
2017-06-14 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: The Underscore - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 18 Jun 17 17:00
2017-06-18 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Curious about the Underscore?
Enjoying practicing Underscore?
Come to this long facilitated Underscore practice on Sunday! From 5pm-8:30pm.

In my own words and experience: The Underscore is a framework for improvisational dance (including Contact Improvisation), developed by Nancy Stark Smith, based in her research and observation of the states of sensation and awareness that naturally occur while improvising.

Essentially it is a long focused Jam, where you are invited and challenged to follow the prescribed and described stages of personal warm up, group warm up, coming in and out of contact and finally stages of dancing the open score. When practiced well it can be a great way to experience integrated, all inlcusive and rich jam environment.

It describes phases in the dance where there is confusion, loss of focus, responsive tone, flowing focus and gives permission to embrace these phenomena and keep on dancing.

If you’d like to read about the Underscore, please check this info http://nancystarksmith.com/underscore/
There is a video footage of Nancy explaining Underscore (with me simultaneously translating it into Polish!) that is really helpful of understanding of it and how it can be done!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOGLMZdm2uA

What do you need to know before coming?

If you are unfamiliar with the Underscore please turn up at 5pm and get an indepth explanation of the phases of the score. I will offer a detailed talk-through of the practice, where we will not dance for half an hour. If sitting down and being talked at is not what you like, and you know you could do with a refresher I encourage you to ask yourself honestly – how will I benefit from hearing about the underscore and add to over all experience of the whole group? I will not offer much explanation as we dance the score, so other than signs on the wall and occasional prompts from me you will be expected to know what you are doing 😊

If you are familiar with the practice please you are welcome to come at 5:30 pm and join in with consciousness of the underscore already happening in the space. We will begin together as an Assembly. Secondly, in case you didn’t know here is News Flash for you: As of December 2016, Nancy has renamed the phase formerly called “Pow-Wow,” which is a focused gathering of the Underscore players—a coming together to meet, check in, sow seeds for practice in the early part of the score. It is now called Assembly.

This is a practice for all, those who would like to learn a new way of being in the jam as well as those seasoned dancers - come and investigate your relationship to Underscore, its correlations to CI, contemplation, composition, listening/music, performance, and other interest.

Ideally you are committing to staying for the entire stretch of time between 5-8:30. It is a long time, so if you already know you need extra snacks and drink or tea please come prepared. I will bring a couple of flasks of hot drink – ginger tea and regular tea. You are of course free to stay as long as you like, but make sure you start with the whole group at 5:30 sharp!

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.

Awakening The spine - Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 21 Jun 17 19:15
2017-06-21 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 25 Jun 17 17:00
2017-06-25 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

How can we move with minimum effort, stay soft, stay in the flow and be dynamic?
That’s the exploration behind this class.
Let’s use this heat to allow ourselves to melt into the dance.

This class will make use of bodywork as a warm up into dancing, to help bring greater awareness to our muscles, fascia and maybe fluids.

Facilitated by K’lo Harris: Somatic Movement Educator (SME), Somatic Performer (SMP), Shiatsu Practitioner (Shi Dip), Creative Arts BA Hons (dance & drama joint honours), MA TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences) and more.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Awakening The spine - Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 28 Jun 17 19:15
2017-06-28 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 2 Jul 17 17:00
2017-07-02 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
This class will revolve around the technicality of dynamic support: through a gradual build-up we'll look at how spine articulation, relationship to the floor and movement patterns support our ease and clarity of movement from horizontal to vertical. We'll then transfer our solo dancing to the duet exploring how the under dancer can support, guide and keep moving and how the over dancer can use placement and reaching into space. This should make for some juicy dancing to develop into new territories.

Anne-Gaelle Thiriot is a dancer, performer and maker whose process is rooted in improvisation, composition and collaboration. Over the past 12 years she has had long-term collaborations with Noa Zamir, Dirty Market Theatre, Tara D'Arquian and Lisa-May Thomas among others and since 2013 is part of the dance artists collective Exit Map. She started practicing CI in France in 2002 and has been particularly inspired by the folowing teachers: Kirstie Simson, Didier Silhol, Nancy Stark-Smith, Julyen Hamilton, KJ Holmes, Charlie Morrissey, Rick Nodine, Lisa Nelson, Simone Forti. Most recently she has been working with Simonetta Alessandri and has travelled to Seattle to be part of GLIMPSE 3, Nancy Stark-Smith's research project of the Underscore in performance.
Blog ​ www.annegaellethiriot.tumblr.com

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Outdoor Contact Improvisation Jam! - St Andrews Park, Bristol - 16 Jul 17 18:00
2017-07-16 18:00 - 21:00 | St Andrews Park, Bristol, Effingham Road, Bristol, BS6 5AX, United Kingdom
Jams at DMAC are over for the summer, so come and get your CI fix at St Andrews Park.
This is an informal get together for Bristol dancers to do some outdoor dancing. There will be no teacher/facilitator. There may be live music. Beginners welcome!

Meet at the bottom end of the park from 6 onwards.

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 10 Sep 17 17:00
2017-09-10 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Welcome to our first weekly CI warm-up session of the new season 2017/18! Anna Stepczuk, the facilitator, designed the class to suit all level participants, including those with little or no experience in contact. During the warm up we will explore individual awareness and boundaries of our comfort zone what would smoothly lead us into the Jam at 6.30, also open to all. You can simply turn up or pre-book with Move GB. We're looking forward to dance with you!

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation: The Fundamentals - The Willow Studio - 13 Sep 17 19:15
2017-09-13 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
Starting on Wednesday 13th September for 14 consecutive weeks. A weekly two-hour class exploring the basics of contact improvisation.

Contact Improvisation
CI is an improvised dance form that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

Some of the fundamentals we will explore in this course include; the rolling point of contact, weight exchange, basic lifts, leading & following, ways to say yes, no, and maybe, spirals, the small dance, safety, and more.

Practicals
This course is suitable for complete beginners and those wanting to revisit the fundamentals. It is ideal to attend the whole course, However, drop-in is also possible at £10 per class

Each class will include a led warm-up at the start and warm-down at the end, a focus on CI fundamentals, and time for questions, discussion and feedback.

Please bring loose comfortable clothing, with a warm layer to start and end in, kneepads if you have them and water (though there is access to tap water).

Contact
To book your place or find out more, email Alistair on info@somaticmovement.co.uk or phone 0789 5762998.

Awakening the Spine Weekend Workshop - Wild Goose Space - 16 Sep 17 09:00
2017-09-16 09:00 - 2017-09-17 18:00 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom
A two day workshop focusing on somatic explorations of the spine, and how they can enhance and develop our experience and ability in contact improvisation

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 17 Sep 17 17:00
2017-09-17 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

CI warm-up class faciliated by Anna Stepczuk (Anna Preciosa) is designed to suit all level participants, including those with little or no experience in contact. We will go back to basis of contact exploring stillness and movement.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

“ReWilding Attention: Becoming Feral” with Nita Little - Abercych Village Hall - 20 Sep 17 00:00
2017-09-20 - 2017-09-24 | Abercych Village Hall, Abercych, Boncath, SA37 0EZ, Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom
Photo by
Denis Timinski

'ReWilding Attention: Becoming Feral' with Nita Little

(Feral: A return to the wild state after a prolonged period of domestication)What are the limits of our ability to be physically alive, to connect, and to commune with one another? Commune with our environments?

Dancing Contact Improvisation and dance ensemble improvisation, this workshop develops states of embodiment that support communion. This process will begin deep within our physicality as we seek to understand how we communicate through our own anatomical structures. With this understanding, we extend outwardly into duets, trios, and ensembles. Our work is to rethink our embodiment, challenge our cultural assumptions, and find new answers to how we communicate as physical beings. We develop states of being that heighten our felt sense so that even walking down a street we are alive with communication. Ready to meet one another and our worlds, we understand the creativity implicit in play. Our goal is to shake off the limits of our domestication and become more instinctual, more intuitive, more specific and clear in our actions, and more alive in our presence with one another and our worlds.

5 day intensive workshop (non-residential), 30 hours of classes and a lot of opportunity for group discussions. Set in a beautiful part of Wales.

20th - 24th September 2017
Wednesday 20th September starting at 2 pm
Sunday 24th September finishing at 5 pm
£285.00 Full Price
Option of payment in 3 installments.

Abercych Village Hall, Abercych, Boncath, Pembrokeshire, SA37 0EZ

Contact us: gronaus@yahoo.com.br
mobile: 00 44 7780855165

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1343544255734291

The deadline for booking is September 15th.

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 24 Sep 17 17:00
2017-09-24 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Sundays class we will be going deep into one of the fundamental patterns or contact Improvisation, the Helix roll. After warming up the spine, we will look at ways to really embody the pattern from small details to the over arching feel. We will then see how we can use this information to inform our dance.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation: The Fundamentals - The Willow Studio - 27 Sep 17 19:15
2017-09-27 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 1 Oct 17 17:00
2017-10-01 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Following on from last weeks theme, although this class can be attended independently we will be looking at the Crescent rolls. After working a with the centre, defining it within ourselves and moving from that place, we will discover the crescent shape in movement, taking time to feel it in the body. Progressing gradually to explore some of its uses in the dance.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation: The Fundamentals - The Willow Studio - 4 Oct 17 19:15
2017-10-04 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 8 Oct 17 17:00
2017-10-08 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
We will warm ourselves up by starting from stillness, moving into embodied solo improvisations, then adding physical contact with others to find out how this influences our dance.
We will then explore how we can use the table position to support the weight of others and how we can smoothly transition in and out of this position and create fluid changes between over-dancer and under-dancer roles.
Following this we will go back to our embodied dance to see how these technical explorations can nourish our improvised movement.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation: The Fundamentals - The Willow Studio - 11 Oct 17 19:15
2017-10-11 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 15 Oct 17 17:00
2017-10-15 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Fluid Release and Alignment
This Sunday we will begin dancing from a place of release, finding alignment through gentle and fluid floor-work and hands-on. We will investigate orienting to gravity and how to support the weight of the skull. As we develop an acute proprioceptive awareness we will move on to more playful partner-work, including push and pull patterns and spinal sensibilities, aligning the head and tail.

Artist Bio
Rosalind is a Dance Artist and Somatic Movement Practitioner. She creates immersive installations and performances for gallery and site-specific environments. She has been passionate about Contact Improvisation since she was a student of Fine Art and Choreography at Dartington in 2009 and now teaches regularly in the UK and at festivals in Europe. Besides Contact Improvisation her practice is also informed by Body-Mind Centering, Authentic Movement and Skinner Release Technique. She holds a Masters degree in Dance, Creative Practice and is also a Yoga Teacher and Shaw method, swimming teacher; a release based approach, combining the Alexander Technique.

www.rosalindholgatesmith.com
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation: The Fundamentals - The Willow Studio - 18 Oct 17 19:15
2017-10-18 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 22 Oct 17 17:00
2017-10-22 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

The class will begin with a fairly intense warm-up focusing on core stability and body conditioning. After the warm-up, we will then investigate principles of rolling on the floor and expand this through different tasks such as handstands / backbends and upside-down techniques (solo and with a partner). The second half of class will then focus on the most essential practices in CI, including: the physical forces of gravity, levity, momentum; aerial and acrobatic work; rolling points of contact.

Maga Radlowska is a contact improvisation dancer, performer, choreographer, improviser and teacher, graduating from the London Contemporary Dance School and from Middlesex University in London with an MA in Choreography. Maga has fifteen years professional experience in contemporary dance, physical theatre, contact improvisation and improvisation, and has created and performed in many pieces in international festivals across Europe and the Middle East. Maga has worked with companies, dancers and choreographers as diverse as Jose Vidal Company, Bettina Carpi, Paweł Matyasik and Nadar Rosano. In 2013 and 2014 Maga performed for Zawirowanie Dance Theatre in Israel, Sweden, Lithuania, Ukraine, Hungary, Germany, Croatia and Portugal. She has been taught by Melissa Monteros, Wojciech Mochniej, Gabriella Koch, Nita Little, Ray Chung, Daniel Kramer, Frauke Requardt, Robert Anderson, Katy Dymoke, Simonetta Allesandri, Rick Nodine, Charlie Morrissey, Thomas Kampe and Andrew Harwood. Maga has been nominated for scholarships and won several awards; most recently winning first prize in the Warsaw Polish Platform Choreography Contest. Her award-winning work in the community sector has been presented across Europe and attracted interest from national media. Maga was co-organiser for ECITE 2013 in Poland and also co-directs and choreographs the annual International Festival of Dance in Poland. She regularly teaches CI workshops and classes in London, and also teaches CI at Middlesex University. Most recently she taught at the Freiburg CI Festival in Germany.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation: The Fundamentals - The Willow Studio - 25 Oct 17 19:15
2017-10-25 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Skinner Releasing Technique Workshop in Bristol - The Island - 28 Oct 17 15:30
2017-10-28 15:30 - 2017-10-29 17:30 | The Island, Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2LE, United Kingdom
This weekend workshop will explore the Introductory SRT classes 6, 7, 8, 9. Ideally those attending will have taken Classes 1–5. (Although it is possible to join the workshop if you've had some dance improvisation or somatic experience. Please let us know beforehand.)
Skinner Releasing Technique (SRT), is a dance technique in which poetic images are interwoven with specific music, allowing the individual to explore improvised movement. For more information about SRT please visit www.skinnerreleasingnetwork.org/.
Date:
October 28th, 29th 2017
Time:
Saturday 3:30-5:30 & 7-9
Sunday 11-1 & 2:30-5:30
Venue:
The Island, Nelson Street, BS1 2LE, Bristol, UK
Price:
£50 for all four sessions
£15 per class or £30 for 2 sessions
Booking:
Jocasta - 07875 151582 or deva-shanti@hotmail.com
This event is co hosted by Jocasta Crofts and Embodied Presence please book with Jocasta.
Gaby Agis – Biography

Now living in both London UK and Montreal Canada I have been teaching SRT over twenty years. I have taught both Introductory and Ongoing SRT classes worldwide. Since 2010 I have been involved in teaching on SRT Teacher's Training Programmes both at Introductory & Ongoing Level. I enjoy teaching a wide range of students from long-term professional dancers to those new to dance. As well as teaching widely in dance institutions, I have collaborated with students of architecture, theatre and the visual arts, and continue to be inspired by the possibilities that SRT brings to different communities.
As a choreographer and dancer I find SRT intrinsic to my creative process. Over the past thirty years I have created dance in many different environments from hospitals to opera houses to train stations to galleries. In 2010 -13 a project took myself and fellow dance artists Titta Court, Eeva-Maria Mukta north to Baffin Island in Canada and Lapland in Finland & Norway to collaborate with Inuit and Sami artists. In the last few years there has been a growing interest in my early performance work: "Shouting Out Loud" has had a series of reconstructions, in 2014/15/16/17. This work is for a large group for 13 women, it was original made in 1984, and has a sound track by Ana Da Sliva and The Raincoats. In the summer & fall of 2016, I reconstructed and performed in a duet 1983 "Close Streams " these performances were presented at the Turner Contemporary, Margate, as part of the Summer Show "Seeing round Corners".

Questions of Embodiment - Wild Goose Space - 29 Oct 17 12:00
2017-10-29 12:00 - 16:00 | Wild Goose Space, 228 Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YP, United Kingdom
Questions of Embodiment

One Day Dance Improvisation Workshop with Jackie Adkins & Rebecca Marta D’AndreaSunday 29th October 201712 -4 pm
Explore new ways to experience your body in time and space in this afternoon workshop with two experienced teacher/dancers.Rebecca will use improvisational scores to explore the role of perception in shaping and being shaped by our environment, while Jackie’s focus will be a detailed investigation of our skeletal anatomy as a way of accessing to greater freedom in movement.Suitable for people with some movement experience.
Venue: Wildgoose Space, 228 Mina Rd, Bristol BS2 9YPCost: £35 (30)Bookings: Jackie info@movetolive.co.uk or Rebecca rebymarta@yahoo.com

More details on: Inside Out and more… Dance Classes 2017

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/173316383216619/

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 29 Oct 17 17:00
2017-10-29 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

photo by Cristina Crippa cristinacrippa.it, Ecite 2017, Tuscania (VT), Italy, August 2017

Considering Contact Improvisation as a tool to investigate our body’s orientation as part of a wider interdependent landscape in constant transformation I will facilitate a somatic based session into Contact Improvisation.

The proposed focus will be our sense of limit...

When does my sense of me ends and sense of you begins?When does our sense of self begin to dance together?

Drawing inspiration from Contemplative Dance Practice of Barbara Dilley and scores from 'Perception Frames' project by Rosanna Irvine, we will investigate the relationship between stillness and movement, as a process o 'relating' to our sense of self embedded as part of a wider whole. Acknowledging the path of our attentive state, navigating through the map of the 'extended' body, embracing the primal language of gravity as a way to re-negotiate possible ways of coming in and out of contact.

Bring paper to draw..I will provide colours... :)

Rebecca Marta D'Andrea
Movement Artist
rebeccamartadandrea.wordpress.com
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation: The Fundamentals - The Willow Studio - 1 Nov 17 19:15
2017-11-01 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Moving Underscore long jam session - BONFIRE THEME - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 5 Nov 17 17:00
2017-11-05 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
It's that time again to come together and experience a long facilitated and improvised Jam with Contact Improvisation Dance at its core. As it is bonfire night that night we will have a little (somatic) bonfire theme going on - details to be revealed at the time. PLEASE DO NOT BRING ANY EXPLOSIVES WITH YOU THO! :)

There will be live improvised music from Mark Langford playing bass clarinet and tenor sax.

WHO:
Dancers, Improvisers, dance poets, performing artists will all find it an inspiring source of self discovery and creativity. All levels of moving experience welcome! If you want to improve your presence in the Jams or expand your dancing vocabulary - Underscore can support this fully.

WHAT:
In Nancy's words:
"The Underscore is a vehicle for incorporating Contact Improvisation into a broader arena of improvisational dance practice; for developing greater ease dancing in spherical space—alone and with others; and for integrating kinesthetic and compositional concerns while improvising. It allows for a full spectrum of energetic and physical expressions, embodying a range of forms and changing states. Its practice is familiar yet unpredictable."

PRACTICALITIES:
The practice is usually 3-4 hours long. We are going to create 3 hours for this, including reflection time. To support your dance practice we will have a musician from 6:30 pm onwards.

WHAT YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED TO KNOW BEFORE COMING
If you are completely new to the practice (or need a refresher) please come at 5:00 pm for an approximately 30 minutes talk - through the score. I promise I try to make it as interesting as I can. This will take place in the lobby just outside the dance studio.
If you are seasoned Underscore practitioner or have sat for a talk though once in your life, please come for 5:30 pm at which point we will be transitioning from the lobby to the studio to begin with the Assembly.

NOTE: There won't be an opportunity to join in at 6:30 pm- ususal time for the Jam in original class/jam format. This is because we are dancing a long focused score in its natural progression and we ask your commitment for those 3 hours.
If you know you are likely to get hungry please bring snacks with you. I will provide a big flask of tea.

Contact Improvisation: The Fundamentals - The Willow Studio - 8 Nov 17 19:15
2017-11-08 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 12 Nov 17 17:00
2017-11-12 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

From Skin to Sphere and Water to Wave
Taking aspects of the underscore and deepening them, we will move from bodywork to CI, creating an informed, fun and embodied experience of dancing and moving together.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation: The Fundamentals - The Willow Studio - 15 Nov 17 19:15
2017-11-15 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 19 Nov 17 17:00
2017-11-19 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Soft and Strong in CI - ‘Supporting & Channelling Weight’

The focus of softness and strength I'm interested in exploring in all aspects and moments of a CI session. The focus this evening will be more on what happens when I am supporting all or most of someone’s weight. Actually, I really prefer to think of it as channelling someone’s weight through me into the floor. It’s both.

If I am always soft, where am I for my partner? If I am always strong and hard and ‘supportive’, where’s the pleasure, fun, dialogue and ease?

It is possible to combine being present, strong and supportive while being soft and responsive. Much of this comes down to technique and awareness of what I’m communicating to a partner and how I’m responding to and interacting with another person offering and giving their weight.

We will look at and explore some techniques and underlying principles of inviting and allowing weight onto us (and, conversely giving my weight), and developing awareness of what is happening in us and between us.
CI is about play. CI is about dialogue. CI is about discovery. CI is about being together in the moment. So I dance and reside a while in a place of not knowing much.

Asher Levin has been practicing CI for over 15 years. Over the past 10 years he has taught regular classes in Berlin as well as at CI workshops and festivals internationally. He now lives in Totnes, Devon.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation: The Fundamentals - The Willow Studio - 22 Nov 17 19:15
2017-11-22 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 26 Nov 17 17:00
2017-11-26 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Sensing in, Sensing out - the nuances of curling and uncurling in the dance

"The Heart is a place of perceiving, emoting and becoming"
-Stephen Harrod Buhner

This class will explore expansion and contraction in the dance with the heart as an organ of perception as a central motif. Settling into the sensing body, we will begin slowly, tracing our body's architecture, the movement of the breath and heart - from the seeds of entering into the world, to the unfolding of the body in motion, the point of contact with another...noticing the moments of stillness and emergence, the interplay between curling and uncurling and the crevices in-between...A supportive space to move, connect and play - all welcome.

Evelyn is a Somatic Movement Educator and CI dancer with a passion for working with socially isolated groups. She teaches in Bristol, Bath and Scotland and is currently engaged in Somatic research.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation: The Fundamentals - The Willow Studio - 29 Nov 17 19:15
2017-11-29 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 3 Dec 17 17:00
2017-12-03 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

This week's class will focus on lifts! We will look at the principles of getting off the ground, techniques to help you out when you find yourself in unfamiliar situations and just feeling comfortable getting airborne!

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation: The Fundamentals - The Willow Studio - 6 Dec 17 19:15
2017-12-06 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 10 Dec 17 17:00
2017-12-10 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

"Gathering Wood for the Fire"
We will move from bodywork to CI, from small dance to social dance, creating an informed, fun and embodied experience of dancing and moving together.

Sam is a Dance Movement Psychotherapist and Creative with a love of CI. He facilitates in an inclusive and clear way to open up the power of improvised movement and connection. All welcome.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation: The Fundamentals - The Willow Studio - 13 Dec 17 19:15
2017-12-13 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 15 Apr 18 17:00
2018-04-15 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
{Class description usually updated here on the Wednesday or Thursday before the class – it is also send out weekly via our mailing list}

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 22 Apr 18 17:00
2018-04-22 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

As promised in March, I shall continue in this class with Part 2 of the work we started in my last class, in March. During this workshop class we'll look at some of the mechanisms and principles of various simple-but-fun lifts and rides. We'll explore how we may adapt our bodies to offer invites of lifting / offering a ride or being lifted / taking a ride. We'll enter into the timing that facilitates ease of lifts. In the flow of dance experiments, we'll move into how we may incorporate lifts and offers into our unique dances.

Asher Levin has been practising CI for 15+ years. Over the past 10 years he has taught regular classes in Berlin as well as at CI workshops and festivals internationally. Since 2017, Asher has been based in Totnes and has been teaching in Bristol and Dartington

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 29 Apr 18 17:00
2018-04-29 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Legs into Lifts

Moving from body work exercises into duets and more open movement scores we will explore connections from the feet to the hip sockets and how connecting through and leading with the legs can lead us into the air.

This playful exploration will include embodied anatomy, opening up the hip sockets, finding articulation in the pelvis and lead to discovering some new movement pathways in the dance.

Ali is a qualified Somatic Movement Educator with the School for Body-Mind Centering (BMC). He teaches regular Contact Improvisation (CI), and somatic movement workshops and classes in Bristol. He has been dancing CI for over 10 years.

https://somaticmovement.co.uk/
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 6 May 18 17:00
2018-05-06 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Emptying &Returning: Journeys of breath and imagination
"We breathe air, air breathes and buoys us. Breathing involves a continual oscillation between exhaling and inhaling, offering ourselves to the world at one moment and drawing the world in to ourselves at the next."
(David Abram)
Deepening into the pathways of breath and imagination, we shift our capacity to respond and deepen our perceptual awareness, moving into a fuller expression of ourselves. In this class we will begin by locating and orientating through breath and imagery. Through attentive touch and spacious moving time, we will trace and play with the meeting points of breath which bring us in and out of contact with another. A supportive space to un-do, re-imagine, re-awaken the body in movement in the solo and shared dance. All welcome!
Evelyn is a Registered Somatic Movement Educator (RSME/MA) and CI dancer with a passion for working with socially isolated groups. She teaches in Bristol, Bath and throughout the UK and is currently engaged in somatic research.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 13 May 18 17:00
2018-05-13 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 20 May 18 17:00
2018-05-20 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

The Moment - From bodywork into CI
We will explore the the moment of contact, and ways into deconstructing control of the dance of relationship.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 27 May 18 17:00
2018-05-27 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

The class is designed to explore possibilities, skills, and connections to lightness while dancing and flying. We will go deeper within listening and following, exploring gaps in the suspension that will allow us to tune-in more to the breath, conversation and movement. We will play in duets and trios.

Maga Radlowska is a dancer, performer, choreographer, improviser and teacher, graduating from the London Contemporary Dance School and from Middlesex University in London with an MA in Choreography. Maga has fifteen years professional experience in contemporary dance, physical theatre, contact improvisation and improvisation, and has created and performed in many pieces in international festivals across Europe and the Middle East. Maga has worked with companies, dancers and choreographers as diverse as Jose Vidal Company, Bettina Carpi, Pawel Matyasik and Nadar Rosano. In 2013 and 2014 Maga performed for Zawirowanie Dance Theatre in Israel, Sweden, Lithuania, Ukraine, Hungary, Germany, Croatia and Portugal. Maga has been nominated for scholarships and won several awards; most recently winning first prize in the Warsaw Polish Platform Choreography Contest. Her award-winning work in the community sector has been presented across Europe and attracted interest from national media. Maga was co-organiser for ECITE 2013 in Poland and also co-directs and choreographs the annual International Festival of Dance in Poland. She regularly teaches CI workshops and classes in London, and also teaches CI and Release technique at Middlesex University. Most recently she taught at the Freiburg and Wurzburg CI Festivals in Germany.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 3 Jun 18 17:00
2018-06-03 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Conversations in the Gravity Field 5

Attending to Attention

How does the way our attention travels in space and time shift the way we move in relationship to the surroundings and to one another? In this class we will explore the ongoing dialogue between different modalities to 'attend' to the present moment, and notice how it influences our impulse to move.
Acknowledging the path of our attentive state, navigating through the map of the ‘extended’ body, embracing the primal language of gravity as a way to re-negotiate possible ways of coming in and out of contact.

Rebecca Marta D'Andrea
Movement Artist
rebeccamartadandrea.wordpress.com

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 10 Jun 18 17:00
2018-06-10 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Attunement: see, hear, meet; dance

We will move from partner to trio to group work, exploring the dynamics of connection to enable embodied, safe and fun CI to emerge and flourish in the space.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Moving Bodies | Empty Spaces - Exploring Freedom through Dance Improvisation - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 17 Jun 18 11:00
2018-06-17 11:00 - 17:30 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
A workshop in dance improvisation focusing on the exploration of freedom through practising the states of presence, communication and establishing relationships. The work will include facilitated exercises where participants will develop the sensitivity to care for, engage, respect and respond to our own and our partners' bodies. The workshop will be followed by EXHALACIÓN | AIRE artist's solo performance, where through the use of humour, eye contact, dialogue and proximity, Kirstie will invite the audience to join her on a journey as she negotiates her way through present moment decision-making that is inherent in improvised performances.
Date: 17 June 2018 11am – 5:30 pm
Venue: St Michael's Parish Hall, Old Park, BRISTOL, BS2 8BE
Bookings: £40 paypal.me/danceimprov (when making payment please leave the "goods and services box" UNTICKED, this way we avoid paying 3.5% of your money to PayPal; bare in mind this event is a not for profit affair and your contributions pay for teacher's fee and hall hire fee).
Queries: Agni via agrenckowska@gmail.com

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 17 Jun 18 17:00
2018-06-17 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

I will be focussing our attention on… Attention! Our dance is, from one perspective, based around what we’re choosing to focus on, follow, accept and reject. Our dance is influenced by our ability to let ourselves dance from where we find ourselves. Maybe there are desires or goals to acknowledge and pursue… and the possibility of letting them be (on the back burner), or to leave them entirely, enabling a more vivid state of presence in the moment and place we are at. Maybe there is a discerning inner critic, judging the success, beauty, grace of our dance (or lack thereof), and there is the possibility to request the critic to suspend, or reduce, judgement, to allow simply enjoying being in the dance as it unfolds, giving my dance more of a chance to blossom. … I believe it is possible to explore, and even to train, all of this… and to relish doing so!

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Post Global Underscore summer solstice Underscore practice - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 24 Jun 18 17:00
2018-06-24 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
The GLOBAL UNDERSCORE (GUS) is an annual event in which the Underscore is practised simultaneously for a 3–4 hour period by people all over the world near the summer solstice (northern hemisphere). There have been 50-70+ sites participating in GUS in recent years.

A quick background context to GUS:
Claire Filmon proposed the event to Nancy in 2000 from a desire to connect dancers all around the planet to dance and to compose together in the moment.

This year GUS falls on Saturday the 23rd June and Bristol haven't got a pleasure to dance in synchronicity with the communities around the globe so we will do a post GUS Sunday practice! Yay! Celebrating 3 phenomena: summer solstice, dance as a practice to develop ourselves and our improvising dancing (and music making) friedns around the world.

The Underscore is a framework for practising Contact Improvisation Dance in its broader applications, invented by Nancy Stark Smith. It offers an opportunity to express the felt kinesthetic selves and the artistic compositional selves as dancers improvise and create movement together and in and out of relation to the whole.
On the GUS blog we read:
"There are 20+ phases of the score—each with a name and a graphic symbol—which create a general map for the dancers. Within that frame, dancers are free to create their own movements, dynamics, and relationships—with themselves, each other, the group, the music, and the environment. Each Underscore is unique, providing rich and often inspiring experiences of the human and artistic phenomena of dance improvisation."

It is a long dance improvisation score and usually takes 3-4 hours. We are going for a 3.5 hr timeframe, inclusive of approximately 30 mins talk through the score for those who are unfamilair with the Underscore (must attend!).
The old and new Underscore practitioners will come together at around 5:30 pm in the Assembly (first stage) followed by a Small Dance and next stages of the Underscore.

There will be live improvised music from Simon Leach and Ian Popperwell, following a musical interpretation of the phases of the underscore.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 1 Jul 18 17:00
2018-07-01 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Awakening our legs and pelvis to the dance

Let's explore new ways to work, play and dance through our feet and legs. Using them to lever, direct, move, give weight to each other. When the lower limbs are active and alive, they give grounding, and new choices about how we move together and alone. We will explore using them more like arms and hands and see how this integrates into our dances.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Outdoor Contact Improvisation Jam! - Brandon Hill Park - 15 Jul 18 18:00
2018-07-15 18:00 - 21:00 | Brandon Hill Park, Park St, Bristol, United Kingdom
Outdoor jam on the Jacobs Wells Road side of Brandon Hill Park. If you're not into football it is a perfect way to get away from post world cup final frenzy. If you love football it is a perfect way to somatically process your post match emotions :)
Perfect for everyone really!
Call Simon on 07947 236642 if you turn up and can find the dancing.

Outdoor contact Improvisation Jam - Brandon Hill Park - 22 Jul 18 18:00
2018-07-22 18:00 - 21:00 | Brandon Hill Park, Park St, Bristol, United Kingdom
More CI in the park! Meet on the Jacobs Wells Road side of the park, phone me (Simon) on 07947 236642 if you can't find the dancing.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 9 Sep 18 17:00
2018-09-09 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Energy, Skin, Fat, Muscle, Bones, Organs - Jocasta Crofts
These are the layers of contact we can move between in each dance. We will explore each layer and play with the qualities in touch that it brings to our meeting in dance.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 16 Sep 18 17:00
2018-09-16 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

In this warm up class the focus will be on exploring the rhythm of our movement. George Leonard once said (paraphrasing): The world and it’s heart - the dance are made of emptiness and rhythm.
I am going to propose that we start by finding the flow and then the structure in our solo dance as a portal to playing with the rhythm. For example, we will move in round and spiral ways, engaging the felt sense before we engage more of the the body mind to direct and shape our movement in a focused and creative way.
This will lead us to a group dance improvisation where both aspect of the explored quality are coming together to enrich our dance vocabulary.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 23 Sep 18 17:00
2018-09-23 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

In this class, we will practice on a subtle level the sharing of weight.
We will revisit some of the CI's classics: listening, rolling, push&pull, levels, travelling through space and simple lifts. We will begin with a solo work to increase our own awareness of the centre, the balance and the soft feet/hands, and next, we'll move onto an exploration of partner work.
The class will conclude in a group improvisation work, where we will engage in The 3 Events Score. A quick access explanation of this exercise is as follows:
The rules of the game are: three events, one minute, on stage/off stage. In the space/on stage, there can be a maximum of THREE events. It can be ONE or TWO, but never more than THREE events. Once you enter into space/stage, you can be maximum of ONE minute inside of space/stage. You can enter and leave the space/stage as many times as you like as long as you don’t occupy the event for more than one minute at a time. All participants stand on the edges of the space to clearly understand whether they are in or out. They observe impulses in their body, mind, emotions … and when they feel the impulse, they enter the space. If they don’t enter with the first impulse and allow 3, 4 or 5 impulses to pass by, their role is shifting from an active participant to a viewer or audience - the invitation is to break the pattern.
The score will be also explained in the class.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 30 Sep 18 17:00
2018-09-30 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Centering the Dance

This class is about keeping connection, about trusting the body, and commitment to the dance, in both intention and physicality. By following the body and letting the dance unfold, trusting the intelligence inherent in your own body that is beyond cerebral.

The class will involve, elements of solo exploration, bodywork, movement scores as well as working in duets and trios if time permits, all brought together playful and thoughtful way.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol National Jam 2018 - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 5 Oct 18 18:00
2018-10-05 18:00 - 2018-10-07 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Everything you need to know about attending the National Jam!
We're all very excited about the weekend and looking forward to meeting and dancing with visitors from all over the UK.
Here is some important information for the weekend. Please read it to ensure you can get the most out of the event. If you have any queries please contact info@contactdance.co.uk
Arrival and registration

The event starts on Friday evening at 6pm with the opening jam. We are aware not everyone will be able to arrive for this or may arrive late. This is fine, you'll be able to register whenever you arrive.

The event continues on Saturday morning from 9am with 2 morning warm-up classes happening simultaneously. If you want to do one of these please arrive in good time – aim to be there by 8:45.

We will continue registering people during the warm-up classes and hope everyone will be ready for the opening circle at 10 and the main classes/jam starting at 10:30.

We will issue you with a piece of coloured wool to be worn as a wrist band so we can identify who has a ticket – with a different colour for Saturday and Sunday. This will help us to quickly identify who has a ticket and who needs to pay for individual events, so please help us by wearing the wrist bands.

On registration you will be required to sign a disclaimer form making clear that you are aware CI can be risky and that Bristol Contact Improvisation cannot be held liable for any injuries sustained over the weekend.

Transport

The event is at DMAC Dance Studios and the Event Space on floors 3 and 4 of Hamilton House, Stokes Croft, BS1 3QY. https://www.hamiltonhouse.org/getting-here/

You can easily get a bus in to central Bristol and walk to Hamilton House. Google Maps and most Bristolians will be able to direct you to Stokes Croft. Driving in might involve difficulty parking – see below.

It's also possible to get a train from Temple Meads Station to Montpelier Station which is about 10 minutes walk from Hamilton House.

Parking

Free parking can be difficult to find nearby as we are close to the city centre. The nearest multi-storey car parks are about 10 minutes walk away, NCP on Bond Street BS1 3LJ and Cabot Circus on Newfoundland Circus BS2 9AB. These can be an expensive option for the whole day!

On a Saturday I would highly recommend getting a bus into central Bristol rather than driving and expecting to easily find a parking space.

On a Sunday all day or a Friday or Saturday evening you should be able to park on single yellow lines and pay and display spaces on Upper York Street BS2 8QN or surrounding streets in Nearby St Pauls for free.

Things to bring

a blanket and cushion if possible to add to our chill out area

water bottle

layers of clothing so you can regulate your temperature to your liking

Kneepads if you use them. We will have limited numbers for sale for £10 a pair.

Food

We will be providing hot water, a variety of teas and snacks to sustain people throughout the weekend.

Lunch and dinner can be purchased from a large ranged of local cafes, shops and takeaways. The venue we are at has it's own bar/restaurant called The Canteen on the ground floor.

We are hoping to be able to have a communal dinner together on Saturday between 5 and 6:30 at the Canteen and aim to book a big table for this.

Classes/Workshops

Please help the event to run smoothly by referring to the schedule (which will be displayed prominently) and turning up to classes on time whenever possible.

There is a warm-up class and workshop which can only cope with limited numbers. There will be other things to do instead. Please read below.

Morning Warm-up Classes

“Pilates meets improvisation” with Itta Howie running 9am to 10am on Saturday and Sunday is limited to 11 spaces. On the Saturday there is a different warm up running simultaneously. On the Sunday this is the only warm-up, so please turn up early.

In past experience of National Jams very few people turn up to a 9am warm-up class, particularly when it gets to Sunday. However, there will be space in the studio for people to perform their own quiet individual warm-ups if they are not able to join Itta's class.

The Perception Gap (with Lisa May Thomas)

This is a unique opportunity to try something quite different - “An exploration into bodies – human and non-human – that are seen and unseen; felt and not felt in the layering of the real and the virtual using a multi-person VR (virtual reality) framework. This framework enables bodies to enter into VR together and to be both physically and virtually present with each other.”

Due to this involving quite a technical set-up, the maximum number who can participate in this workshop is 18. There will be a warm-up into a jam accompanied by live music going on in a different space simultaneously, for those who prefer straight forward CI with no technology involved.

If you want to attend Lisa's workshop, please email info@contactdance.co.uk as soon as possible to book a space. Spaces will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Event “go to” people
We've got a great team of volunteers for the weekend. Talk to them if you have any questions on the day. They are Asher, Dee and Silvia.
If you really need to talk to the main organisers, come and talk to us, K'lo and Simon. Please be aware we will be really busy with just about everything, as well as trying to have a dance or two!
Workshops led by Alistair Edmunds, Rosalind Holgate Smith and Lisa May Thomas
Underscore led by Agnieszka Grenckowska
Early morning warm-ups with Itta Howie
Jam facilitation by Jocasta Crofts, Sam Bloomfield and K'lo Harris

Large wooden floored dance studio plus second dance space available on Saturday
14 hours jamming including the Underscore
8 hours of classes
2 hours of morning warm up classes
2 hours open space for labbing/discussion/exploration etc.
Easy access to places to eat and drink
Easy access by public transport from the rest of Bristol

Early bird before 5th September £65
After 5th September £70

We are hoping to provide non-Bristol dancers with accommodation with members of the Bristol CI community. When buying your ticket, please complete the questionnaire to help us match dancers with suitable hosts.

Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3577775

Below is a full schedule. Read on for details of the sessions offered.

For those unable to attend the whole event, it will be possible to attend different bits of it and pay on the day. Have a look at the schedule and descriptions below. Come and dive into the jam!

Day Ticket (Sat or Sun) - £40
Opening jam (Fri night) - £5
Closing jam (Sunday night) - £5
Morning warm up (Sat/Sun 9 to 10) - £5
Perception Gap (Sat class) - £15
Fluid Freedom #1 (Sat class) - £10
Fluid Freedom #2 (Sun Class) - £15
Saturday jams (morning and evening) - £10
Moving Underscore (Sunday) £15

Fluid Freedom - Alistair Edmunds and Rosalind Holgate-Smith

Inspired by a sense of fluids we will explore falling, flying and floating, dancing in duets and solos and investigating experiences of freedom.

We would like to facilitate dancers to dive deeper into the embodiment of the fluid system, drawing on our own research and knowledge of BMC and unpicking how this system supports us in CI. We are also interested to explore what it means to experience freedom on physical terms, in contact improvisation and how we consider our embodied experience beyond the dance studio.

We will use body work, movement scores, partner exercises, movement, visualisation and touch, to facilitate an experience of self-discovery within the body and in the dance.

Alistair Edmunds

Ali is based in Bristol where he regularly teaches CI and somatic movement sessions. He has been dancing CI for over 10 years. He has trained in Body-Mind Centering and is currently a student of Craniosacral Therapy. Ali is also inspired by qi gong, martial arts and climbing.
www.somaticmovement.co.uk

Rosalind Holgate-Smith

Rosalind is a Dance Artist based in Snowdonia. She creates performances and installations inspired by her work with Contact Improvisation, Authentic Movement and Body-Mind Centering. Her dance practice is also inspired by her love of swimming, and the textures of moving outdoors. She has a Masters in Dance Creative practice and a BA degree in Fine Art and Choreography. She has been practising CI for 10 years and besides teaching workshops internationally she has led regular classes at Chester University, at Goldsmiths and now facilitates 'CI North Wales'. Rosalind has further experience facilitating dance for diverse groups including children, disabled adults and older people and also teaches yoga and swimming with the Alexander technique.
www.rosalindholgatesmith.com

The Perception Gap - Lisa May Thomas

An exploration into bodies – human and nonhuman - that are seen and unseen; felt and not felt in the layering of the real and the virtual using a multi-person VR (virtual reality) framework. This framework enables bodies to enter into VR together and to be both physically and virtually present with each other.

The session will be an exploration using VR technology to investigate what it means to be virtual bodies in a virtual environment and how this can feed back into the physical (jam) space and to physical – seen and felt - connections between bodies.

I am exploring the perception gap between what is seen and what is felt when a body enters into a virtual environment using VR technology. I am interested in how it might it be possible to use ‘dancerly’ sensibilities and practices such as peripheral intelligence and using touch as a point of orientation and navigation between two moving bodies to inform how the technology is used; and to discover if there are ways in which this technology can help the dancer to know the body and exchanges between bodies and environments in a different way.

Lisa May Thomas

Lisa is a contemporary dance artist who has worked with dance for screen and whose award-winning film work has been presented globally and broadcast for BBC and Channel 4. She trained at Laban (BA) and received an MPhil in performance and technology at the University of Bristol (UoB) as their first hybrid arts scholar, with a grant from Interactive Scientific. Her research sits between the departments of drama and computer science and takes a dance-somatic approach to her investigations into how digital technologies mediate interactions between human and nonhuman bodies, and ways in which digital tools can be used to develop an aesthetics of interaction. Her current PhD studies are funded by a UoB arts scholarship, with additional support from David Glowacki’s Royal Society Research Fellowship and Phillip Leverhulme Award.

http://www.lisamaythomas.co.uk
The Moving Underscore - Agnieszka Grenckowska
Agnieszka will lead this fundamental CI practice that has grown out of investigations by Nancy stark Smith into what happens at CI Jams.
Nancy named and codified her observations, sharing these with the CI community and as a result underscore practice has become not only a useful tool for entering a Jam space and sustaining own participation throughout but also a bit of a CI Ritual Practice.
Agnieszka will be introducing Nancy’s Underscore symbols whilst facilitating us to move and embody their qualities and the states of improvised dance, so that those principles are felt rather than just thought.
It is encouraged that people participate for the whole jam to gain a better understanding of the full process as well as ‘ritual’ aspect of the work (togetherness, care, moment to moment creation, active reflection, sharing).

Agnieszka Agni Grenckowska

Agnieszka’s vision is centered around bringing people together and helping them experience their selves through embodying the universal laws of life. She does this as a healthcare practitioner, dance practitioner, movement teacher, event organiser and a holistic personal development coach. She trained formally and informally in Contact Improvisation Dance form, been actively practicing Contact Improvisation for 12 years. She contributed to the formation of Contact Improvisation Dance platform in Bristol and organized several local events, such as Bristol National Jam as well as co organised European ones: ECITE Poland 2013, Flow Warsaw 2015. Agnieszka is also teaching a holistic movement class to women from disadvantaged backgrounds in the Inner City Bristol.

Her collaboration with Nancy Stark Smith: she has co-organised the Global Underscore with Nancy Stark Smith during her residency in Poland in 2014. She worked closely with Nancy in 2011 at the States of Grace residential intensive in Spain and developed a Polish translation for the Underscore that is now being used by the local communities.

Pilates meets Improvisation (Stability & Mobility of Joints) - Itta Howie

A whole-body warm-up class drawing on the discipline of Pilates and the explorative nature of improvisation. In this slow and focused class we prepare our bodies for taking weight and for moving with fluidity. No previous Pilates experience necessary. Individual guidance will be given within the group context.
Itta Howie
Itta is a Bristol-based movement artist who explores dance improvisation in relation to other art forms, in urban and natural environments, and occasionally in the context of performance.
In 2014 Itta qualified as a Pilates mat work teacher. She has been teaching Pilates to a wide range of clients ever since.
‘I enjoy seeing my clients gain strength, mobility and body awareness, and feel privileged to observe them flourish as they re-discover their bodies anew’.
Itta is intrigued by how her two passions (the Pilates system and movement improvisation) could meet and feed each other. To explore this interweaving of forms she uses a teaching approach inspired by experiential anatomy facilitation.
Itta has been a regular practitioner of somatic movement and dance improvisation (incl. CI) for many years.
http://ittahowie.co.uk
Jam Facilitation
Connecting with Your Animal Body - Jocasta Crofts
Moving through the evolution of the developmental levels. Opening the senses and using them as animals/other mammals do. Breathing as an animal. Sounds from your organs as an animal. Meeting and moving with others/alone in the quality of your animal. Allowing your reflexes, instincts and intuition to lead your animal dance.
This warm up can open up tactile, less heady states of play and dancing. It invites people to tune into their body not their head by moving through the developmental levels and opening the senses.
The following jam will be accompanied by a projection of the film
"Ashes and Snow" by Gregory Colbert.
The film shows humans and animals moving together and makes for a lovely animal connection to round off the Jam.

[embed]https://vimeo.com/29498902[/embed]

Jocasta Crofts

Jocasta is a body worker & healer – working with healing energy through touch and movement. She teaches Baby massage, Kids yoga and Contact Improv. Jocasta has 20 years of CI dancing & teaching experience, having trained with many teachers at schools,festivals and workshops in Europe and USA including Somatic Educator Training (SME) and Infant Development Movement Education (IDME) Programme with The School for Body Mind Centering.
I trust the body and its animal ways of being and moving.
I am a mama and that dance with my son constantly teaches me about relating and contact as well as keeping me quite busy.

Solo, Shared or Other - Sam Bloomfield

We will be following group/solo scores, fully improvised, based on inviting dancers to find their own score, both created in the moment and/or with ‘score cards’.
We will experiment with holding a score firmly and lightly to find the balance between having one’s own dance, sharing a dance and dancing someone else’s dance.
This will be a playful and free warm-up leading into a jam, ideal for all levels
Sam Bloomfield

Sam is a dance movement psychotherapist (MA RDMP) with over 25 years’ experience in facilitating workshops. Since 2002 he has trained adults at festivals, colleges and teaching staff in special needs schools. His regular work is as a psychotherapist in Bristol schools (mainstream and SEN) and adult care provisions. He is also a full member of the College of Healing and is a body-work teacher with 27 years’ experience in transformational bodywork.
Sam is the author of a book on poetry “Human Ocean” (2nd edition), and an exhibiting artist (2015) and regular performer in poetry, dance, sound and digital media. In addition to his distinction in a three year creative arts psychotherapy MA (2017), he has trained extensively in personal development. He is currently teaching workshops in Contact Improvisation, Whole Heart - Whole Body, Men - The Lion and Dove, Body Poetry - words and movement and Igniting Creativity. He is fully CRB checked.

http://sambloomfield.org/

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - part of the Bristol National Jam weekend - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 7 Oct 18 18:00
2018-10-07 18:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
This will be the closing event of the Bristol National Jam 2018, our annual weekend event. This means that timing and pricing are slightly different. The evening will still be open to all on a drop in basis, whether or not you have attended the rest of the weekend. For more details about the Bristol National Jam, click here.
Class Description
There will be a 30 minute warm up class leading directly into a silent jam.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 14 Oct 18 17:00
2018-10-14 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Layers of the dance

In this class I want to look at fascia in the body how it can support us in the dance. The multi directional possibility of movement from the fascia system allow us to move in any direction at any one time, we can use these possibilities to stay committed to the dance, to let the body lead us and allow things to unfold form that place.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Weekly Contact Improvisation/ Dance Improvisation class - The Exercise Club - 19 Oct 18 19:00
2018-10-19 19:00 - 21:00 | The Exercise Club, 213 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 2XS, United Kingdom
A new Bristol location for practicing Contact Improvisation Dance form on an alternative evening of the week!

An intermediate level class suited for movers experienced in Contact Improvisation and/or Dance Improvisation format who wish to expand their skill set and create improvised work.
Disclaimer: facilitator will assume that participants have a basic understanding of the rolling point of contact, static support, weight sharing, proprioception, kinesthetic sense, physical listening, changing levels/planes of movement dynamic and autonomy in a shared dance. The first class of the series will be dedicated to refreshing these movement principles and a great opportunity to identify any gaps or confirm own level of experience.

Classes are aimed at supporting the development of the above-mentioned skills (horizontal learning) with an emphasis on enhancing one's skill set in a safe, supportive and focused way (vertical learning). Efficiency, comfort and readiness are some of the qualities that we will be looking to establish as we practice skills of:
being able to organise our own (and our partner's) structure in a dynamic space effortlessly, lifts - lifting and being lifted as well as falling out of the lift onto a safe landing gear, ability to self - release tension and use it as the vehicle for movement, upside down orientation, articulation of the backspace in falls and backward pathways, ability to stay off balance and capacity for ongoing continuation of the movement, amongst many other.

As for the dance improvisation, it's essential participants are willing to engage in a variety of dance scores and willing to recognise and break the habits of movement, undo social conditioning, and free-play. Ability to use space for the spontaneous emergence as well as intentional composing, integrating of the inside with the outside and creating from moment to moment will all be the non-sequential themes in practising to improvise movement.

These 9 classes are design to explore all of the material described and any of the other intermediate skills not covered here as well as participant's wishes and syllabus may shift depending on what new or old horizons will require more attention. There is a real possibility that the series will continue and be built on by a larger pool of experienced CI facilitators based in Bristol.
It's recommended that keen movers get on board now and enjoy what is to come in near future!

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 21 Oct 18 17:00
2018-10-21 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

This class will explore fundamental CI skills including leading and following, listening to all body parts, developing proprioception (inner listening skills) and becoming more fully present in ourselves, our bodies and with each other!

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Weekly Contact Improvisation/ Dance Improvisation class - The Exercise Club - 26 Oct 18 19:00
2018-10-26 19:00 - 21:00 | The Exercise Club, 213 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 2XS, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 28 Oct 18 17:00
2018-10-28 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Body democracy 2 is a follow on class from last week, where we explored moving away from the primacy of sight and into full embodiment. We explored the idea that the body is an integrated organism of feeling, movement and contact and in CI the more we can give ourselves over to this multiplicity of intelligence the more intriguing and connected we can be in our dance. This class is suitable for allcomers and those who were not here last week. We will revise things and then take these ideas further into our Contact Improvisation. As before I will try to facilitate in an improvised way to be true to the form, I wonder if anyone will draw the anarchy card this week!

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Weekly Contact Improvisation/ Dance Improvisation class - The Exercise Club - 2 Nov 18 19:00
2018-11-02 19:00 - 21:00 | The Exercise Club, 213 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 2XS, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 4 Nov 18 17:00
2018-11-04 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

In Contact with Myself - In Contact with Others

In these two classes before the jam (4th and 11th November), I'll be exploring how Solo Warm-up and Solo Contact & Dance may serve as an investment to enrich and enhance our CI with Others.

We'll research through experience if getting more deeply in touch with one's own body and imagination before touching another, supports focus, awareness, creativity and more fulfilling connection.

Through the class we'll start alone, together in solitude, come together into partnerships and group scores and then 'retreat' back to solo foci, time to reflect and replenish ourselves.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Weekly Contact Improvisation/ Dance Improvisation class - The Exercise Club - 9 Nov 18 19:00
2018-11-09 19:00 - 21:00 | The Exercise Club, 213 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 2XS, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 11 Nov 18 17:00
2018-11-11 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

In Contact with Myself - In Contact with Others.

I'll be continuing to explore how Solo Warm-up and Solo Contact & Dance may serve as an investment to enrich and enhance our CI with Others.

We'll research through experience if getting more deeply in touch with one's own body and imagination before touching another, supports focus, awareness, creativity and more fulfilling connection.

Through the class we'll start alone, together in solitude, come together into partnerships and group scores and then 'retreat' back to solo foci, time to reflect and replenish ourselves.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Weekly Contact Improvisation/ Dance Improvisation class - The Exercise Club - 16 Nov 18 19:00
2018-11-16 19:00 - 21:00 | The Exercise Club, 213 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 2XS, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 18 Nov 18 17:00
2018-11-18 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

A Moving Conversation
Diving into the pool of CI fundamentals we will explore, the conversation of touch, moving in contact and how the simple skill of rolling point can be the basis of all manner of dances......or as much of this we can fit into a class!

Come wanting to Dance!
Lee Bolton
For me dance and movement can uncover the nature of relationship between things. Connections within – fascia and connective tissue for example, and with others – how is it to meet another, with ourselves – is it ok to show up as I am, and with life – letting things be as they are. This is my current thread.

I have been dancing and moving for the past 15 years. Ecstatic dance, contact improv, somatics, movement in landscape and warm water and it’s all taken me on a journey of personal discovery. I offer space to you for this exploration.

I currently teach Embodied Enquiry and Contact Improv in Bristol and have taught in Europe and Internationally.

www.embodiedpresence.co.uk
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Weekly Contact Improvisation/ Dance Improvisation class - The Exercise Club - 23 Nov 18 19:00
2018-11-23 19:00 - 21:00 | The Exercise Club, 213 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 2XS, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Fundamentals Workshop - Space 238 - 25 Nov 18 12:45
2018-11-25 12:45 - 15:15 | Space 238, 238 Stapleton Road, Bristol, BS5 0NT, United Kingdom
CI is an improvised dance form that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

In the workshop on the fundamentals we will explore include; the rolling point of contact, weight exchange, basic lifts, leading & following, ways to say yes, no, and maybe, the small dance, and way into a Jam ( the social dance of CI ).

This course is suitable for complete beginners as well as those wanting to deepen into the practice. Please bring loose comfortable clothing, with a warm layer to start and end in, knee pads if you have them and water (though there is access to tap water).

Tickets: https://somaticmovement.co.uk/contact-improvisation-fundamentals/

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 25 Nov 18 17:00
2018-11-25 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

A Moving Conversation
Diving into the pool of CI fundamentals we will explore, the conversation of touch, moving in contact and how the simple skill of rolling point can be the basis of all manner of dances……or as much of this we can fit into a class!

Come wanting to Dance!
Lee Bolton
For me dance and movement can uncover the nature of relationship between things. Connections within – fascia and connective tissue for example, and with others – how is it to meet another, with ourselves – is it ok to show up as I am, and with life – letting things be as they are. This is my current thread.

I have been dancing and moving for the past 15 years. Ecstatic dance, contact improv, somatics, movement in landscape and warm water and it’s all taken me on a journey of personal discovery. I offer space to you for this exploration.

I currently teach Embodied Enquiry and Contact Improv in Bristol and have taught in Europe and Internationally.

www.embodiedpresence.co.uk
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 2 Dec 18 17:00
2018-12-02 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Dancing Bones

A CI class with Jamus Wood

I love the focused jam space, a place where our dance has purpose and interest. In this class I draw inspiration from our skeleton to make internal connection to bring clarity and direction to our dance. This class will be a investigation into movement pathways that our bones facilitate. Then from there into space and how our body meets another and the space around them.

I am interested in how we can create frames for our dance that take us out of our habitual dancing and create space for the fresh insight to arise. How can what I am interested in support the group field of the class space.

So in this class we will follow the Underscore practice flow of arriving, solo exploration, shorter dances and then into longer engagements. All interspersed with exercises and different dancing foci.

There will be something for everyone in this class.
Jamus

My interest is in the dance, particularly in the art of dance improvisation. I love to know how the body is put together so experiential anatomy can often play a part in my teaching. I have been dancing and exploring dance improvisation for more than 20 years. I started from a very limited place so I know what is possible if we give ourselves space and time to nurture both our body and and our dance. When we actually listen to what is inside we find a movement towards growth and wholeness that leads us quite simply into the dance.

I love my life and make my living through teaching dance improvisation and giving body work sessions in Somatic Thai Massage. So my work is about helping people create more possibility and friendliness in there bodies.

I am 48 years old and share my life and my work with my partner Lee. We often teach our CI and Embodied Presence work together. I am currently sight impaired and have been for much of my life so this plays a significant role in the way my life and work have unfolded. So I have found my way into being a part of Touchdown Dance there are 5 of us some sighted some less so who practice contact improvisation as our basic movement language together.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Weekly Contact Improvisation/ Dance Improvisation class - The Exercise Club - 7 Dec 18 19:00
2018-12-07 19:00 - 21:00 | The Exercise Club, 213 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 2XS, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam: The Underscore - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 9 Dec 18 17:00
2018-12-09 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
DMAC Dance Studios, Hamilton House
Facilitated by Agnieszka Grenckowska
£9 or book on MoveGB - please book both class and jam events as this week they are combined.
Please arrive on time.

The Underscore is a framework for practising Contact Improvisation Dance in its broader applications, invented by Nancy Stark Smith. It offers an opportunity to express the felt kinesthetic selves and the artistic compositional selves as dancers improvise and create movement together and in and out of relation to the whole.

“There are 20+ phases of the score—each with a name and a graphic symbol—which create a general map for the dancers. Within that frame, dancers are free to create their own movements, dynamics, and relationships—with themselves, each other, the group, the music, and the environment. Each Underscore is unique, providing rich and often inspiring experiences of the human and artistic phenomena of dance improvisation.”

It is a long dance improvisation score and usually takes 3-4 hours. We are going for a 3.5 hr timeframe, inclusive of approximately 30 mins talk through the score at 5:00 pm for those who are unfamiliar with the Underscore (must attend!).

The old and new Underscore practitioners will come together at around 5:30 pm in the Assembly (first stage) followed by a Small Dance and next stages of the Underscore.

There will be live improvised music from Mike McClellan on violin and loops.

Weekly Contact Improvisation/ Dance Improvisation class - The Exercise Club - 14 Dec 18 19:00
2018-12-14 19:00 - 21:00 | The Exercise Club, 213 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 2XS, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class & Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 16 Dec 18 17:00
2018-12-16 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6.30pm followed by the jam 6.30-8.30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Dancers can come just for the class, £6, or stay for the jam, £9. You can also book on MoveGB

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Sunday's class will be like a Christmas present - a surprise!We will go in to connect to our self in the darkness of mid-winter. A resting time to hibernate. We will find the heart of the matter, a spark of connection and inspiration to bring out and shine to others, opening to dances in the dark or in soft light.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class (5 - 6:30) and Jam (6:30 - 8:30) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 6 Jan 19 17:00
2019-01-06 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6:30pm followed by the jam 6:30-8:30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Class or jam - £6, both - £9, or book on MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
{Class description usually updated here on the Wednesday or Thursday before the class - it is also send out weekly via our mailing list}

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 9 Jan 19 19:15
2019-01-09 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
Between January and April I will be teaming up with Jamus and Lee once again to offer Contact Improvisation on a Wednesday evening.

We've been in the studio together researching and exploring an exciting body of work on moving from centre in Contact Improvisation. Over three months we will explore our center through the organs, muscles and fascia systems, taking time each month for digestion and integration.
Our focus will be on coming to contact improv through embodied movement.

Current Outline of Classes (may be subject to alterations - it's the future!)
January
9th - Digestive System
16th - Solar Plexus Organs
23rd - Exploration
30th - Kidneys
February
6th - Abdominal Muscles
13th - Diaphragms
20th - Psoas
27th - Exploration
March
Fascial Pathways

Cost:
£10 per class (block booking available; more info closer to the time)

Dates:
Wednesdays between 9th January - 24th April 2019

Venue:
Willow Studio, St Werburghs Primary School
James Street, St Werburgh’s, Bristol, BS2 9US

Bristol CI Sunday Class (5 - 6:30) and Jam (6:30 - 8:30) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 13 Jan 19 17:00
2019-01-13 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 16 Jan 19 19:15
2019-01-16 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class (5 - 6:30) and Jam (6:30 - 8:30) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 20 Jan 19 17:00
2019-01-20 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 23 Jan 19 19:15
2019-01-23 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class (5 - 6:30) and Jam (6:30 - 8:30) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 27 Jan 19 17:00
2019-01-27 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 30 Jan 19 19:15
2019-01-30 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class (5 - 6:30) and Jam (6:30 - 8:30) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 3 Feb 19 17:00
2019-02-03 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6:30pm followed by the jam 6:30-8:30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Class or jam - £6, both - £9, or book on MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

So often we rely on the arms, hands and center to direct a dance. What happens when we spend time working from our legs and core? We will play with initiating movement for ourselves and our partners and see how this takes us into dancing. The exercises will be simple and profoundly effective, grounding our dance from the feet up.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 6 Feb 19 19:15
2019-02-06 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

The Underscore 5:00 - 8:30 - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 10 Feb 19 17:00
2019-02-10 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
This week it is The Underscore for the whole evening. £9, or book on MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Description

Facilitated by Agnieszka Grenckowska with live improvised soundscapes from Mark Smulian

5:00 to 8:30
£9 or book on MoveGB

This Sunday we will gather with no clear idea of what will come together out of us actively initiating ways to interact in movement and changing states of energy, making an ever emerging composition .

We will have a frame of the Underscore to support us, within which relaxing, efforting, intensifying, letting go, moving from fluids, tracking space with parts of our body are all compositional choices.

*The CI is a conversation of the two bodies in a physical contact playing with physical forces that govern the body.
** The Underscore is a framework for practising Contact Improvisation Dance in its broader applications, invented by Nancy Stark Smith. It offers an opportunity to express the felt kinesthetic selves and the artistic compositional selves as dancers improvise and create movement together and in and out of relation to the whole.

"There are 20+ phases of the score—each with a name and a graphic symbol—which create a general map for the dancers. Within that frame, dancers are free to create their own movements, dynamics, and relationships—with themselves, each other, the group, the music, and the environment. Each Underscore is unique, providing rich and often inspiring experiences of the human and artistic phenomena of dance improvisation." (Global Underscore blog).

It is a long dance improvisation score and usually takes 3-4 hours. We are going for a 3.5 hr timeframe, inclusive of approximately 30 mins talk through the score for those who are unfamiliar with the Underscore (must attend!).
Then at around 5:30 we will all come together at around 5:30 pm in the Assembly (first stage) followed by a Small Dance and next stages of the Underscore.

Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 13 Feb 19 19:15
2019-02-13 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class (5 - 6:30) and Jam (6:30 - 8:30) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 17 Feb 19 17:00
2019-02-17 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6:30pm followed by the jam 6:30-8:30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Class or jam - £6, both - £9, or book on MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
We are all Floored People.

In this class, we'll focus on getting down with the floor. What movement possibilities present themselves? There's a 'low movement universe' to enjoy. How can we stay soft and easy down there, while remaining dynamic and free? Can we find comfortable ways to channel the weight of others into the floor. Can we remain playful?

We'll discover and explore pathways and patterns, tips, tricks and tac-tics to enable wonderful dances on the horizon.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 20 Feb 19 19:15
2019-02-20 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Introduction to Contact Based Movement and Improvisation - Bristol Subud House - 22 Feb 19 19:00
2019-02-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Bristol Subud House, 29 Wesley Place, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2YD, United Kingdom
Tickets £7.92 from here

Bristol CI Sunday Class (5 - 6:30) and Jam (6:30 - 8:30) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 24 Feb 19 17:00
2019-02-24 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6:30pm followed by the jam 6:30-8:30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Class or jam - £6, both - £9, or book on MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.

We are really excited to welcome guest teacher Dylan Elmore.

Dylan is a London based independent dance artist.

He has danced with Batsheva Dance Company (Israel), Ballet Gulbenkian (Portugal), L’Anonima Imperial and Rami Levi (Spain), Daniel Larrieu (France), Tanzforum (Germany) and Galili Dance (Holland).

As a freelance artist he has collaborated with and danced for many choreographers both in the United Kingdom and internationally.

He is passionately curious about the body in motion. As well as contact improvisation, his regular movement practices include sport climbing, yoga, and Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis (of which he is a Master Teacher).

He continues to delve deeper, bringing his lifelong movement enquiry and evolving personal practice to his class.
Class Description

Picture taken by Eliot Ford

'Out of and into the ground’
How do we move effortlessly from the floor to upright, from moving on our own through space into contact with another?
When our relationship to gravity is clear we are freed up to move with ease and lightness.
We will begin on the floor, yielding to the ground, from there finding our way to uprightness with freedom and buoyancy. We can then translate this into partnering.
Are we able to remain playful and curious in our explorations?
When we are in the moment can we allow ourselves to be surprised?
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 27 Feb 19 19:15
2019-02-27 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class (5 - 6:30) and Jam (6:30 - 8:30) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 3 Mar 19 17:00
2019-03-03 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6:30pm followed by the jam 6:30-8:30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Class or jam - £6, both - £9, or book on MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

‘Out of and into the ground, earth to sky and back’

Developing things from our last encounter...though if you weren’t in last week’s class, it will be no hindrance.

How do we move effortlessly from the floor to upright, from moving on our own through space into contact with another?
When our relationship to gravity is clear we are free to move with ease.

We begin on the floor, yielding to the ground, finding our way to uprightness with freedom and lightness. We then translate this into partnering.
From here, it is the simplest thing to take ourselves into flight.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 6 Mar 19 19:15
2019-03-06 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class (5 - 6:30) and Jam (6:30 - 8:30) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 10 Mar 19 17:00
2019-03-10 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6:30pm followed by the jam 6:30-8:30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Class or jam - £6, both - £9, or book on MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

My ongoing interest in Contact Improvisation no matter how many things I learn, is the meeting point and the conversation which emerges.
When I take time to find myself in movement I have somewhere to come from, I have ground to meet the space and then come into contact with another more aware of touch, space and the ongoing change in contact.
A sort of unexplained magic unfolds, something which allows me to find movement and pathways I didn’t know were there are inexplicably revealed. The meeting point with another or many has the potential to be so many qualities - alive and now and never to be repeated.

This class will include some fundamental Contact skills as a way to land in the practice, though all in all this will be a class to move and dance a lot, for everyone from experienced dancers to beginners, please come and join in, I look forward to your company. Lee x

Lee is the co - founder of Embodied Presence, a body of work designed to draw you closer, more intimately to yourself and your life. The work is based on an exploration of Embodied Consciousness, Somatic Practice, Experiential Anatomy and Contact Improvisation.
www.embodiedpresence.co.uk
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 13 Mar 19 19:15
2019-03-13 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class (5 - 6:30) and Jam (6:30 - 8:30) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 17 Mar 19 17:00
2019-03-17 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6:30pm followed by the jam 6:30-8:30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Class or jam - £6, both - £9, or book on MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

This class will be an exploration of center. We will play with navel radiation, moving from the sacrum and lumbar spine, exploring what this part of the spine can offer movement wise. We will dance belly to belly, back to back and see what this opens in our improvisations. How does being in your center allow you to be in the world?

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 20 Mar 19 19:15
2019-03-20 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class (5 - 6:30) and Jam (6:30 - 8:30) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 24 Mar 19 17:00
2019-03-24 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6:30pm followed by the jam 6:30-8:30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Class or jam - £6, both - £9, or book on MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Dancing From The Inner Body

In this class we will drop our attention into our inner body. Softening listening and following impulse’s from within, allowing movement to initially be small and changeable. Finding movement that emerges from the navel center and later the heart centre. How do these center’s create support and connection in moving out into expression, fullness and relationship with our environment. This class will take you from the horizontal to the vertical and everything in between,
About Jamus

I am interested in my own bodies intelligence, my sense of my body is that it is it’s own creature not just a machine driven by my head. I have become interested in recent years with the instinctive gut brain and the knowing of the heart to navigate in this world of ours. I offer classes where movers can turn to the bodies knowing and there movement can unfold from here. It creates a beautiful grounded and earthy quality to contact improvisation.

I dance with Touch Down Dance, run course in embodiment with my partner Lee and teach contact improvisation in warm water.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Contact Improvisation Wednesdays - The Willow Studio - 27 Mar 19 19:15
2019-03-27 19:15 - 21:15 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Sunday Class (5 - 6:30) and Jam (6:30 - 8:30) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 31 Mar 19 17:00
2019-03-31 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6:30pm followed by the jam 6:30-8:30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Class or jam - £6, both - £9, or book on MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Moving into the space behind you

Exploring the back, wideness of the space
Sensing without seeing, seeing without eyes
softness, articulation and support. Offering dance, offering landscapes
Melting into stability

This class brings awareness to our backs and sensing the space behind us.

About Klara
Klara Łucznik is an improviser and dance artist interested in designing participatory experiences for a wide range of audiences. In her improvisation, she is deeply dedicated to the practice of listening with all the senses and finding connections with others, in physical contact and through the space. She explores both, ensemble and contact improvisation tools, studying the nature of human interactions. Klara is also a researcher, she obtained her PhD studying collaborations and creativity in dance through cognitive psychology lenses.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class (5 - 6:30) and Jam (6:30 - 8:30) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 7 Apr 19 17:00
2019-04-07 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6:30pm followed by the jam 6:30-8:30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Class or jam - £6, both - £9, or book on MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Reaching Beyond

We find the pull of gravity and magnetism between us

We reach to the infinite space beyond

Combining the focus of contact with our partners with the potential to extend - open - stretch ourselves to all around.

We will research having a double focus (or more), investing into the points of contact and the dance unfolding, while equally taking interest in, reaching for, dancing with and honouring the spaces, places and things beyond us.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class (5 - 6:30) and Jam (6:30 - 8:30) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 28 Apr 19 17:00
2019-04-28 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6:30pm followed by the jam 6:30-8:30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Class or jam - £6, both - £9, or book on MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

This week's class will focus on leading and following. How can we be really honest in out connection to our partner? when do we lead? when do we follow? making the rules and then breaking them!

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class (5 - 6:30) and Jam (6:30 - 8:30) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 5 May 19 17:00
2019-05-05 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6:30pm followed by the jam 6:30-8:30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Class or jam - £6, both - £9, or book on MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

This week's class will focus on taking our attention out in to the room with an awareness that we are dancing with everyone around us. How can we practise awareness? How can I attend to my partner and everyone else?

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class (5 - 6:30) and Jam (6:30 - 8:30) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 12 May 19 17:00
2019-05-12 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6:30pm followed by the jam 6:30-8:30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Class or jam - £6, both - £9, or book on MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Inspired by last week’s class by Bryn Thomas, this week’s class will focus on taking our attention inside the “room of our own bodies” and practicing detailed awareness from within.
How can we attain a high level of presence with the partner and the dancing landscape all around when we subtract the dominant sense - our vision?
Participants will be guided through simple, kinetically low and slow exercises to explore and accustom to the intimate experience of being BLINDFOLDED. As we take our vision out of the experience, will heighten other senses - mostly the skin. The skin excursion dance scores will facilitate this, and help us connect, listen, lead, be surprised.
Can we still have a sense of continual contribution to a larger emerging body of improvisation beyond our own skinespheres, in the room full of blindfolded movers?
Soft eye mask covers will be provided and sighted spotters will watch out for the blindfolded dancers safety.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class (5 - 6:30) and Jam (6:30 - 8:30) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 19 May 19 17:00
2019-05-19 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6:30pm followed by the jam 6:30-8:30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Class or jam - £6, both - £9, or book on MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Contacting the Self - part 1 (part 2 next week)

1: Listening with the body

This beginner friendly warm-up and class focuses on the sensory awareness of the body.

Beginning with a series of exercises that bring our attention to inward experiences of movement; the use of breath to relax tension and release oxygen into the bloodstream; the re-energising of our body and mind; creating and responding to stimuli, initiating movement inside the body; extending movement outwards, and into the space.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class (5 - 6:30) and Jam (6:30 - 8:30) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 26 May 19 17:00
2019-05-26 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6:30pm followed by the jam 6:30-8:30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Class or jam - £6, both - £9, or book on MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Contacting the Self part two
2: Honesty in the Process
The warm-up and class combines elements of Gestalt Therapy and Somatics with a person-centred approach to learning and development.

Together we will explore authentic movement, bringing our attention to postural, muscular and gestural characteristics, loosening up restrictive body rigidities to release potential for the emergence of natural movement impulses. We shall also discuss and explore the movement potentialities of the organs.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class (5 - 6:30) and Jam (6:30 - 8:30) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 2 Jun 19 17:00
2019-06-02 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6:30pm followed by the jam 6:30-8:30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Class or jam - £6, both - £9, or book on MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Fallen Angel

We will explore how to find our wings in this CI class. Going from creating movement structures that will include giving and receiving weight and direction to one another, we will explore oscillating to the energy of shared discovery of the liminal space of spontaneous collaboration.

Sam Bloomfield: Multi Modal Dance Movement Psychotherapist and CI facilitator.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class (5 - 6:30) and Jam (6:30 - 8:30) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 9 Jun 19 17:00
2019-06-09 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6:30pm followed by the jam 6:30-8:30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Class or jam - £6, both - £9, or book on MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

Opening pores of our skin, becoming permeable
Allowing air, smells and sounds to come in from outside
Feeling beyond the skill
Connecting

Klara Łucznik is an improviser and dance artist interested in designing participatory experiences for a wide range of audiences. In her improvisation, she is deeply dedicated to the practice of listening with all the senses and finding connections with others, in physical contact and through the space. She explores both, ensemble and contact improvisation tools, studying the nature of human interactions. Klara is also a researcher, she obtained her PhD studying collaborations and creativity in dance through cognitive psychology lenses.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class (5 - 6:30) and Jam (6:30 - 8:30) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 16 Jun 19 17:00
2019-06-16 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6:30pm followed by the jam 6:30-8:30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Class or jam - £6, both - £9, or book on MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

The jam warmup will work on sensing and listening through the body, using sound as a crucible, then letting that drop, to explore relational connections to environment and other movers. Using the lens of listening the idea is to drop expectations and ideas and inhabit what is happening.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class (5 - 6:30) and Jam (6:30 - 8:30) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 23 Jun 19 17:00
2019-06-23 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6:30pm followed by the jam 6:30-8:30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Class or jam - £6, both - £9, or book on MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

In this class we will explore some of the fundamentals of contact improv with a slight twist and hopefully with a lot of fun. Suitable for beginners or those who already have experience in CI, we will start with settling into our bodies and the ground. We will then draw on Cyrus Khambatta's 'fitting' work to find interesting interactions between bodies, a great foundation for easier lifts. We may also explore a bit of air time through through finding structures to balance and launch off from, all in playful safety.

Bio:
Elise Wach dances and teaches Contact Improvisation primarily because she enjoys it but also because she wants to share this valuable practice which can cultivate a wide array of life skills. Elise's teaching draws on her ongoing practices of Feldenkrais, Qi Gong, Alexander Technique, somatic-based psychotherapy and downhill mountain biking. She has trained with Nita Little, Carolyn Stuart, Jacqueline McCormick, Heike Pourian, Matan Levkowich, Ulli Witteman, Caroline Waters, Charlie Morrissey, Sebastian Flegiel, Maga Radlowska and Manuela Blanchard. She particularly enjoys enabling beginners to safely expand their capacity for awareness, movement and play. She also enjoys exploring creative lifts and falls with more advanced dancers.
The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class (5 - 6:30) and Jam (6:30 - 8:30) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 30 Jun 19 17:00
2019-06-30 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6:30pm followed by the jam 6:30-8:30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Class or jam - £6, both - £9, or book on MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description

A Conversation of Space
By feeling supported we find space, support makes space possible.
This class will explore the inner and outer landscape, firstly by dropping into our own sense of support and feeling fluid space we will expand attention outwards and explore space between and space to move.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Bristol CI Sunday Class (5 - 6:30) and Jam (6:30 - 8:30) - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 7 Jul 19 17:00
2019-07-07 17:00 - 20:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Beginner friendly pre-jam warmup class 5-6:30pm followed by the jam 6:30-8:30pm. Doors will be closed for the duration of the class to keep the focus, so please arrive early to attend the class, you can arrive at any time for the jam. Class or jam - £6, both - £9, or book on MoveGB.

For more information feel free to contact the teacher/facilitator or info@contactdance.co.uk. We send out regular emails of class descriptions, to get these, please sign-up to our mailing list.
Class Description
Levity, Gravity and the Poetic

In this class we will explore qualities of gravity and levity. The dance between weight and lightness and from there making room for the poetic in our movement. How does our dance become art within the practice of Contact Improvisation without it losing its functionality.

The Jam
A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

CI jam in the park! - Brandon Hill Park - 21 Jul 19 18:00
2019-07-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Brandon Hill Park, Park St, Bristol, United Kingdom
Informal jam in the park. Phone 07947 2366442 if you can't find it. We'll be at the lower end of the park, near Jacob's Wells Road. All dancers and musicians welcome, whatever your level of CI experience.

The forecast is dry and warm. Perfect if you feel the need to get away from the bustle of the Harbour Festival down the road!

Outdoor CI Jam - Brandon Hill Park - 28 Jul 19 17:00
2019-07-28 17:00 - 20:00 | Brandon Hill Park, Park St, Bristol, United Kingdom
If it isn't raining there'll be an outdoor CI jam in Brandon Hill Park. Lower end near Jacob's Wells Road. Phone 07947 236642 if you can't find it.

All dancers welcome, whatever level of CI experience.

Contact Improv Jam - Space 238 - 11 Aug 19 14:30
2019-08-11 14:30 - 17:30 | Space 238, 238 Stapleton Road, Bristol, BS5 0NT, United Kingdom
Hi folks, join us for an informal CI jam!

We've booked the space for 3 hours to give time to land and to wind down gently.

We'll have a mixture of silence, recorded music and (hopefully) some live music!

We've hired the space as a gift to you, but we'll leave a hat out if you'd like to donate to help cover the cost.

Outdoor CI Jam - Brandon Hill Park - 25 Aug 19 17:00
2019-08-25 17:00 - 20:00 | Brandon Hill Park, Park St, Bristol, United Kingdom
Informal CI jam at the lower end of Brandon Hill park - Sunday 25th August 5-8pm. All dancers welcome. 07947 236642 if you can't find us.

Outdoor CI Jam - Brandon Hill Park - 1 Sep 19 17:00
2019-09-01 17:00 - 20:00 | Brandon Hill Park, Park St, Bristol, United Kingdom
Informal CI jam at the lower end of Brandon Hill park Sunday 1st September 5-8pm. All dancers welcome. 07947 236642 if you can't find us.

Contact Improvisation Class and Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 8 Sep 19 18:00
2019-09-08 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

The class will be led from 6 - 7.30pm leading into open jam from 7.30pm - 8.15pm.

Class Description

In the class we will explore all the various ways of working with the centre. Unweighted and weighted, moving and still, the centre will become our tool to understand the principles of improvised dance we are willingly engaging in.
The facilitation into an open jam will include an authentic movement dance score.
All are welcome, please make sure you are familiar with the Contact Improvisation Dance guidelines and come awake and ready to play.

Photo taken from the latest edition of the contact quarterly magazine.

The last Sunday of each month will be an open jam from 6 - 8:15pm with a live musician.

These Sunday sessions are run and taught by a community of contact dancers. Classes are open to all levels and generally led by a different teacher each week.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and wellbeing in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

Contact Improvisation Class and Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 15 Sep 19 18:00
2019-09-15 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

The session lasts from 6 - 8:15pm. The class will be led from 6 - 7.30pm leading into open jam from 7.30pm - 8.15pm.

Tools for improvising in a jam

How do we start to dance with ourselves and the others when Jamming? There are some great practical ways to move into improvising, alone, in duos, trios or as a large group. We will try ways to warm up into dancing, ways to enter and exit a dance. We 'll also explore about boundaries and also how to be safe & aware of the whole room, whilst keeping our own engaged dancing alive.

The last Sunday of each month will be an open jam from 6 - 8:15pm with a live musician.

These Sunday sessions are run and taught by a community of contact dancers. Classes are open to all levels and generally led by a different teacher each week.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and wellbeing in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

Contact Improvisation Class and Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 22 Sep 19 18:00
2019-09-22 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

The class will be led from 6 - 7.30pm leading into open jam from 7.30pm - 8.15pm. The whole session runs from 6 - 8:15, so please come on time or you may not be able to take part.

Tools for jamming 2

Sunday's class will be a continuation of last week. We will explore qualities of moving. Different scores and structures we can play with in solo, duo, trio, quartet, quintet and all the way up to everyone in the whole room. How to stay present in improvising rather than be stuck in known patterns of CI.

The last Sunday of each month will be an open jam from 6 - 8:15pm with a live musician.

These Sunday sessions are run and taught by a community of contact dancers. Classes are open to all levels and generally led by a different teacher each week.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and well-being in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 29 Sep 19 18:00
2019-09-29 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

This is the last Sunday of each month so there will be an open jam from 6 - 8:15pm with a live musician.

Video courtesy of Ben Green

A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and wellbeing in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

ContaKids Bristol session - Horfield URC Hall - 6 Oct 19 13:30
2019-10-06 13:30 - 15:30 | Horfield URC Hall, 139 Muller Road, Bristol, BS7 9RB, United Kingdom
A new opportunity for the dancing folk with children! It’s Bristol’s very first stand-alone formal ContaKids session run by an experienced local ContaKids teacher. There will be plenty more experience in the room to hold space for a wonderful moving adventure for your little family.

For event details go to the Facebook Event page: ContaKids session Bristol or get in touch with Agnieszka on agrenckowska@gmail.com

Contact Improvisation Class and Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 6 Oct 19 18:00
2019-10-06 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

The class will be led from 6 - 7.30pm leading into open jam from 7.30pm - 8.15pm. The whole session runs from 6 - 8:15. Please come on time or you might not be able to participate.

Class Description

Pulsation is the basic, the basis and the beginning. We pulsate on many levels, expansion and contraction creates life at a cellular level, maintains life through breathe and facilitates movement into the world through muscular action and rhythmic vibration. Can we also pulsate our attention so that we can be both with ourselves and with others- relating to space, contact, communication or performance without losing inward connection?

Through imagery, imagination and contact with others, we aim to find fluidity and possibility in our dancing whilst paying attention to our own needs and boundaries. There are invitations to be slow and soft as well as invitations to embrace effort and dynamism.

Every body is a dancing body
Biography
Zosia Jo is a dance artist, writer and maker. Her work is rooted in a desire for connectivity and communication through movement, improvisation and performance. Zosia’s choreographic practice focuses on feminist themes, use of voice and spoken word, connecting to communities and challenging traditional theatrical hierarchies. She has made and shown work in London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Brighton, Cairo (Egypt) and across Wales. Originally trained at Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Zosia also holds certificates in Psychotherapy from Spectrum Therapy and in 2018 Zosia completed MA Creative Practice, Dance Professional Practice at Independent Dance/Trinity Laban. She now lives in Cardiff and is a guest lecturer at University of Wales Trinity Saint David, improvisation and choreography teacher at Rubicon Dance, artist in residence at Cardiff MADE, and Programming Coordinator at Groundwork Pro. Zosia’s Pembrokeshire based company, Joon Dance, was founded in 2008 with Torch Theatre and combines inclusive community dance with professional performance practice.

The last Sunday of each month will be an open jam from 6 - 8:15pm with a live musician.

These Sunday sessions are run and taught by a community of contact dancers. Classes are open to all levels and generally led by a different teacher each week.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and wellbeing in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

Contact Improvisation Class and Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 13 Oct 19 18:00
2019-10-13 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

The class will be led from 6 - 7.30pm leading into open jam from 7.30pm - 8.15pm.

Class description:
Sensitivity

Exploring sensitivity in dyads, trios, groups. Fun inclusive and developing consent skills.

The last Sunday of each month will be an open jam from 6 - 8:15pm with a live musician.

These Sunday sessions are run and taught by a community of contact dancers. Classes are open to all levels and generally led by a different teacher each week.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and wellbeing in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

Contact Improvisation Class and Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 20 Oct 19 18:00
2019-10-20 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

The class will be led from 6 - 7.30pm leading into open jam from 7.30pm - 8.15pm.
Class Description

The class will focus on leading and following, how we can invite not dictate, and the dance of form following function.

The last Sunday of each month will be an open jam from 6 - 8:15pm with a live musician.

These Sunday sessions are run and taught by a community of contact dancers. Classes are open to all levels and generally led by a different teacher each week.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and wellbeing in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 27 Oct 19 18:00
2019-10-27 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

This is the last Sunday of each month so there will be an open jam from 6 - 8:15pm with a live musician.

No need to book in advance, just drop in.

£8 concessions, £10 full, or book on MoveGB

Video courtesy of Ben Green

A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

At some jams a teacher will facilitate a score to follow such as a focused (silent) jam, the Underscore (developed by Nancy Stark-Smith), or a blindfold (or eyes-closed) jam, this will normally be advertised via our regular mailout – so sign-up if you want advance notice.

Live musicians will improvise with the dancing at many of the jams.
For more information, please email info@contactdance.co.uk or contact the individual teachers.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and wellbeing in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

Contact Improvisation Class and Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 3 Nov 19 18:00
2019-11-03 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

The class will be led from 6 - 7.30pm leading into open jam from 7.30pm - 8.15pm.
Class Description

We are going to explore deeper the themes and aspects of Zosia’s material.

Pulsation is the basic, the basis and the beginning. We pulsate on many levels, expansion and contraction creates life at a cellular level, maintains life through breathe and facilitates movement into the world through muscular action and rhythmic vibration. Can we also pulsate our attention so that we can be both with ourselves and with others- relating to space, contact, communication or performance without losing inward connection?

Through imagery, imagination and contact with others, we aim to find fluidity and possibility in our dancing whilst paying attention to our own needs and boundaries. There are invitations to be slow and soft as well as invitations to embrace effort and dynamism.

Every body is a dancing body
Biography
Zosia Jo is a dance artist, writer and maker. Her work is rooted in a desire for connectivity and communication through movement, improvisation and performance. Zosia’s choreographic practice focuses on feminist themes, use of voice and spoken word, connecting to communities and challenging traditional theatrical hierarchies. She has made and shown work in London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Brighton, Cairo (Egypt) and across Wales. Originally trained at Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Zosia also holds certificates in Psychotherapy from Spectrum Therapy and in 2018 Zosia completed MA Creative Practice, Dance Professional Practice at Independent Dance/Trinity Laban. She now lives in Cardiff and is a guest lecturer at University of Wales Trinity Saint David, improvisation and choreography teacher at Rubicon Dance, artist in residence at Cardiff MADE, and Programming Coordinator at Groundwork Pro. Zosia’s Pembrokeshire based company, Joon Dance, was founded in 2008 with Torch Theatre and combines inclusive community dance with professional performance practice.

The last Sunday of each month will be an open jam from 6 - 8:15pm with a live musician.

These Sunday sessions are run and taught by a community of contact dancers. Classes are open to all levels and generally led by a different teacher each week.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and wellbeing in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

Contact Improvisation Class and Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 10 Nov 19 18:00
2019-11-10 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

The class will be led from 6pm - 8.15pm. Please arrive on time or you may not be able to participate.

Underscore including Standing with the Earth practice

The Underscore is a long facilitated focused jam that in principle gives ample opportunity to explore our kinesthetic bodies as they move through states of being, sensing, sharing the dance and coexistence.
This fundamental Contact Improvisation Dance practice has grown out of investigations by Nancy Stark Smith, one of the founders of CI, into what happens at CI jams. Nancy named and codified her observations and as a result The Underscore practice has become not only an useful tool for entering jam space but also a dance ritual shared globally by all contact improvisation communities.
As a special feature I will introduce Standing with the Earth practice as a dancers’ way to demonstrate our human solidarity with the living organism, the earth, in a simple, non spectacular yet reverent ritual of pausing, being still and acknowledging our interbeing.

About the structure:
The dance will take the entire 2hrs and 15minutes. We will start as an “assembly” and then I will guide us on a physical journey through all the symbols describing changes of states whilst encouraging us to move and embody their qualities so that the principles are felt rather than just thought. In the “open space” part of the Underscore Mark Smullian will accompany us musically with his gorgeous soundscapes.
We will dedicate the last 20 minutes of the dance to a direct and deliberate practice of “harvesting” and “reflecting” and we’ll finish as an assembly.

The last Sunday of each month will be an open jam from 6 - 8:15pm with a live musician.

These Sunday sessions are run and taught by a community of contact dancers. Classes are open to all levels and generally led by a different teacher each week.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and wellbeing in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

Contact Improvisation Class and Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 17 Nov 19 18:00
2019-11-17 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

The class will be led from 6 - 7.30pm leading into open jam from 7.30pm - 8.15pm.

How do we know when we are doing contact improvisation?

Lisa will investigate her approach to CI through an exploration of Steve Paxton's forms and puzzles, and offering other sequences for moving in and out of contact with each other. Lisa is interested in ways in which we can take responsibility for the distribution of weight in our bodies, and the sensibilities around weight exchange between our bodies.

The last Sunday of each month will be an open jam from 6 - 8:15pm with a live musician.

These Sunday sessions are run and taught by a community of contact dancers. Classes are open to all levels and generally led by a different teacher each week.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and wellbeing in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

Contact Improvisation Class and Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 24 Nov 19 18:00
2019-11-24 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

This is the last Sunday of the month so there will be an open jam from 6 – 8:15pm with a live musician.

A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

No need to book in advance, just drop in.

£8 concessions, £10 full, or book on MoveGB

Video courtesy of Ben Green

These Sunday sessions are run and taught by a community of contact dancers. Classes are open to all levels and generally led by a different teacher each week.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and wellbeing in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

Contact Improvisation Class and Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 1 Dec 19 18:00
2019-12-01 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

The class will be led from 6 - 7.30pm leading into open jam from 7.30pm - 8.15pm.
Class description

And where can I rest my eyes?

In a dialogue with light, eyes are an integral part of our dance. Observing, noticing, viewing, balancing, looking, watching - intentionally or receptively. Even closed eyes are part of our dance. So we will give them a bit of attention, so we will allow them to rest. So we will explore how creative can be an act of seeing.

Klara is a dance artist and CI teacher. In her practice, she is deeply dedicated to the practice of listening with all the senses and finding connections with others, in physical contact and through the space. She explores both ensemble and contact improvisation tools, studying the nature of human interactions. Klara is also a researcher, she obtained her PhD studying collaborations and creativity in dance through the lenses of cognitive psychology.

The last Sunday of each month will be an open jam from 6 - 8:15pm with a live musician.

These Sunday sessions are run and taught by a community of contact dancers. Classes are open to all levels and generally led by a different teacher each week.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and wellbeing in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

Contakids - Contact Improvisation for children and parents - The Exercise Club - 8 Dec 19 13:30
2019-12-08 13:30 - 15:30 | The Exercise Club, 213 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 2XS, United Kingdom
A date for your pre Christmas diaries.
NOTE a change of venue.

Last ContaKids long session before Christmas! Lots of physical games for you and your child together.
We move as a group,
We dance, we swim and swoop.
We go upside down,
we roll, we jump, we run!
One parent and one child aged 2-8 enter for £12.
Large family discount available, ideally there will be one adult per child. More info here: http://joondance.wixsite.com/joondance/contakids
Let us know if you are coming! Email agrenckowska@gmail.com or text 07871455025.

Contact Improvisation Class and Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 8 Dec 19 18:00
2019-12-08 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

The class will be led from 6 - 7.30pm leading into open jam from 7.30pm - 8.15pm.

Patterns and possibilities

CI class on some basic patterns in CI and exploring how to allow spontaneous movement and unexpected movement pathways to happen. Patterns we will visit include, spirals, weight sharing, fear and contraction and upper body bias, and staying on one level
Class includes warm up and introduction to jam.
Sam is a CI facilitator and Multi-modal Dance movement Psychotherapist

The last Sunday of each month will be an open jam from 6 - 8:15pm with a live musician.

These Sunday sessions are run and taught by a community of contact dancers. Classes are open to all levels and generally led by a different teacher each week.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and wellbeing in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

Contact Improvisation Class and Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 15 Dec 19 18:00
2019-12-15 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

The class will be led from 6 - 7.30pm leading into open jam from 7.30pm - 8.15pm.

Class Description

This week's class we will be Looking at lifts! We will start slowly learning the fundamental principals (don't worry newcomers) and then take to the skies developing your repertoire and confidence.

The last Sunday of each month will be an open jam from 6 - 8:15pm with a live musician.

These Sunday sessions are run and taught by a community of contact dancers. Classes are open to all levels and generally led by a different teacher each week.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and wellbeing in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

Contact Improvisation Class and Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 5 Jan 20 18:00
2020-01-05 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

The class will be led from 6 - 7.30pm leading into open jam from 7.30pm - 8.15pm. This is a single session running from 6 - 8:15. Please be on time or you might not be able to take part.
Class Description
How does this body want to move?

“To learn Contact Improvisation is to learn how to pose a question” (Daniel Lepkoff).

In this class we will begin to investigate the skill of tapping into body questions as expressed by the mind.
Subtle solo and coupled body work as our first practice will soften our kinesthetic and sensory body mind complex. Then we’ll use body as archive and see what happens when movement meets attention meets memory. We’ll be invited to get curious about our habitual patterns of movement and asked to re-invent them. Simple spinal scores and working with the gravitational centre will aid this exploration.
All levels of experience and abilities welcome and participants are asked to bring their natural curiosity with them.

The last Sunday of each month will be an open jam from 6 - 8:15pm with a live musician.

These Sunday sessions are run and taught by a community of contact dancers. Classes are open to all levels and generally led by a different teacher each week.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and wellbeing in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

Contact Improvisation Class and Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 12 Jan 20 18:00
2020-01-12 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

The class will be led from 6 - 7.30pm leading into open jam from 7.30pm - 8.15pm. The session runs from 6 to 8:15, so please be on time or you might not be able to participate.

Laura Doehler, BA (Dance Theatre) and MA (Performance Making), teaches movement (release, CI, improvisation, composition and movement analysis) in HE at the National School of Circus Arts London. H2dance, Tara’ Darquin, Monsur Ali and Anne-Gaelle Thiriot are artists she is currently working with as performer, collaborator and researcher.

Picking up on impermanence and change Laura chooses improvisation and CI to trace and train focus that observes change. She initiates collective processes that disseminate an embodiment of ideas, which circle around social connectivity and manifest via events that people can participate in and witness. The shedding of boundaries of self and other and the integration of performance and practice as part of everyday life are reoccurring themes.

The last Sunday of each month will be an open jam from 6 - 8:15pm with a live musician.

These Sunday sessions are run and taught by a community of contact dancers. Classes are open to all levels and generally led by a different teacher each week.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and wellbeing in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

Contact Improvisation Class and Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 19 Jan 20 18:00
2020-01-19 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

The class will be led from 6 - 7.30pm leading into open jam from 7.30pm - 8.15pm. The whole session runs from 6 to 8:15. Please be on time or you might not be able to take part.
Class Description
Dancing with a growth mindset

Using insights from positive psychology we will also move with exercises from Nita Little (a student of Steve Paxton in the 1960’s) finding continuous motion, coming away from stasis in body-mind into growth and freedom, depth and connection!

Sam is a CI facilitator and Dance Movement Psychotherapist.

The last Sunday of each month will be an open jam from 6 - 8:15pm with a live musician.

These Sunday sessions are run and taught by a community of contact dancers. Classes are open to all levels and generally led by a different teacher each week.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and wellbeing in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 26 Jan 20 18:00
2020-01-26 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

Last Sunday of the month means there will be an open jam from 6 - 8:15pm with a live improvising musician.

A jam is an informal gathering of dancers. There is no teacher, but space and time to develop skills and confidence. You are free to dance, rest, or sit and watch, as you wish. The jam provides an opportunity to explore and integrate techniques you have learned, and to find your own routes into dancing.

These Sunday sessions are run and taught by a community of contact dancers. Classes are open to all levels and generally led by a different teacher each week.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and wellbeing in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

Contact Improvisation Class and Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 2 Feb 20 18:00
2020-02-02 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

The class will be led from 6 - 7.30pm leading into open jam from 7.30pm - 8.15pm. The session runs from 6 to 8:15, so please be on time or you might not be able to take part.
Class Description
Finding your Flexible Feet Floating Firmly on the Floor

Focusing on upright CI (...off-balance and leaning), we'll research how paying close attention to our feet and their contact to the floor facilitates freedom and fun in our CI dances - both solo and especially, in contact with partners.

The last Sunday of each month will be an open jam from 6 - 8:15pm with a live musician.

These Sunday sessions are run and taught by a community of contact dancers. Classes are open to all levels and generally led by a different teacher each week.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and well-being in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

Contact Improvisation Class and Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 9 Feb 20 18:00
2020-02-09 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

The class will be led from 6 - 7.30pm leading into open jam from 7.30pm - 8.15pm. The whole session runs from 6 to 8:15. Please be on time or you may not be able to take part.

Class Description

Using the body to see and the eyes to listen, sensing the landscape, the space and our partners, to delve into a dialogue with the other.

The last Sunday of each month will be an open jam from 6 - 8:15pm with a live musician.

These Sunday sessions are run and taught by a community of contact dancers. Classes are open to all levels and generally led by a different teacher each week.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and wellbeing in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

Contact Improvisation Class and Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 16 Feb 20 18:00
2020-02-16 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

The class will be led from 6 - 7.30pm leading into open jam from 7.30pm - 8.15pm. The whole session runs from 6 to 8:15. Please be on time or you may not be able to take part.
Class Description

Photo credit Karel Mujica / Joon Dance
First humans in the world…
Discovering our bodies and the bodies of others as if for the first time. We will endeavour to find a childlike playfulness in our exploration of the mechanics and sensations involved in improvised movement through space and in partnership with one or more other body”

The last Sunday of each month will usually be an open jam from 6 - 8:15pm with a live musician. Please note that the next one will actually be Sunday 1st March instead.

These Sunday sessions are run and taught by a community of contact dancers. Classes are open to all levels and generally led by a different teacher each week.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and wellbeing in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

Places of Comfort - a contact improvisation, bodywork and inter-being workshop - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 23 Feb 20 10:30
2020-02-23 10:30 - 16:30 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Taught by Asher Levin

Tickets on a sliding scale of £35 to £50 - pay as you are able.
Buy here:
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4484120

There are a maximum of 24 spaces, so do book early to guarantee yours.

Open to dancers of all levels of experience, including beginners. Everyone welcome!

Contact Improvisation is great for developing a sensitivity towards our bodies and those of others, while allowing movement to start effortlessly from within.

The workshop will focus on finding and exploring "Places of Comfort" in our CI practice, ease in gentle as well as dynamic dance.

We will be with and honour our body's deep yearning to feel safe and comfortable, as well as exploring those edges of discomfort in seeking to fulfil our desires for challenge, discovery and exhilaration.

We will nurture ourselves and each other with intuitive, led bodywork and explore our sense of relationship to ourselves, each other and the environment.

The workshop will include foundations of CI principles such as 'deep listening', 'connecting structures', 'sharing weight' and 'following through'.

Combined with imaginative imagery, we will develop our skills through simple exercises such as finding comfort in leaning our body on someone else and carefully shifting weight and attention.

Some info about Asher in his own words:

"I have been working and playing with CI for over 20 years, a journey of continuing discovery, joy, challenges and growth. I was first introduced to it as a curious teenager at Bristol Community Dance centre. Much of my early CI training was in my 20s from some great teachers at the class before the Saturday jam in London. I worked as an actor in physical theatre until my early 30s, when I ran away to Germany to further explore my CI practice for a couple of months – I stayed for 10 years. In Berlin, I deepened and broadened my practice. I ran a small movement studio in central Berlin and started teaching, as well as organising jams. I taught regularly in Berlin as well as at festivals in various places in Europe. On returning to the UK, I have continued sharing my practice. I love the connections I am developing in Devon, particularly with the earth and water. CI is a companion, mirror, educator, a means of communication, a safe space for wild dance and play, and how I may be feeling more naturally at home with my fellow humanimals"

Contact Improvisation Class and Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 23 Feb 20 18:00
2020-02-23 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

The class will be led from 6 - 7.30pm leading into open jam from 7.30pm - 8.15pm.
Class Description

"An Irreverent Embodied Exploration of the Underscore - a research into what tends to happen and may usefully be in our awareness in a jam."

Usually the last Sunday of the month is a jam with a live musician from 6 to 8:15, but the jam is now going to be on 1st March, the following week.

These Sunday sessions are run and taught by a community of contact dancers. Classes are open to all levels and generally led by a different teacher each week.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and wellbeing in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

Contact Improvisation Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 1 Mar 20 18:00
2020-03-01 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

There will be a jam on this Sunday - an unfacilitated space for improvised movement - accompanied by a live musician 6 - 8:15pm. Normally this would be on the last Sunday of the month, but March is special because it has one of the first and last Sundays!

These Sunday sessions are run and taught by a community of contact dancers. Classes are open to all levels and generally led by a different teacher each week.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and wellbeing in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

Contact Improvisation Class and Jam - DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House - 8 Mar 20 18:00
2020-03-08 18:00 - 20:15 | DMAC, (4th Floor) Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation is based on the physical exploration of how the body moves through its own intelligence and how two or more bodies in contact with each other can move together. A dance that fine tunes your senses and wakes up your ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, and all levels in between. It is a form open to all bodies and inquiring minds.

The class will be led from 6 - 7.30pm leading into open jam from 7.30pm - 8.15pm.
Class Description
Re-entry

We will explore the irony that when we stay peripheral in CI (dancing with our hands and feet) and making contact with skin as boundary, we are not really staying safe but are more vulnerable, even when that seems safer due to our conditioning. Using exercises that challenge this cultural superficiality we will discover more safety, satisfaction and collaboration in our dance.

The last Sunday of each month will be an open jam from 6 - 8:15pm with a live musician.

These Sunday sessions are run and taught by a community of contact dancers. Classes are open to all levels and generally led by a different teacher each week.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and wellbeing in the jam. Take care to be alert and sensitive to yourself and others. The organisers cannot accept responsibility or liability for injury.

Contakids Class and Jam - The Exercise Club - 15 Mar 20 13:30
2020-03-15 13:30 - 15:00 | The Exercise Club, 213 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 2XS, United Kingdom
A 90 minutes session of ContaKids including a class with facilitated games and scores followed by playful open jam with each other and some original props.

ContaKids is physical movement class inspired by Contact Improvisation Dance form. By working with the body, movement and physical contact, parents and children develop a new, physical form of communication, which is enjoyable for both.

Tickets and further details available at this link.

Contact Improvisation Class - Into nature, your nature - - 31 May 20 17:30
2020-05-31 17:30 - 19:00
This is a challenging time for those who love Contact Improvisation, so we are really excited to be able to offer Bristol Contact Improvisation's first class since lockdown.
Sam Bloomfield is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Into nature, your nature
Time: May 31, 2020 05:30 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82534843880?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 825 3484 3880
Password: [REDACTED]
You can donate to the teacher here https://paypal.me/sampaddingtoncb?locale.x=en_GB

CI class with Sam Bloomfield.

Into nature, your nature

A class of somatic expression with nature. From the multiplicity of us as bacteria, virus’s and cells, to the singularity of our intention, to the multiplicity of a tree as being, texture, breath, fungi and life and the singularity of their form and direction; dancing with the weight and depth of earth as ground and the sweet scent of 10,000 delicate blades of grass.

What you will need:

A smart phone

Headphones

Somewhere where you have mobile data

A tree in a park/a tree in nature with no brambles underneath/in your garden.

If it is raining, take an umbrella, waterproof jacket and use your breath to heat yourself up, or you can be indoors.

Please find the class structure below (or if you just wish to do your own nature enquiry then check in, set an alarm go off and Harvest with us at the end please.

Class structure

5:15pm find the place you want to be. Click on the zoom link emailed to you.

1) 5:30pm Check in, (please mute yourself unless you are checking in.)

Verbal check in brief:

Feelings/sensations, what does my body need?

2) Follow the class invitations as suits you,

I recommend you turn the video off on your phone to allow you to just to connect with the clas aurally and otherwise be present to where you are.

3) 6:15pm Return for the half way one word check in.

You may just want to give a visual signal that every thing is ok.

4) Free CI dance time to explore themes from class.

Finding, embracing contact movement and improvisation with your score in mind

4) 6: 45 Brief verbal harvest, (return now if you missed out step 2), 3) and 4)

Verbal Harvest Brief:

Feelings/sensations, how was it for you?

Disclaimer: Particularly in this class as the facilitator is not with you and has no control over the space or place you chose to be in, please continue to take responsibility for the choices you make and how you interact with your environment. Nature may react in unforeseen ways/present issues to deal with so please take it slow and act with care for yourselves and other beings. (I.e watch out for dog poo, grass snakes and nettles!)

Sam brief biog: Sam is a CI dancer, facilitator and Dance Movement Psychotherapist and founding director of Natural Genius Ltd.

Socially Distanced Contact Improvisation Class and Jam - Brandon Hill Park - 7 Jun 20 17:00
2020-06-07 17:00 - 19:00 | Brandon Hill Park, Park St, Bristol, United Kingdom
Outdoor Class and Jam:

A New Choreography, dancing CI in a post COVID world

We will explore how to re-ignite our love of dance and contact and even deepen our appreciation of this dance form while following the current regulations. Health warning: Dancing CI could dramatically improve your immune functioning.

Location: Brandon Hill Park, Jacobs Wells Road

We will be located where the slope down towards Jacobs Wells Road flattens out a bit. If you can't find us please call Simon on 07947 236642

Sunday 7th of June
Time: Class 5-6pm Jam from 6pm.

Dress: freshly washed clothes and tape measures.
Decorum: please check your temperature before hand and come if its in the normal range.
Hand washing: please bring your own facilities.
Coughing: only allowed if you are clearing your throat or singing to a frog.
Anything else? Please bring your own pen to sign disclaimer.
Changing room: The nearest bush.
Surely not? Bring your own microbiome.

Donate to the teacher here: https://paypal.me/sampaddingtoncb?locale.x=en_GB

If there are more than 6 attendees we will split into separate pods in order to comply with current social distancing guidelines.

With Sam Bloomfield CI dancer/facilitator and dance movement psychotherapist.

Global Underscore 2020 - Brandon Hill Park - 20 Jun 20 15:00
2020-06-20 15:00 - 19:00 | Brandon Hill Park, Park St, Bristol, United Kingdom
You are invited to participate in the outdoor, no zoom, modified Global Underscore experience this Saturday, the 20th June from 3pm at Brandon Hill Park.

We will be located where the slope down towards Jacobs Wells Road flattens out a bit. Around this Google Maps location

51o27'11.5"N 2o36'30.1"W
Brandon, Bristol
https://goo.gl/maps/dV1MpAVP3f438Ero9

If you can't find us phone Simon on 07947 236642
In order to comply with government social distancing guidelines we aim to run this as a non-contact dance improvisation event. If there are a lot of attendees we may need to split into separate pods as rules permit outdoor gatherings of up to 6 people from different households.

The Underscore is a framework for practicing and researching dance improvisation and Contact Improvisation developed in the 90’s by Nancy Stark Smith (one of the founders of Contact Improvisation). The Underscore is a score that guides dancers through a series of "changing states"; from solo deepening/releasing and sensitizing to gravity and support; through group circulation and interaction, Contact Improvisation (CI) engagements, opening out to full group improvisation with compositional awareness, and back to rest and reflection.

The GLOBAL UNDERSCORE (GUS) is a yearly event in which the Underscore is practiced simultaneously for a 4-hour period by people all over the world near the summer solstice (northern hemisphere).

Due to the passing of Nancy Stark Smith (NSS), the creator of the Underscore, on May 1, 2020, we dedicate GUS 2020 to her. We will honor Nancy by having 2 facings in the direction of her house in Florence, US.

Bristol community is going to aim to dance in Brandon Hill park from 3 pm through 7pm weather permitting. Please check COVID 19 guidelines and read the disclaimer included before attending.

The Modified Score-Jam (MSJ) has more of a jam format but is influenced by the Underscore. We will do one of the two Small Dances/Stands during the designated time and might do a Final Resolution, take some time for personal reflection, and have a circle of sharing at the end, depending on the weather changes.

Bristol MSJ will aim to be be 2–4 hours.
Maybe not everyone needs to have a talk-through.
A simplified talk-through will happen during the Assembly (opening gathering) at 3pm.

COVID 19 Disclaimer - please read and sign

Contact Improvisation Bristol June 2020

Disclaimer:

I recognise that there are risks to dancing CI. These include COVID 19 infection. I recognise that risk is inherent to life and needs to be balanced against the benefits of any activity. I recognise that it will not be possible to prove beyond reasonable doubt where an infection may have come from, regardless I hereby indemnify the organisers and teacher of this event against any adverse reaction to any possible infection howsoever arising.

I understand that the organiser and teacher are taking sensible precautions, such as holding the event outside, creating a touch-contact free zone, and emphasising a consent based culture. This does not mean there are no risks, just as in the rest of life all meaningful activity carries some risk. Being of sound mind and body I chose to exercise my freedom to partake in this class with the understanding that by doing so I am acting from my Mental Capacity.

I have been encouraged by the facilitator to weigh up the pros and cons associated with being in company with others at this time. I understand that if I contract the virus at some point during my daily activities there is a possibility others may unknowingly contract it from me. Therefore, I will act so as to reduce this possibility especially with those in vulnerable groups by taking sensible precautions. Prior to spending time in the company of vulnerable people I will likewise inform them of the risks associated with being in the company of others and seeking their informed consent where possible.

I undertake that I feel well, and while not a guarantee, affirm that I don’t have symptoms of a viral infection.
Signed....

CI Class - The Exercise Club - 11 Oct 20 18:00
2020-10-11 18:00 - 20:00 | The Exercise Club, 213 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 2XS, United Kingdom
SOLD OUT
We will use Feldenkrais ‘Awareness Through Movement' lessons to pay detailed attention to how we move in specific patterned sequences, looking for pathways of ease and efficient action. Opening to the space we will explore how these investigations can take us into sensing ourselves in relation to our environment and others, by engaging our senses of touch, vision and hearing.

Having studied contemporary and improvisational dance, Jackie Adkins taught Contact Improvisation in London in the 1990s, before qualifying as a Feldenkrais Practitioner in 2002. After nine years in North East Scotland where she ran her private Feldenkrais practice, she relocated to Frome, Somerset in 2014 where she is now based. She is an Associate Lecturer at Bath Spa University, teaching movement skills on the BA Acting degree. More info: www.movetolive.uk.
Book here

CI Class - The Exercise Club - 25 Oct 20 18:00
2020-10-25 18:00 - 20:00 | The Exercise Club, 213 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 2XS, United Kingdom
This class will be an exploration in scores, solo, duo, trio and the whole group. We will work connecting through space to listen and play with each other. There will be a shortened version of the Contemplative dance practice by Barbara Dilly to warm us up and after that, we will keep moving and exploring, coming back to our bodies and the much needed embodiment which brings us into the present and a whole bodied way of being and moving.
Book here

Contact Improvisation Jam and Food Share - - 20 Feb 22 17:00
2022-02-20 17:00 - 20:30
SUNDAY 20th February FROM 17:00-20:30
Contact Improvisation Jam and Food Share
The 58th Scout Hut, Gadshill Road, Eastville, Bristol BS5 6PU

A CI community organised event.
£5 cash or electronic payment on the night in order to cover the hire cost.
CI jam and potluck - welcome to all! Open jam space from 5-7pm ish, a volunteer can lead a small guided warm up if desired, and live instruments for musical accompaniment are welcome.
7-8.15 food sharing
Pack up and leave by 8.30pm.
Please bring fairy lights/squishy things to make the space nice.
info@contactdance.co.uk if you have any questions.

Monthly CI Class / Jam - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 27 Feb 22 19:00
2022-02-27 19:00 - 22:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
SUNDAY, 27 FEBRUARY 2022 FROM 18:30-21:30
Monthly CI Class / Jam with Jocasta Crofts: Roots down before the sap rises
St Michael's Parish Hall, Bristol, BS2 8BE

A grounded class connecting and awakening legs to belly center. If we had no arms, how would we dance contact? Legs get forgotten as limbs to really dance with, it's time to find them. This will tone and activate your core. All levels and every BODY welcome.
To book a space, please make payment via bank transfer or paypal. See below for details:
Price: £18 abudunt, £14 incomed, £12 supportive
Paypal: bristolcontactjams@gmail.com
Please contact email above if you would like to pay by bank transfer
Use friends and family when making payment. Ref: MJAM CI Feb
We ask all attendees to take a lateral flow test in advance of coming along

Contact Impro workshop with Bryn Thomas - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 5 Mar 22 09:30
2022-03-05 09:30 - 2022-03-06 16:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
5 MAR AT 09:30 – 6 MAR AT 16:00
Contact Impro workshop with Bryn Thomas
St Michael's Parish Hall

In this 2 day workshop, we will begin by developing our understanding of the technical aspects of CI, exploring space, weight and touch. As we develop these skills we will branch out into how we can play and have physical conversations. Bryn likes to draw on his technical dance training when leading CI classes, and this workshop will be perfect for anyone looking to improve their CI technique and gain a deeper understanding of the form.
About Bryn:
Bryn Trained at London contemporary dance school, Northern School of Contemporary Dance, and Salzburg Experimental Academy of dance, He has worked as a teacher, performer, and Choreographer for the last 6 years in both the UK and across Europe. Bryn started dancing Contact when he was a teenager, immediately fell in love, and has continued his practice ever since under the the tuition of Rick Nodine, Jovair Longo, Charlie Morissey, Vega Lukkonen, Yael Flexer and many more.
https://www.brynthomasdance.com/
Tickets for the two day event:
Earlybird £52
Second release £65
From here:
https://hdfst.uk/E70494
Covid Safety
Please ensure you get a negative LTF on the mornings of the event.

Bodywork into Contact Improvisation Class + Jam - 58th Bristol Scout Hut - 13 Mar 22 17:15
2022-03-13 17:15 - 21:15 | 58th Bristol Scout Hut, Gadshill Road, Bristol, BS5 6PU, United Kingdom
SUNDAY, 13 MARCH 2022 FROM 17:30-21:00
Bodywork into Contact Improvisation Class + Jam
58th Scouts Hut, Gadshill Rd, Eastville, Bristol BS5 6PU

Bodywork into Contact Improvisation Class (17.15-19.15)
These classes use bodywork as a way into Contact Improvisation through working with your chosen partner for the duration of the class. They aim to gently guide us into finding easeful ways to connect with ourselves and our bodies to find enjoyment in moving alone and in pairs . We will explore sharing space and moving with one another introducing hands on work with a partner with sensitivity. We will explore details of the quality of touch, reaching into and through each other's spaces to provide the foundation for trust, listening and opening to expansive possibilities of dancing in and out of contact. To keep everyone safe we ask people to take a Lateral Flow before attending.
Drop-in Jam (19.15-21.15)
The open jam follows on from the class to let our dancing flow into a group awareness. People who have not attended the class are also welcome to drop-in to the jam.
Costs per person :
£12 Class + Jam
£4 Drop-in Jam only
Please arrive to start the class together promptly! We have time to close the jam and leave the space by 20.30.
Booking essential:
Please register for both you and your dance partner together.
Info: bodyworkintocontact@gmail.com
Payment via Paypal: bodyworkintocontact@gmail.com
(If you prefer to use bank transfer please email us and we will send you the bank details - please note these bank details are different to other bristol CI events)
To keep everyone safe we ask everyone to take a Lateral Flow Test before coming.
About the facilitators:
Jan-Ming Lee is a somatic bodyworker, dancer, musician and facilitator. She is passionate about holding spaces for all humans to be nourished by healthy human contact - finding ways to meet each other with respect, empathy, curiosity and creativity.
She is certified in the somatic body-based way 'The Pantarei Approach', has a degree in Sociology, and has worked as an artist in projects spanning dance, art installation, interactive tech, neuroscience, storytelling, spoken word, improv, sound art and education. More : http://www.bodyspoken.com
Jayne Peake enjoys creating relaxed spaces to guide people into an exploration of their own unique movement. After having trained as a Fitness Instructor and then in dance, she discovered Contact Improvisation, a practice that feeds her desire to move as a way of release, play and freedom. This practice inspires much of her current teaching, which focuses on facilitating explorations to expand our physical awareness and create new possibilities of moving our bodies.
More : http://www.nw5dance.co.uk/people

"Dance Duos" Non Class + Jam (CI Research Lab) - St Werburghs Community Centre - 20 Mar 22 17:15
2022-03-20 17:15 - 20:15 | St Werburghs Community Centre, Horley Road, Bristol, BS2 9TJ, United Kingdom
"Dance Duos" Non-Class (17:15-19:15)
This session continues the themes of the Non-class by offering a space to learn, explore and practice to deepen your relationship with Contact Improvisation.
The session will firstly offer a guided warm up to reconnect with our bodies in motion using concepts from Nancy Stark's Underscore. And then allow for a long period of study to focus on one or more areas of interest. Movers will work in one pair for the entire research period, moving between roles of supporting, witnessing, writing as is needed for study.
At the end of the research time, movers will be offered a chance to present to the group in any form of their choosing
Attendees are encouraged to find a partner before the session and discuss their intentions for the workshop
For support in finding a partner, please add yourself to the Bristol CI whatsapp group below:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/I4mzbUCuZw49t7FzJdxh0i
Or alternatively post on our facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Research-Lab-for-Contact-Improvisers-101316819025952
Drop-in Jam (19.15-20:15)
The last section of the event will open out into a drop-in jam for all. Dancers can further explore their research or just enjoy a dance with others! You can also drop-in to the jam if you haven't attended the research session.
Please arrive earlier to start together for Non-Class promptly! You're welcome to arrive from 17:00. We'll leave the space by 20:30.
Please book in advance to secure a spot.
Non-Class + Jam: £12 per person
Drop-in Jam only: £4 per person
Booking can be made by making payment via:
Paypal: bristolcontactresearch@gmail.com
Please select payment to "trusted/friends and family" use the reference CI Lab MAR
If you prefer to use bank transfer please email us and we will send you the correct bank details - please note these details are different from other Bristol CI events)
Contact us on bristolcontactresearch@gmail.com for any questions
To keep everyone safe, please take a Lateral Flow Test before coming.

Monthly Class/Jam with Sam Bloomfield: Informed and Unformed Consent - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 27 Mar 22 19:00
2022-03-27 19:00 - 22:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
Monthly Class/Jam with Sam Bloomfeild: Informed and Unformed Consent
Improvised music by Simon Leach and Ian Popperwell
We would like to invite you to a workshop on Informed and unformed consent within CI, taught by Sam Bloomfield. The workshop will be followed by an open jam
The workshop aims to examine how to create a culture of safety, say yes and take positive risks within am experiential setting. Moving and being moved to dive into the multiplicity of beings, voices and qualities that we are. An informed consent process will take place around touch, intention, and impact. We aim to find silver linings to the pandemic and open to the past in the present, co-creating an inclusive future.
Biog:
Sam is an experienced CI facilitator, Dance Movement Psychotherapist, body-worker and founder of Natural Genius Ltd https://naturalgeniusltd.co.uk/about-us He has studied with many Bristol based teachers as well as working with Nita Little one of the co-founders of CI.
Misc:
Please wear clothes for partner work and floor work: no jewellery, watches, necklaces, earrings etc. Please arrive recently washed and feeling healthy
To book a space, please make payment via bank transfer or paypal. See below for details:
Price: £18 abundant, £14 incomed, £12 supportive
For Jam only: £8
7PM - 8.30PM: Class
8.30PM - 10PM : Jam
Paypal: bristolcontactjams@gmail.com
For bank transfer please email bristolcontactjams@gmail.com
Use friends and family when making payment. Ref: MJAM CI March
Thank you and look forward to seeing you dancing

Dance Improvisation Training: 29 Mar + 12 April - The Willow Studio - 29 Mar 22 20:00
2022-03-29 20:00 - 21:30 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
UPDATE: instead of a closed 4-week series, I am now offering two open drop-in classes on Tues 29 March and Tues 12 April: 8-9.30pm.
These two classes aim to hone our dance improvisation skills as solo and ensemble, witnessing each other; through different ways in –
These include spatial tuning of ourselves and each other, imagination and impulse, body memory, musicality and rhythm, voice improvisation in relation to movement, energetic and tactile awareness with surfaces, atmospheres and other humans.
You are welcome to book for just one class, or even better, for both classes! I do recommend joining both classes as it can help weave your daily living into our studio explorations, drop any juicy insights back into the space, potentially creating more connection between us dancers.
Level: all welcome – everyone who wants to enquire and attend to their body-based skills through space, and a curiosity to witness each other and be witnessed
Cost per drop-in class:
£12 (£10 concession)
Offer:
£18 for both classes booked together
Location: Willow Studio, St Werburgh’s Primary School, James Street St Werburgh’s, Bristol, BS2 9US
BOOKING ESSENTIAL – please send a payment via paypal to jan.lee.uk@gmail.com (select Trusted/Friends & Family option) and send an email to let me know you've done that! (Alternatively, you can use bank transfer - email to ask for details!)
If you have any questions at all or any requests or needs, please feel free to email and I will do my best to meet them.
The studio is accessible on the ground floor and there is an accessible toilet next to the studio. I aim to create a class where explorations and exercises are adaptable to each individual's pace, energy, choices of movement and encourage a culture of care and empathy for each dancers' individual health and limits. Please get in touch to let me know if there is anything specific you need in the space to help you feel free and resourced.
About the teacher Jan-Ming Lee:
Jan-Ming is an artist with a background in dance, music, theatre, somatic bodywork, sociology. She has been collaborating in performing arts projects since 2005, in places including China, UK, Europe, Brazil.
She has trained with teachers including instant composition with Julyen Hamilton, poetry improvisation with Billie Hanne, Action Theater (physical theatre with voice/movement) with Kate Hilder/Sten Rudstrom, Axis Syllabus (fascia / functional movement) @ Nomadic College, Wolfsohn-Hart 'human voice' with Margaret Pikes, and dancing Contact Improvisation for over 15 years.
Her performance work which includes immersive theatre, participatory installations, dance theatre and interactive sound performance has been shown at venues including Tate Modern and Victoria & Albert Museum.
More: http://www.janlee.org

Bodywork into Contact Improvisation: Class + Jam - 58th Bristol Scout Hut - 3 Apr 22 17:15
2022-04-03 17:15 - 21:15 | 58th Bristol Scout Hut, Gadshill Road, Bristol, BS5 6PU, United Kingdom
Bodywork into Contact Improvisation Class (17.15-19.15)
These classes use bodywork as a way into Contact Improvisation through working with your chosen partner for the duration of the class. They aim to gently guide us into finding easeful ways to connect with ourselves and our bodies to find enjoyment in moving alone and in pairs . We will explore sharing space and moving with one another introducing hands on work with a partner with sensitivity.
We will explore details of the quality of touch, reaching into and through each other's spaces to provide the foundation for trust, listening and opening to expansive possibilities of dancing in and out of contact.
Drop-in Jam (19.15-21.15)
The open jam follows on from the class to let our dancing flow into a group awareness. People who have not attended the class are also welcome to drop-in to the jam.
Costs per person :
£12 Class + Jam
£4 Drop-in Jam only
Please arrive to start the class together promptly! We have time to close the jam and leave the space by 21.30
Booking essential:
Please register for both you and your dance partner together.
Info: bodyworkintocontact@gmail.com
Payment via Paypal: bodyworkintocontact@gmail.com
Please select 'trusted / friends & family option'!
(If you prefer to use bank transfer please email us and we will send you the bank details - please note these bank details are different to other bristol CI events)
To keep everyone safe we ask everyone to take a Lateral Flow Test before coming.
About the facilitators:
Jan-Ming Lee is an East Asian / Chinese bodyworker and dancer with a background in somatic and dance improvisation, based on the principles of human potential, empathy and personal empowerment. She facilitates interactive events that draw out our shared creative impulses between human to human, in amongst our many differences. Her work sits between performance, celebration, ritual, intimate conversation and joy for dancing and human connection. http://www.janlee.org
Jayne Peake enjoys creating relaxed spaces to guide people into an exploration of their own unique movement. Trained first in fitness and then in dance, she discovered Contact Improvisation, a practice that feeds her desire to move as a way of release, play and freedom. This practice inspires much of her current teaching, which focuses on facilitating explorations to expand our physical awareness and create new possibilities of moving our bodies. http://www.nw5dance.co.uk/people

Non Class : CI Research Lab + CI Jam - St Werburghs Community Centre - 10 Apr 22 17:15
2022-04-10 17:15 - 20:15 | St Werburghs Community Centre, Horley Road, Bristol, BS2 9TJ, United Kingdom
Non-Class (17:15-19:15)
This session is for dancers and movers interested in deepening their CI practice. It aims to encourage self-directed learning. You are facilitated to drop into your curiosity, be open to what arises, and carve out your own specific questions of interest – solo and collectively.
The framework will be loose and held by a facilitator who will encourage students to research areas of their choosing, that have either been brought to the session or arisen within the space. The facilitator will utilise moving, speaking/vocalising witnessing, sharing and supporting tools to create an environment for exploration. There will be time for solo and group contemplation to formulate an area of interest before detailed research can begin.
Closing of the session will include smaller harvest circles between dancers or if time is allowed a presentation to the group.
Level: You should have a base-line of Contact Improvisation experience and/or other movement practice. This is to ensure that you and all dancers will be able to be responsible for your own safety and learning, as it is not a class. If you have any questions, do email us!
Drop-in Jam (19:15-20:15)
The last section of the event will open out into a drop-in jam for all. Dancers can further explore their research or just enjoy a dance with others! You can also drop-in to the jam if you haven't attended the research session.
Please arrive in time to start together for Non-Class promptly! We have time to close the jam and leave the space by 20:30
Please book in advance to secure a spot.
Non-Class + Jam: £12
Drop-in Jam: £4
Booking can be made by making payment via:
Paypal: bristolcontactresearch@gmail.com
Please select payment to "friends and family" use the reference CI Lab APR
If you prefer to use bank transfer please email us and we will send you the correct bank details - please note these details are different from other Bristol CI events)
Contact us on bristolcontactresearch@gmail.com for any questions
To keep everyone safe, please take a Lateral Flow Test before coming.
Location: St Werburghs Community Centre
Photo Julia Bernstein

Dance Improvisation Training: 29 Mar + 12 April - The Willow Studio - 12 Apr 22 20:00
2022-04-12 20:00 - 21:30 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Falling & Flying-Contact Improvisation workshop with Hugh Stanier - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 16 Apr 22 10:00
2022-04-16 10:00 - 17:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
The workshop:
We will begin by playing with gravity and momentum, focusing on the ideas of falling and flying- both in solo movement and in contact. Starting close to the ground and building up through levels, we develop confidence in our own abilities; building trust in the body.
By researching in our solo movement the subtle mechanics of ‘small dance', suspension & reaching, we progress towards using momentum and spirals to learn, fluid ways to lift one-another through ‘catching a ride’. Working with the frame and structure of the arms, we will explore ways to connect to space and find counterbalance in the body, providing frames to both lift and be lifted and offer structures to be explored. We will focus in on the details and technique of body tone, alignment and small points of contact that help with finding lightness in being lifted and efficiency in lifting.
As well as these specific focuses, there will also be time given to more free exploration, to integrate the material into the dance naturally and organically.
Technique and Poetry.
Structure and Freedom.
Playful Beings in Motion.
About Hugh Stanier
Hugh is a movement artist specialising in Improvisation & Contact Improvisation. He has over 16 years of teaching & performance experience. He began dancing when he was 15, training in Break dance and Contemporary. He went on to train at Northern School of Contemporary Dance, graduating in 2008. Since then he has worked with companies such as 2Faced Dance, Tom Dale, STAN Won’t Dance, and Ultima Vez.
He has taught C.I. intensives internationally at the Goa Contact Festival(2015-17), Berlin contact festival, Soma Arts festival (Munich), Portugal Contact Gathering and the Goa Dance residency 2019 & 2020. Currently his main focus is organising & facilitating his own events and workshops.
He is also a qualified TMW (Tai Chi Movements for Wellbeing) facilitator. The principles of Tai Chi and Qi Kung underpin his approach to teaching and sharing movement.
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is for people who have had some previous experience of Contact Improvisation.
What to bring:
Comfy clothes, change of t-shirt, your lunch, plenty of liquids, snacks. Tea and Coffee is provided.
Venue:
St Michael's Parish Hall
BS2 8BE
https://goo.gl/maps/jDJkDhP6TdDvHeHL8
Parking
Go to the entrance to St Michael's Parish Hall. You will see the gates to the playground to your right. Drive into the second playground.
This is the area painted like a football pitch behind the Hall.
Timings
9.30 doors open -warm up space
10am start
5pm finish
Tickets
earlybird £33
general release £42
purchase below:
https://hdfst.uk/E72788
Tickets are non-transferable. If you wish to cancel and have someone else in mind, please contact me on elkmailer@gmail.com. Tickets will go for resale on headfirst once event is sold out.

Contact Improvisation Jam and Foodshare - Centre for Whole Health - 17 Apr 22 17:30
2022-04-17 17:30 - 21:00 | Centre for Whole Health, 12 Victoria Place, Bristol, BS3 3BP, United Kingdom
Jam and Potluck (Foodshare)
Centre for Whole Health,
12 Victoria Pl, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 3BP

£5 cash or electronic payment on the night in order to cover the hire cost.
CI jam and potluck - welcome to all!
A volunteer can lead a small guided warm up if desired, and live instruments for musical accompaniment are welcome. Bring food to share and bodies to move !

5:30 Making the space beautiful together!
5:45-7.30 Jam
7.30 - 9pm Foodshare
Pack up and leave by 9.00pm.
Please bring food to share and fairy lights/squishy things to make the space nice.

Monthly CI Jam / Class with Jackie Adkins: Feldenkrais 'Awareness Through Movement" - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 1 May 22 19:00
2022-05-01 19:00 - 22:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
Monthly Class/ Jam with Jackie Adkins: Feldenkrais 'Awareness Through Movement"
In this session we will begin with a Feldenkrais Method lesson in Awareness Through Movement, in which we will refine our awareness by paying moment by moment attention in a specific sequence of movements to encourage more efficient action throughout our whole self. From this attuned state we will explore solo moving, establishing our sense of self, through grounded fluidity, developing into encountering others in touch duets. We will play with entering and leaving duets - aiming to make seamless transitions between soloing and dueting, maintaining a state of readiness to make unexpected choices at any moment, in terms of weight, spatial intent, speed and flow.
Please bring a mat or blanket to lie on.
Biog: Jackie Adkins is a Feldenkrais Method teacher and dancer. She first encountered Contact Improvisation in the late 1980s and taught classes and organised jams in London throughout the 1990s. She currently lives in Frome, Somerset where she has an in-person and online Feldenkrais practice. For the past 6 years she has been an Associate Lecturer at Bath Spa University teaching movement skills for acting students. www.movetolive.uk
To book a space, please make payment via bank transfer or paypal. See below for details:
Price: £18 abundant, £14 incomed, £12 supportive, £8 Jam only
Paypal: bristolcontactjams@gmail.com
Use friends and family when making payment. Ref: MJAM CI May1
For bank transfer please email bristolcontactjams@gmail.com
Class Start : 7pm
Jam Start : 8.30pm

Dance Improvisation Training: 3 May + 17 May - The Willow Studio - 3 May 22 20:00
2022-05-03 20:00 - 21:30 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
These two open classes aim to hone our dance improvisation skills as solo and ensemble, witnessing each other; through different ways in –
These include spatial tuning of ourselves and each other, imagination and impulse, body memory, musicality and rhythm, voice improvisation in relation to movement, energetic and tactile awareness with surfaces, atmospheres and other humans.
Level: all welcome – everyone who wants to enquire and attend to their body-based skills through space, and a curiosity to witness each other and be witnessed
Cost per class:
£12 (£10 concession)
Offer:
£18 for both classes booked together
Location: Willow Studio, St Werburgh’s Primary School, James Street St Werburgh’s, Bristol, BS2 9US
Please book in advance in order to secure your spot – please send a payment via paypal to jan.lee.uk@gmail.com (select Trusted/Friends & Family option) and send an email to let me know you've done that! (Alternatively, you can use bank transfer - email to ask for details!)
If you have any questions at all or any requests or needs, please feel free to email and I will do my best to meet them.
The studio is accessible on the ground floor and there is an accessible toilet next to the studio. I aim to create a class where explorations and exercises are adaptable to each individual's pace, energy, choices of movement and encourage a culture of care and empathy for each dancers' individual health and limits. Please get in touch to let me know if there is anything specific you need in the space to help you feel free and resourced.
About the teacher Jan-Ming Lee:
Jan-Ming is an artist with a background in dance, music, theatre, somatic bodywork, sociology. She has been collaborating in performing arts projects since 2005, in places including China, UK, Europe, Brazil.
She has trained with teachers including instant composition with Julyen Hamilton, poetry improvisation with Billie Hanne, Action Theater (physical theatre with voice/movement) with Kate Hilder/Sten Rudstrom, Axis Syllabus (fascia / functional movement) @ Nomadic College, Wolfsohn-Hart 'human voice' with Margaret Pikes, and dancing Contact Improvisation for over 15 years.
Her performance work which includes immersive theatre, participatory installations, dance theatre and interactive sound performance has been shown at venues including Tate Modern and Victoria & Albert Museum.
More: http://www.janlee.org
Photo: "Foley Lab for dancers" led by Jan-Ming Lee

Contact Improvisation Jam in the Park! - The Old Bowling Green, Brandon Hill Park - 7 May 22 14:00
2022-05-07 14:00 - 17:00 | The Old Bowling Green, Brandon Hill Park, Park Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR, United Kingdom
Informal contact improv jam.
All levels of experience welcome
Feel free to bring yourselves, your friends, snacks to share and music. Weather forecast is good!

Test Simon on 07947 236642 if you can't find it.

Bristol CI: Nita Little workshop and Evening Jam - The Island - 14 May 22 13:00
2022-05-14 13:00 - 22:30 | The Island, Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2LE, United Kingdom
Bristol CI presents a rare opportunity for dancers who practice Contact Improvisation to learn more about its form from one of the founders of CI, Nitta Little.
The workshop is aimed for those with a baseline of CI, feel comfortable sharing weight and have experience listening to bodies in motion.
The session will include an exploration of the early scores used to develop CI , followed into Nita's research into relational intelligence. The workshop shall be followed by an evening jam for others to drop in.
We ask all participants to be sure they are fit and healthy for the session and will be kindly requesting attendees to take a lateral flow test at the venue before entry. (these will be provided)
Workshop space will be limited to 20 people to maintain a safe environment
Approx. schedule of day:
Arrive/First session: 1-4pm
Break: 4-5.30pm
Second session: 5.30-7.30pm
Evening Jam 8.30-10.30pm (Please email to book just for the jam)
Ticket Cost:
£55 Full Price
£35 Concession (limited)
Payment:
Paypal: bristolcontactjams@gmail.com
For bank transfer/or any other queries please email: bristolcontactjams@gmail.com
Please use Ref: "Nita Little (your initials)" on payments
Nita Little is an activist for relational intelligence through improvisational dance practices that began with the emergence and development of Contact Improvisation (CI) in 1972, a path provoked by Steve Paxton. Nita has remained on the cutting edge of this practice for 50 years, training generations of Contact Improvisation practitioners and teachers worldwide, A dancer, teacher, choreographer, and dance theorist, Little received her PhD in Performance Studies in 2014. She now returns to international touring invited by dance companies, festivals, conferences and universities to teach, lecture, and compose emergent events. Her writing investigates ecological actions of attention and the creative potentials present in entangled relations. She directs an international network of dance research ensembles - the Institute for the Study of Somatic Communication (the ISSC) which has remained in suspension with the pandemic, but will return to practice soon.
Photo: Darryl Ferrucci

Dance Improvisation Training: 3 May + 17 May - The Willow Studio - 17 May 22 20:00
2022-05-17 20:00 - 21:30 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Impro, Partner Yoga & Thai Massage Weekend - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 21 May 22 10:00
2022-05-21 10:00 - 2022-05-22 17:30 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
Join Emilia Gzyl and Asher Levin for an indulgent weekend of 3 complementary practices to boost energy levels, lower stress, improve your range of motion, release muscular tension, develop connection to oneself & others, have fun and experience creative opening.
Open to all. You may choose to bring a partner to work with for the yoga and clothed massage, though this is not essential as we will coordinate.
Times: 10.00 am to 5.30 pm
Location: St Michael's Parish Hall. A lovely, warm bright hall in the centre of town, with views over Bristol.
Price: £95 / £125 / £150 as you are able.
We aim to be as financially accessible as possible for all. To access a concession price ticket (£95) please send a brief email to Asher. We also have a couple of bursary places available, if the concession price would be a bar to participation.
The 3 Practices
Contact Improvisation is a form of improvised movement or dance. It takes inspiration from and involves exploration of physically being in relationship to others. We use the fundamentals of shared touch, weight, and movement awareness. Letting go of control of all that happens opens us to playfulness, surprises, creativity, dynamism and tenderness.
Partner Yoga (not to be confused with Acroyoga) allows two people to relate to and support one another's practice through mutually assisted poses. From stretching your levels of trust to strengthening your communication, partner yoga can have a positive effect on you and your connections that extends far beyond the physical. It's a gentle, strong practice, available for everyone’s level, including those without previous experience.
Thai Massage is a clothed massage practice. Guided and supported throughout, to release tension and stress in a safe & respectful manner. Thai Massage uses gentle pressure, stretching techniques and joint mobilisations to relax & open the body. The theory suggests that tight muscles cause blockages within energy lines, called Sen lines in the Thai Massage tradition. These blockages reduce the flow of life energy, resulting in stiffness, pain, and illness. Thai massage uses techniques that open the Sen to correct the flow of life energy.
Bio's
Emilia Gzyl is a Transformational Coach, Yin Yoga Teacher, experienced Massage Therapist and NLP Master. She's been offering Healing and Massage sessions to her clients in her established practice in Bristol for the last 12 years. Emilia has dedicated her past 13 years to the in-depth exploration of interconnectedness of body/mind/spirit. She is endlessly fascinated by the art of touch and conscious communication in people's lives. She is passionate about dance, movement, touch & the possibilities offered by them.
www.healingmassagebristol.co.uk
Asher Levin has been practicing Contact Improvisation, performing physical theatre, teaching and leading workshops for over 25 years. He's taught CI internationally since 2008. In CI, he loves the practice of learning to trust ourselves and others - even when meeting the unknown - in physical, artistic, creative and personal relationships. The ever changing orientations of CI, full of movement potential, provide him with fresh perspectives. Being off-balance, while dynamic and flowing as a creative practice is incredibly liberating.
*"The only real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes." Marcel Proust*
There are 26 tickets, so book early to guarantee a place.
Booking: tickettailor.com/events/asherlevinevents
Enquiries and info:
e: asher.levin.mail@gmail.com
t: 0799 9934369

Bristol CI: Monthly Class / Jam with Jocasta "Eyes Closed, Eyes Open" (Blindfolded CI) - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 29 May 22 19:00
2022-05-29 19:00 - 22:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
Monthly Class/Jam with Jocasta "Eyes closed, eyes open" (Blindfolded CI)
This class will focus on exploring how we use our eyes when open. Finding eyes all over our feeling sensing bodies, eyes open or closed. Dropping into our other senses when eyes are closed. This class will lead into a slow, soft eyes closed/blind fold jam. Eye folds provided, but welcome to bring your own
To book a space, please make payment via bank transfer or paypal. See below for details:
Price: £18 abundant, £14 incomed, £12 supportive, £8 jam only
Paypal: bristolcontactjams@gmail.com
7-8.30 Class
8.30 - 10pm Jam with live music from Joe Evans
Use friends and family when making payment. Ref: MJAM CI May2
For bank transfer please email bristolcontactjams@gmail.com

Dance Improvisation Training: 7 + 21 June - The Willow Studio - 7 Jun 22 20:00
2022-06-07 20:00 - 21:30 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
These two open classes aim to hone our dance improvisation skills as solo and ensemble, witnessing each other; through different ways in –
These include spatial tuning of ourselves and each other, imagination and impulse, body memory, musicality and rhythm, voice improvisation in relation to movement, energetic and tactile awareness with surfaces, atmospheres and other humans.
This month's classes info:
~ We practice the rituals of enlivening our shared space as a part of ourselves, tasting the rhythms, paces, textures and sensations of a three dimensional web of relating. The space before (English) words fix us, collaborating together to stretch and live in the multiple meanings our bodies speak of, through sharing motifs, touch, recoil, vocalising and co-creating. The class is aimed to be open to all to dance together, supported by felt senses of tactility/sound/vision, I aim to create space to listen and respect each others' limits and capacities.
Level: all welcome – everyone who wants to enquire and attend to their body-based skills through space, and a curiosity to witness each other and be witnessed
Cost per class:
£12 (£10 concession)
Offer:
£18 for both classes booked together
Location: Willow Studio, St Werburgh’s Primary School, James Street St Werburgh’s, Bristol, BS2 9US
Please book in advance in order to secure your spot – please send a payment via paypal to jan.lee.uk@gmail.com (select Trusted/Friends & Family option) and send an email to let me know you've done that! (Alternatively, you can use bank transfer - email to ask for details!)
If you have any questions at all or any requests or needs, please feel free to email and I will do my best to meet them.
The studio is accessible on the ground floor and there is an accessible toilet next to the studio. I aim to create a class where explorations and exercises are adaptable to each individual's limits, pace, energy, choices of movement and encourage a culture of care and empathy for each dancers' individual health and limits.
About the teacher Jan-Ming Lee:
Jan-Ming is an artist with a background in dance, music, theatre, somatic bodywork, sociology. She has been collaborating in performing arts projects since 2005, in places including China, UK, Europe, Brazil.
She has trained with teachers including instant composition with Julyen Hamilton, poetry improvisation with Billie Hanne, Action Theater (physical theatre with voice/movement) with Kate Hilder/Sten Rudstrom, Axis Syllabus (fascia / functional movement) @ Nomadic College, Wolfsohn-Hart 'human voice' with Margaret Pikes, and dancing Contact Improvisation for over 15 years.
Her performance work which includes immersive theatre, participatory installations, dance theatre and interactive sound performance has been shown at venues including Tate Modern and Victoria & Albert Museum.
More: http://www.janlee.org
Artwork: detailed illustration of an organic pattern of orange and green shades of leaves with a subtle upside down face partially hiding in the middle, against a black night background : drawn by Algy Behrens

Human Moves Contact Improv Intensive - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 11 Jun 22 09:30
2022-06-11 09:30 - 2022-06-12 17:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
Human Moves workshop. 11 & 12/06
Contact Improvisation & Improvisation.
We will explore some core principles that help to find freedom and availability in the body. Building up a functional understanding of the underlying principles and structures of contact improvisation, as well as widening the trust to our instincts, impulses and intuition.
Exercises will alternate between contact and solo work to connect to our own body as well as to the group as a whole. Together we create an open, safe space to feel free to enter different ways of moving and being.
Playing around ideas of momentum, suspension, inertia, falling and swinging. Slowing down and breathing, allowing time for listening, sensing and sinking deeper into moments and sensations. Fine tuning and subtle precision
Saturday:
Grounding & Earth-
Through slowing down and taking more time, we sink into the deeper tissues that move slower than the muscles. Feeling the sliding of fascia, the rolling of the organs, the flowing of liquids through the body. Then, when we enter physical connection with another body we have a softer body tone, allowing for greater sensitivity and awareness.
From this place we will use specific exercises to explore tools that are helpful to work in contact such as; sharing weight, centre-to-centre, leaning and supporting, and rolling point of contact. Also using ideas around momentum, suspension, inertia & falling. To find effortless ways into weight transfers. Leading and following, falling and spiralling...
Sunday
- Spine & spirals -
The spine is an endless source of fascination and discovery. We will study how it moves- playing with the many different qualities and vast ranges of motion. Offering specific movement patterns for optimal spine efficiency. This material is very helpful for integrating pathways in the body that are useful when entering contact and also opening up new possibilities in your own body, as well as investigating principles to give ‘offerings’ and ‘invitations’ to others.
About Hugh
Hugh is a movement artist specialising in Improvisation & Contact Improvisation. He has over 16 years of teaching & performance experience. He began dancing when he was 15, training in Break dance and Contemporary. He went on to train at Northern School of Contemporary Dance, graduating in 2008. Since then he has worked with companies such as 2Faced Dance, Tom Dale, STAN Won’t Dance, and Ultima Vez.
He has taught C.I. intensives internationally at the Goa Contact Festival(2015-17), Berlin contact festival, Soma Arts festival (Munich), Portugal Contact Gathering and the Goa Dance residency 2019 & 2020. Currently his main focus is organising & facilitating his own events and workshops.
He is also a qualified TMW (Tai Chi Movements for Wellbeing) facilitator. The principles of Tai Chi and Qi Kung underpin his approach to teaching and sharing movement.
Venue:
St Michael's Parish Hall
BS2 8BE
https://goo.gl/maps/jDJkDhP6TdDvHeHL8
Parking
Go to the entrance to St Michael's Parish Hall. You will see the gates to the playground to your right. Drive into the second playground.
This is the area painted like a football pitch behind the Hall.
Timings
sat doors open 9:30am to start at 10am-5pm
sun doors open 9:30am to start at 10am-5pm
1hr lunch break at aprox 1pm
Tickets
Buy Here:
https://hdfst.uk/E72788
Pricing
£85 concessions
£105 waged
£120 abundant
Tickets include attendance on both days.
Refunds
Once the tickets sell out there will be a resale list. If tickets are transferred please notify the organiser.
Practicals
What to bring:
Comfy clothes, change of t-shirt, your lunch, plenty of liquids, snacks. Tea and Coffee is provided.
Please direct any further queries to
Leonie Klein
elkmailer@gmail.com
07768789661

Bristol CI: Monthly Class / Jam with Jan Ming Lee and music from Emmy (harp) - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 26 Jun 22 19:00
2022-06-26 19:00 - 22:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
Monthly Class/Jam with Jan Ming
We will practice pouring into and emptying out of, as communication, small dance, into big dance, space. Scores are like music notes for a moving body- we will practice scores that loosen our inner web of connective tissues: hooking in as mycelium or moving away to find new ground. Moving as being moved. This class explores touch, presence and mindfulness in bearing weight through the physics of gravity and consensual dancing; material is designed to include and be attentive to the limits of our different bodies and capacities

To book a space, please make payment via bank transfer or paypal. See below for details:
Price: £18 abundant, £14 incomed, £12 supportive, £8 for just the jam (8:30 - 10)
Paypal: bristolcontactjams@gmail.com
Use friends and family when making payment. Ref: MJAM CI June
For bank transfer please email bristolcontactjams@gmail.com

Emerging Hearts Contact Improvisation Dance Camp UK - Bush Farm Bison Centre - 29 Jun 22 12:00
2022-06-29 12:00 - 2022-07-04 10:00 | Bush Farm Bison Centre, Bush Farm Bison Centre, West Knoyle, Wiltshire, BA12 6AE, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation inspired gathering...
Where Community Matters as much as the Dance
A full immersion into the amazing embodied practice of Contact Improvisation with some of the best UK teachers plus a couple of wonderful international teachers (35 Hours of Contact Improvisation sessions over 5 days)
Some of the best UK contact improv musicians for our evening Contact jams
All sorts of other amazing dance workshops (not just contact) and a variety of creative, somatic and sound-based experiences to support you on your journey. See the full line-up for 2022 here
Skilful & Intuitive Bodyworkers (taking bookings onsite)
Bodywork sharing evenings in the warm and cosy surround of our Tipi
Delicious Vegan & Veggie Lunches and Dinner cooked with love by our experienced chef’s and kitchen team (find out more)
A great selection of spaces to dance, hang out and share as well as all the basic facilities to make your experience comfortable and easy, see all the details here
Small and intimate gathering with a wonderful co-creative community feel
All this nestled within green fields, wild meadows, natural woodlands, lakes, amazing skylines and the rolling hills of the Wiltshire countryside
You are also invited to join the team with our cheaper ticket options
We are looking forward to dancing with you soon….
Tickets are available through the website.
For all the info & tickets visit the website: www.contactimprovcamp.co.uk

8 JUL AT 18:30 – 10 JUL AT 23:00 Bristol Celebrates CI@50 (Fri night St Werburghs Primary School) Sat/Sun at St Michael's Parish Hall - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 8 Jul 22 18:30
2022-07-08 18:30 - 2022-07-10 23:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
Bristol CI will celebrate 50 years of Contact Improvisation in style. The weekend will reflect on the beginnings of CI nationally and locally, how it has evolved and visions
for the future.
The weekend will be a real celebration of
this beautiful deep sensitive and exciting form of dance.

The weekend will include:
Intensives led by Charlie Morrissey
Classes facilitated by Jocasta Crofts, K'lo Harris, Sam Bloomfield & Jan-Ming Lee
Happening/cross-art jam facilitated by Itta Howie
Contempletive dance practice - Agnieszka Grenckowska
Partner yoga & massage - Emilia Gzyl
Morning singing circle - Patrick Morrow
Jams with live music from Mark Smulian, Algy Behrens, Simon Leach and more
Film footage, CI history & stories plus yummy food and cake from Benedict's Street Kitchen.

£100 full weekend
£85 Earlybird
(before 10th June 2022)
£50 day ticket
Individual event tickets now available!
Price includes Saturday evening dinner and Sunday lunch
Bookings on Ticket Tailor https://buytickets.at/bristolcontactimprovisationdanc

Outdoor CI Jam! - The Old Bowling Green, Brandon Hill Park - 17 Jul 22 18:00
2022-07-17 18:00 - 21:00 | The Old Bowling Green, Brandon Hill Park, Park Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR, United Kingdom
Outdoor contact improvisation jam. Everyone welcome, whatever level of experience. If you wish bring music, snacks to share, instruments, friends, family. Let's play!
The venue is here https://goo.gl/maps/QMEx5Xo4R9JBjNnHA
Ring 07947 236642 if you can't find it.

Outdoor Contact Improv Jam - The Old Bowling Green, Brandon Hill Park - 23 Jul 22 14:00
2022-07-23 14:00 - 16:00 | The Old Bowling Green, Brandon Hill Park, Park Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR, United Kingdom
Another outdoor contact improvisation jam. Let's play outside while the weather is fine! Everyone welcome, whatever level of experience.
The venue is here https://goo.gl/maps/QMEx5Xo4R9JBjNnHA
Ring 07947 236642 if you can't find it.

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 28 Aug 22 17:30
2022-08-28 17:30 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
Come join us for an evening of Contact Improvisation, hosted by Bristol CI.
The session will be a jam only space, open to all levels of experience.
Musicians welcome! Please bring an instrument if your interested in playing improvised music in the jam.
Space Opens at: 5pm
Jam : 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Space Closes: 8pm
To book a space, please make payment via bank transfer or paypal. See below for details:
Price: £8 Supported, £10 standard
Paypal: bookings@contactdance.co.uk
Bank Transfer:
Bristol Contact Improvisation
Acc - 65690905
Sort - 089299
Email: bookings@contactdance.co.uk
Room Capacity limited to 20 people, please book in advance to ensure you have a space.
For more info on Bristol CI and Contact Improvisation. See http://contactdance.co.uk/
Note: The venue is the Scouts Hut in St Andrews not Eastville

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 18 Sep 22 17:30
2022-09-18 17:30 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

From within…to together - functional and poetic anatomy - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 24 Sep 22 09:00
2022-09-24 09:00 - 2022-09-25 17:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
We are thrilled to be hosting Teti Nikolopoulou, a visiting teacher from Athens, Greece. She will be teaching 24th/25th September.

Doors open from 9 for personal warmup
Teaching hours:
10-5 Saturday
10-5 Sunday
Contact: Agnieszka Grenckowska agrenckowska@gmail.com

**************Pricing**************
Full ticket £100
Concession £85

Buy tickets here.

In this workshop we will focus on the support that our connective tissue -fascia gives us and how we can connect to each other. From the skin to the bone, we can feel the layers of our body parts and find the anchors that allow us to be present in the moment and to go deeper towards/into each other.

With instructions that derive from experiential anatomy, somatic practices and holistic approach, we focus on the raising awareness and the presence of the partners’ bodies. We thus add to our explorations the internal functions of human action and interaction.

Eventually, we “play” with the incredible properties of the body: when it functions as an entity, its ability to vary its shape without breaking, the helix-like and spiral movements created by the joints, its infinite kinetic chains it can produce (mobius strip), and much more.

Suitable for dancers who have some previous experience of contact improvisation.

Teti Nikolopoulou is a dancer, choreographer, researcher, dance and physical education teacher, with a somatic approach to both choreography and dance education. After her graduation she took lessons at the Movement Research studio, Merce Cunningham studio, Paul Taylor studio and Alvin Ailey Studio, in New York City and at Laban Centre, London.

Among others, she has attended lessons and seminars in release techniques and improvisation with David Zabrano, Thomas Mettler, Gwen Welliver, Maxine Heppner, and Axis Syllabus with Frey Faust, Timos Zechas and others. Since 2000, she has trained in contact improvisation (CI) with Christina Klissiouni and she has participated in seminars of the practice with Nancy Stark Smith, Nitta Little, Daniel Lepkoff, Benno Voorham, Charly Morissey and others.

She has been awarded as a young choreographer and she has received grants from the Ministry of Culture in 2005, 2007, 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2021-22. She has a PhD related to contact improvisation. She has been teaching contact improvisation for more than 15 years. She gives CI lessons and lectures about somatic approach to dance in several professional dance schools in Greece and at conferences. She was a guest teacher in 2019’s Freiburg international contact improvisation festival.

Anima - soma (1992) is a contemporary dance company that specializes in dance creation and dance archiving. Since 2017 the company has collaborated with Teti Nikolopoulou, embracing her vision and aiming to communicate and disseminate her embodied approach.

Gift/present 2019, extracts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6foaJKpsVEE

infinities 2017-18- teaser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuXwiW-bnW4&feature=youtu.be

Meet me there, 2016, teaser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjhOomepNxo&feature=youtu.be

Roots 2015, teaser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Byj-b6nTEzA

Ιsolated, 2010, teaser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k21eo7xTgXs

Knots 2011, full piece

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spCopN1TgP4

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Hideout Bristol - 30 Sep 22 10:00
2022-09-30 10:00 - 11:30 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom
A group for CI enthusiasts committed to a regular rigorous CI practice. This will be a self-facilitated, dedicated group practice space, co-created by all.

Time: Friday Mornings 10-11.30am
When: Starting 30th September through to 16th December. Hopefully we will then continue into the new year.
Place: The Hideout Bristol, Unit 2, White Street, St Judes, BS5 0TS (www.thehideoutbristol.co.uk)
Commitment: this group asks for a commitment to attend, to support a depth of practice as we move together over time. Initially for the whole 12 weeks until mid December.
Cost: shared equally, currently £24 each for the 12 week.

Once started, this will be a closed group, committed for a set period, to facilitate a depth of focus and practice. As decided by the group, newcomers may be invited to join at points, either during this first semester, or in the new year.

To join, or find out more, contact Saskia on 07904 121 646. Or, if you are on watsapp, join the dedicated watsapp group https://chat.whatsapp.com/LsgGpnzivgW0a4TjAucjtw.
Please contact us first before turning up, as there are limited spaces.

THIS GROUP IS CURRENTLY FULL, BUT IF YOU ARE INTERESTED TO JOIN US AT A LATER DATE, DO LET US KNOW.

CI Research Lab: Moving with Ying and Yang - Fresh Dance and Arts Centre - 2 Oct 22 16:00
2022-10-02 16:00 - 18:00 | Fresh Dance and Arts Centre, 44-46 Greenbank Road, Bristol, BS5 6EY, United Kingdom
Contact improvisation involves the exploration of one's body in relationship to others by using the fundamentals of sharing weight, touch, and movement awareness.
In this research lab , we shall lean on the binaries of Ying and Yang to find newness in movement and new ways to relate to each other.
Explore Yin & Yang contrast in your flow
Active imagination using external influences to shape your movement
Experiment your agency through props & partners
Seeking meaning that lies within the form of objects, unlocking further potential in your partner work
16:00 - 18:00 Sunday 2nd October
Fresh Dance & Arts Centre, 44-46 Greenbank Rd, Greenbank, Bristol BS5 6EY
£8-10 sliding scale.
Payment via paypal: Bristolcontactresearch@gmail.com
Email for bank payment to Bristolcontactresearch@gmail.com

Yin & Yang
The ancient symbol of harmony reminds us
That life is a balancing act
And most fulfilling when we learn
to embrace its dualities:
Ups & downs
Light & shadows
Joys & challenges
In our life-affirming dance flow, how do you play with this dynamic contrast? This session will guide you to:
Session brief:
Explore Yin & Yang contrast in your flow
Active imagination using external influences to shape your movement
Experiment your agency through props & partners
Seeking meaning that lies within the form of objects, unlocking further potential in your partner work
We plan to have dinner after the workshop at Nadu, please do join us after

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Hideout Bristol - 7 Oct 22 10:00
2022-10-07 10:00 - 11:30 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

Quirky CI Variations & Explorations Weekend in Bristol - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 8 Oct 22 10:30
2022-10-08 10:30 - 2022-10-09 17:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
A weekend of Contact Improvisation training, experimentation & play co-facilitated by *Harriet Roberts & Asher Levin (*please see note at the end regarding the original co-teacher, David Basak).
Open to Contacters with a grounding in CI, wishing to explore a range of possibilities with shared weight, dynamic & tender movement and dance
​In the workshop, we'll deepen our perceptions of close dance and our bodies in space. There will be new approaches to known pathways (and unknown pathways explored), opening fresh sensations and broadening vocabulary.
With adventures to fresh realms where somatic attention may lead us...
In a lovely, large, bright venue, with sprung floor, in the heart of Bristol
Price**: £110 / £85 / £135 as you feel fair and right for you.
If you are not able to make the whole weekend, 1 Day tickets are also available!
**We have a few supported places for professional Contacters, students and those in financial need, please email if this is for you.
Places are limited to 28 participants.
Enquiries and booking: asher.levin.mail@gmail.com / 0799 9934369
Asher and Harriet are based in South Devon .
Harriet's brief Biog:
Continuously asking where she can next dance Contact Improvisation; Harriet has travelled extensively in search of hubs, homes and bodies researching CI. She has supported and taught within a variety of residencies dedicated to the form as well as festival, workshop, and university settings. Harriet is also trained in contemporary dance. She works as a doula, dancer and hands-on therapist.
Asher's brief Biog:
Asher loves being and interacting with the land and elements. He’s been practicing Contact Improvisation, physical theatre, teaching and leading workshops for a quarter-century. He's taught CI internationally since 2008. In CI, play and being, he loves the practice of trusting ourselves and others - even within the unknown, and re-seeing the known afresh for the first time. He loves old friends too. He finds CI explorations - of being off-balance and free, yet focused and caring - to be liberating and enriching. Currently Asher is particularly interested in the interplay of spaciousness, group, self and intimacy, dynamic, tenderness and finding unusual approaches or variations to the well-known.
*Sadly, due to injury, David Basak is not able to co-teach on this ‘Quirky CI’ weekend. When he’s fully healed, we look forward to again enjoying his wonderful teachings and shared practice!

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Hideout Bristol - 14 Oct 22 10:00
2022-10-14 10:00 - 11:30 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

Connection through Partner Yoga, Contact Improvisation, & Thai Massage (clothed). In Bristol - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 15 Oct 22 10:30
2022-10-15 10:30 - 2022-10-16 17:30 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
Join Emilia Gzyl and Asher Levin for an indulgent weekend of 3 complementary practices to deepen your sense of connection and relationship with yourself and others.
The workshop will: boost energy levels, nurture a sense of well-being, lower stress, broaden your movement range and vocabulary, release muscular tension, & deepen your body's 'listening' skills. You'll have fun and experience creative opening.
Open to all. You may choose to bring a partner to work with for the yoga and clothed massage, though this is not essential as we will intuitively coordinate and there will be flexibility of partner.
While the full weekend will provide the full immersive experience, if you are not able to make the whole weekend, you are welcome to purchase a 1 day ticket for either Saturday or Sunday.
Times: 10.30 am to 5.30 pm
Location: St Michael's Parish Hall. A lovely, warm bright hall in the centre of town, with views over Bristol.
Price*:
Weekend £85 / £110 / £130
1 Day: £47/ £59 / £71
as you feel fair and right for you.
*We also have a couple of bursary places available, if the concession price would be a bar to participation. Please send a brief email to Asher.
Enquiries and info:
e: asher.levin.mail@gmail.com
t: 0799 9934369
Booking: tickettailor.com/events/asherlevinevents

The 3 Practices
The thread through all 3 practices is an interwoven deepening - intimate & spacious, softening & strong - relationship through body, mind, and spirit.
Partner Yoga... Not to be confused with Acroyoga, Partner Yoga allows two people to relate to and support one another's practice through mutually assisted poses. From stretching your levels of trust to strengthening your communication, partner yoga can have a positive effect on you and your connections that extends far beyond the physical. It's a gentle, strong practice, available for everyone’s level, including those without previous experience.
Contact Improvisation... is a form of improvised movement or dance. It takes inspiration from and involves exploration of physically being in relationship to others. We use the fundamentals of shared touch, weight, and movement awareness. Rather than focusing on 'dance moves' we train our bodies to listen and observe the wonder of shared spontaneous movement and, maybe, dance. Listening, following, leading and suggesting without attachment are at the fore. Letting go of control of all that happens opens us to playfulness, surprises, creativity, dynamism and tenderness.
Thai Massage... is a clothed massage practice. Guided and supported throughout, to release tension and stress in a safe & respectful manner. Thai Massage uses gentle pressure, stretching techniques and joint mobilisations to relax & open the body. The theory suggests that tight muscles cause blockages within energy lines, called Sen lines in the Thai Massage tradition. These blockages reduce the flow of life energy, resulting in stiffness, pain, and illness. Thai massage uses techniques that open the Sen to correct the flow of life energy.

Bio's
Emilia Gzyl is a Transformational Coach, Yin Yoga Teacher, experienced Massage Therapist and NLP Master. She's been offering Healing and Massage sessions to her clients in her established practice in Bristol for the last 12 years. Emilia has dedicated her past 13 years to the in-depth exploration of interconnectedness of body/mind/spirit. She is endlessly fascinated by the art of touch and conscious communication in people's lives. She is passionate about dance, movement, touch & the possibilities offered by them.
www.healingmassagebristol.co.uk
Asher Levin has been practicing Contact Improvisation, performing physical theatre, teaching and leading workshops for over 25 years. He's taught CI internationally since 2008. In CI, he loves the practice of learning to trust ourselves and others - even when meeting the unknown - in physical, artistic, creative and personal relationships. The ever changing orientations of CI, full of movement potential, provide him with fresh perspectives. Being off-balance, while dynamic and flowing as a creative practice is incredibly liberating.
*"The only real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes." Marcel Proust*
Booking: tickettailor.com/events/asherlevinevents
Enquiries and info:
e: asher.levin.mail@gmail.com
t: 0799 9934369

The Art of Contact Improvisation for Beginners & Beyond - The Island - 15 Oct 22 14:30
2022-10-15 14:30 - 15:30 | The Island, Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2LE, United Kingdom
Free 1 hour taster class on 15 Oct 2.30pm-3.30pm
Saturday 2 hour classes from 22 Oct - 3 Dec, 2pm - 4pm (no class: 29 Oct)
Level: Beginners and those who want to brush up their skills
Cost: £7 per class / £5 concession
£42 / £30 for all 6 classes
Drop-in is possible (limited number of spaces) – pay cash or card
or email bristolcontactresearch@gmail.com to book a space in advance (limited numbers)

Class description
Contact improvisation is a form of improvised dancing that has been evolving internationally since the 1970s. It explores our body’s relationship to others by sharing weight, touch, and movement awareness.
Using principles from martial arts of Aikido & TaiChi, rock n roll partner dancing and experimental performance art, Contact improvisation plays with the artistry of falling off balance, counterbalance, finding the shelves of the body, understanding the anatomy of our body in order to carry someone else's weight or be lifted lightly. It also fine-tunes our perceptive skills in communicating with each other through touch, flow and spatial awareness to practise the art of collective improvisation.
This class guides you through floor-based movement improvisation into dynamic partner-work and collective dancing, welcoming people with different bodies, levels and experiences. As there are no set moves, it is a practice that honours and adapts to how different bodies move - beginners are very welcome, as well as those who want to brush up their skills!
About the teachers Jan-Ming Lee & Yasin Hussain:
We are dancers with 20 years experience between us in dancing Contact Improvisation, as well as a background in martial arts, performance art and contemporary dance, and advocate for safe spaces to learn and practice dance and collective movement together.
www.janlee.org
Venue info:
The Dance Space, The Island, Bridewell Street, 1st floor, Bristol, BS1 2QD
Entrance on Bridewell street, opposite Rough Trade.
For class entry please ring the buzzer and the teachers will buzz you in the space. There are a set of stairs leading to Dance Space.
Contact info:
Jan-Ming +447834 227678 or Yasin +447824 389512 or bristolcontactresearch@gmail.com
With thanks to @diverseartistnetwork for all their support
Photo by @algy_behrens taken at @freshdanceandarts

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Hideout Bristol - 21 Oct 22 10:00
2022-10-21 10:00 - 11:30 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

The Art of Contact Improvisation for Beginners & Beyond - The Island - 22 Oct 22 14:00
2022-10-22 14:00 - 16:00 | The Island, Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2LE, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Hideout Bristol - 28 Oct 22 10:00
2022-10-28 10:00 - 11:30 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 30 Oct 22 17:30
2022-10-30 17:30 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
Come join us for an evening of Contact Improvisation, hosted by Bristol CI.
The session will be a jam only space, open to all levels of experience.
Musicians welcome! Please bring an instrument if your interested in playing improvised music in the jam.
Space Opens at: 5pm
Jam : 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Space Closes: 8pm

To book a space, please make payment via bank transfer or paypal. See below for details:
Price: £8 Supported, £10 standard

Paypal: bookings@contactdance.co.uk
Bank Transfer:
Bristol Contact Improvisation
Acc - 65690905
Sort - 089299
Ref - CI JAM OCT (Initials)
Email: bookings@contactdance.co.uk

Room Capacity limited to 20 people, please book in advance to ensure you have a space.
For more info on Bristol CI and Contact Improvisation. See http://contactdance.co.uk/
Note: The venue is the Scouts Hut in St Andrews not Eastville

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Hideout Bristol - 4 Nov 22 10:00
2022-11-04 10:00 - 11:30 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

The Art of Contact Improvisation for Beginners & Beyond - The Island - 5 Nov 22 14:00
2022-11-05 14:00 - 16:00 | The Island, Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2LE, United Kingdom

Learning to fly, when you don’t know how or why - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 6 Nov 22 09:30
2022-11-06 09:30 - 16:30 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
A day of Contact Improvisation with Zoe Solomons and Jocasta Crofts.
Sunday 6th November 2022
We would like to offer you some new pathways through the body, to discover, explore and play with. This will offer new movement patterns in our dances together. We will be working with the upper and lower body centres, linking them together in an embodied knowing and being of the body dancing; opening into creative play and exploration, that may surprisingly take you up.
All levels welcome

What to bring: Comfy clothes, change of t-shirt, plenty of liquids.

Tea and Coffee will be provided.

Lunch will be a ‘bring and share’ affair.

Date: Sunday 6th November 2022
Times: doors open 9.30, starting time 10am – 4.30pm
Venue: St Michael's Parish Hall BS2 8BE https://goo.gl/maps/jDJkDhP6TdDvHeHL8
Parking is free

Price: £50/ £42 Concs
Booking: Ms Jocasta Crofts, 19956609, 070806.
Cancellation fee is £20, until 2 weeks before the event. After that tickets are non-refundable. Tickets may be transferred to a friend, please email Jocasta to let her know.

If you have any questions, please email Jocasta
t: 07875151582
e: deva-shanti@hotmail.com

Bios:

Zoë is a dancer/mother/teacher/Osteopath and activist. Zoë has been been practicing and performing improvisation since 2000 and considers it a life practice as well as a professional skill. She has performed for Felix Ruckert, Tino Seghal and Simonetta Alessandri among others. Zoë qualified to teach Axis Syllabus universal motion principles in 2008, when teaching she combines this knowledge with anatomical understanding from her work as an osteopath with dancers and athletes. She has taught at major dance centres and schools and festivals in the U.K. and internationally. Her eclectic training in medicine, bodywork and nature based practices and a dance background including improvisation, tango, folkdance and contemporary inform her embodied approach to functional movement pedagogy.

Jocasta has been dancing and teaching for 25 years. She spent 3 years in the Somatic Dancers Education in Dance Improvisation at Outokupmu, Finland. She is a Somatic Movement Educator (SME) and Infant Movement Educator (IDME) through the School of Body Mind Centering. She performed with circus and dance improvisation for 10 years. Jocasta is a body worker and healer, teaches kids yoga, baby massage and is a tantra teacher. Currently, she is studying Fine Art at Bath Spa University.

Jocasta is a Creative. She loves mediation in movement, sound, silence and stillness. Her passion is being an embodied being, expressing ourselves naturally as a human animal in all our intuitive, reflexive intelligence is what she wishes to bring to the dance. She is playful, spontaneous and has a daft sideways wisdom.

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Hideout Bristol - 11 Nov 22 10:00
2022-11-11 10:00 - 11:30 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

The Art of Contact Improvisation for Beginners & Beyond - The Island - 12 Nov 22 14:00
2022-11-12 14:00 - 16:00 | The Island, Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2LE, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Hideout Bristol - 18 Nov 22 09:30
2022-11-18 09:30 - 11:30 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom
A group for CI enthusiasts committed to a regular rigorous CI practice. This is a self-facilitated, dedicated group practice space, co-created by all. Some grounding in CI is needed to join.

Time: Friday Mornings 9.30-11.30am
When: Starting 30th September through to 16th December. The plan is to continue into the new year.
Place: The Hideout Bristol, Unit 2, White Street, St Judes, BS5 0TS (www.thehideoutbristol.co.uk)
Commitment: this group asks for a commitment to attend, to support a depth of practice as we move together over time. Initially for the whole 12 weeks until mid December.
Cost: shared equally, currently less than £3 per session. Once committed, you are asked to pay for the rest of the semester upfront.

This is a closed group, to facilitate a depth of focus and practice. As decided by the group, newcomers may be invited to join at points, either during this first semester, or in the new year.

There is currently scope for a few new people to join the group. To find out more, contact Saskia on 07904 121 646 briefly sharing what interests you in joining this group, and what you would bring to the practice. Alternatively, connect with one of the existing members of the group if you know any of them, to discuss if it is something that would suit.

Please contact us first before turning up, as space is limited.

The Art of Contact Improvisation for Beginners & Beyond - The Island - 19 Nov 22 14:00
2022-11-19 14:00 - 16:00 | The Island, Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2LE, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Hideout Bristol - 25 Nov 22 09:30
2022-11-25 09:30 - 11:30 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

The Art of Contact Improvisation for Beginners & Beyond - The Island - 26 Nov 22 14:00
2022-11-26 14:00 - 16:00 | The Island, Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2LE, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 27 Nov 22 17:30
2022-11-27 17:30 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
Come join us for an evening of Contact Improvisation, hosted by Bristol CI.
The session will be a jam only space, open to all levels of experience.
Musicians welcome! Please bring an instrument if your interested in playing improvised music in the jam.
Space Opens at: 5pm
Jam : 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Space Closes: 8pm
To book a space, please make payment via bank transfer or paypal. See below for details:
Price: £8 Supported, £10 standard

Paypal: bookings@contactdance.co.uk
Bank Transfer:
Bristol Contact Improvisation
Acc - 65690905
Sort - 089299
Ref - CI JAM NOV (Initials)
Email: bookings@contactdance.co.uk

Room Capacity limited to 20 people, please book in advance to ensure you have a space.
For more info on Bristol CI and Contact Improvisation. See http://contactdance.co.uk/
Note: The venue is the Scouts Hut in St Andrews not Eastville

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Hideout Bristol - 2 Dec 22 09:30
2022-12-02 09:30 - 11:30 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

The Art of Contact Improvisation for Beginners & Beyond - The Island - 3 Dec 22 14:00
2022-12-03 14:00 - 16:00 | The Island, Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2LE, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Hideout Bristol - 9 Dec 22 09:30
2022-12-09 09:30 - 11:30 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Weekend with Zoë Solomons and Hugh Stanier - BlackBird/RedRose Studios - 10 Dec 22 09:30
2022-12-10 09:30 - 2022-12-11 21:00 | BlackBird/RedRose Studios, BlackBird/RedRose Studios, Unit G, Vallis Mills Trading Estate, Robins Ln, Frome, BA11 3DT, United Kingdom
Tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/.../fromecontactimpro.../788226#
Axis Syllabus Friday: https://app.tickettailor.com/.../fromecontactimpro.../788259
These workshops will be a deep dive into contact improvisation fundamentals: connection, weight-sharing/bearing, listening, flow, play, presence.
After we thoroughly enjoyed the December 2021 gathering in Frome with Zoë and Hugh we are doing the same again!
We will have workshops by day and jams in the evening. Also a snuggle space, plenty of tea and a Christmas tree.
Bring your own shared lunch and optional Dinners from Burrito Boy and Lungi Babas (beloved local Frome takeouts).
Open to beginners and ultimate experts of CI and all in-between.
If there is anyone new or fresh to CI who would like an intro workshop the week or weekend before get in touch, we can put something together if there is enough demand for it.

LOCATION:
Unit G, Vallis Mills Trading Estate, BlackBird/RedRose Studios, Robins Ln, Frome BA11 3DT

Schedule for both days:
Doors open: 9:30am
Morning Session: 10am-1pm
Lunch: 1-2pm (bring your own)
Afternoon session: 2-5pm
Break: 5-6pm
Open Evening Jam: 6-8pm
Dinner: 8-9pm (Bring your own or collective order to local Frome eatery)
(Timings are subject to change depending on flow of the day - please see facebook event page for any updates.
Some sessions may finish earlier or slightly later again depending on the flow of the day.
If you have to leave at a specific time please let us know.)

Zoë will be offering a single day on Friday 9th December of Dynamic Anatomy movement with Axis Syllabus. https://fb.me/e/3Bymh5kAC
There also will be an open jam on Friday evening 7-9pm, free to attend if you have bought a weekend ticket, separate ticket available to purchase too here.
If you are local and can offer a bed or floor space for out-of-towners to stay for a £ contribution please get in touch it would be super helpful!

Biographies:
Zoë Solomons
Zoë is a dancer/mother/teacher/Osteopath and activist. Zoë has been been practicing and performing improvisation since 2000 and considers it a life practice as well as a professional skill. She has performed for Felix Ruckert, Tino Seghal and Simonetta Alessandri among others. Zoë qualified to teach Axis Syllabus universal motion principles in 2008 and has since taught at major dance centres and schools in the U.K. and internationally. Her eclectic training in medicine and bodywork, and a dance background including improvisation, tango, folkdance and contemporary inform her embodied approach to functional movement pedagogy.

Hugh Stanier
Hugh is a movement artist specialising in Improvisation & Contact Improvisation. He has over 15 years of teaching & performance experience. He began dancing when he was 15, training in Break dance and Contemporary. He went on to train at Northern School of Contemporary Dance, graduating in 2008. Since then he has worked with companies such as 2Faced Dance, Tom Dale, STAN Won’t Dance, and Ultima Vez.
He has taught intensives internationally at the Goa Contact Festival(2015-17), Berlin contact festival, Soma Arts festival (Munich), Portugal Contact Gathering and the Goa Dance residency 2019 & 2020. He has collaborated with Danceworx Delhi on an international dance film, and is also creating his own work with a focus on collaborative improvisation with Musicians.
Currently his main focus is organising & facilitating his own events and workshops.
He is also a qualified TMW (Tai Chi Movements for Wellbeing) facilitator. The principles of Tai Chi and Qi Kung underpin his approach to teaching and sharing movement.
Refunds: Refunds can be issued for a £5 admin fee. If the event sells out then refunds will only be given out up to 2 weeks before the start of the event. After this time you are welcome to find someone else to buy your ticket and let us know the name change for a £5 admin fee.
If you'd like to come but no ticket option is feasible for you financially please get in touch and let us know your circumstances.

Accommodation: If you are coming from out of town and would like to stay locally we will do our best to link you up with other local dancers. This turned into a lot of work last year so where at all possible please arrange things yourselves! We cannot guarantee to find you a place by we will do our best to link people with potential hosts. If you need a place to stay or can offer one, please get in touch. We recommend a rough guide of £15/night for a space on the floor or £20/night for a shared room or £30/night for a private room, but we leave it to you to decide.
All queries: fromecontact@gmail.com
Picture by Helen Roberts "onthemoor"
Facebook link for event: https://fb.me/e/1EHBgq01S

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Hideout Bristol - 16 Dec 22 09:30
2022-12-16 09:30 - 11:30 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

Bristol CI FREE Solstice Celebration Jam! - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 18 Dec 22 17:30
2022-12-18 17:30 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
Come join us for the Bristol CI mid-winter Solstice celebration jam! Lets celebrate life, the solstice, each other, our wonderful dancing community and anything else we feel grateful for.

FREE entry!

To help the celebratory vibe, we suggest you wear something special, whatever that means to you. It could be a sock, a hat, some tinsel, a ballgown...

The session will be a jam only space, open to all levels of experience.
Musicians welcome! Please bring an instrument if you're interested in playing improvised music in the jam.

Space Opens at: 5pm
Jam : 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Space Closes: 8pm

Any queries, email bookings@contactdance.co.uk or info@contactdance.co.uk

Note: The venue is the Scouts Hut in St Andrews not Eastville

Address: 63rd Bristol Scouts, St Bartholomews Rd, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ

New Year Portal Dance - BlackBird/RedRose Studios - 1 Jan 23 16:00
2023-01-01 16:00 - 21:00 | BlackBird/RedRose Studios, BlackBird/RedRose Studios, Unit G, Vallis Mills Trading Estate, Robins Ln, Frome, BA11 3DT, United Kingdom
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/fromecontactimprovisation/820212

On New Year's Day 2023 we will move together! And have snacks!
Contact Improvisation will be very much part of the space.
But you're also welcome to join if you prefer to move solo.
Witnessing others in the contact dance is also welcome and encouraged.
This is a space to move however you feel.
The vision of Portal Dance is to expand the space beyond the realms of a typical CI jam.
There will be a wider musical journey than your average jam.
We will start of slow and subtle, but the beats will get stronger, deeper and darker as the wave continues...
For an example of a possible musical flow: dance playlist
We will have plenty of tea, plus optional snacks to buy including Roar Energy balls, New Year Green Juice and an evening stew dinner for those who want it.
We are also going to set up an arts space for those inspired creatively to paint/draw something or add to the collective jam painting. Take inspiration from the dancers and see what happens....
There may be other surprises such as guest musicians and maybe your favourite dancer will show up.

Schedule:
16:00-16:45 - Arrivals/tea/open movement/jam space
16:45-17:00 - Opening circle
17:00-17:30 - Contact Improvisation led warm-up (you are welcome to watch, move solo or drink tea if you don't want to join in
17:30-19:30 - Dance Jam Journey
19:30-20:30 - Hang out, drink tea, optional hearty new year stew
20:30-21:00 - On your way merry folk! Go out and have a fabulous year!
...
Dance as a psychedelic act. To make the soul visible.
Ancient Greek ψυχή (psukhḗ, “mind, soul”) + δῆλος (dêlos, “manifest, visible”)
"producing expanded consciousness through heightened awareness and feeling,"
...
Please get in touch with any enquires.
If cost is a barrier please contact fromecontact(at)gmail.com.
Refunds will be offered up until the event sells out.
Once sold out, refunds will not be given but you are welcome to transfer your ticket to another person, just let us know who.
...
Photo by Ian Douglas
LOCATION
Mark Bruce Company, Frome, BA11 3DT

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Hideout Bristol - 13 Jan 23 09:30
2023-01-13 09:30 - 11:30 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom
A group for CI enthusiasts committed to a regular rigorous CI practice. This is a self-facilitated, dedicated group practice space, co-created by all. Grounding in CI is needed to join.

Time: Friday Mornings 9.30-11.30am
Place: The Hideout, Unit 2, White Street, St Judes, Bristol, BS5 0TS
Commitment: this group asks for a commitment to attend, to support a depth of practice as we move together over time. Currently we do this by semester.
Cost: shared equally, currently less than £2.50 per session. Once committed, you are asked to pay for the rest of the semester upfront.

This is a closed group, to facilitate a depth of focus and practice. As decided by the group, newcomers may be invited to join at points, either during the existing semester, or at the beginning of the next.

Please contact us first before turning up, as space is limited.

There is currently scope for a few new people to join the group. To find out more, contact Saskia on 07904 121 646 briefly sharing what interests you in joining this group, and what you would bring to the practice. Alternatively, connect with one of the existing members of the group if you know any of them, to discuss if it is something that would suit.

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 15 Jan 23 17:00
2023-01-15 17:00 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
(Image by Giulia Ravarotto)

Come and jam on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month!
Join us for an evening of Contact Improvisation, hosted by Bristol CI.
The session will be a jam only space, open to all levels of experience.
Musicians welcome! Please bring an instrument if you're interested in playing improvised music in the jam.
Space Opens at: 5pm for personal warm up.
Jam : 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Space Closes: 8pm
To book a space, please make payment via bank transfer or paypal. See below for details:
Price: £8 Supported, £10 standard

Paypal: bookings@contactdance.co.uk
Bank Transfer:
Bristol Contact Improvisation
Acc - 65690905
Sort - 089299
Ref - CI JAM JAN (Initials)
Email: bookings@contactdance.co.uk

Room Capacity limited to 20 people, please book in advance to ensure you have a space.
For more info on Bristol CI and Contact Improvisation. See http://contactdance.co.uk/
Note: The venue is the Scouts Hut in St Andrews not Eastville

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Hideout Bristol - 20 Jan 23 09:30
2023-01-20 09:30 - 11:30 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Hideout Bristol - 27 Jan 23 09:30
2023-01-27 09:30 - 11:30 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 29 Jan 23 17:00
2023-01-29 17:00 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Hideout Bristol - 3 Feb 23 09:30
2023-02-03 09:30 - 11:30 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Hideout Bristol - 10 Feb 23 09:30
2023-02-10 09:30 - 11:30 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Gathering in Bath - St Marks Community Centre - 11 Feb 23 17:15
2023-02-11 17:15 - 22:15 | St Marks Community Centre, St Mark's Rd, Bath, BA2 4PA, United Kingdom
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/fromecontactimprovisation/850717

11th February
4th March
1st April
6th May

CONTACT IMPROVISATION
MOVEMENT
DANCE

A Monthly Gathering
first Saturday of the month (except Feb)
GUIDED CLASSES
17:15 - 19:00
JAM WITH WARMUP
19:00-21:00
SOCIAL/FREE DANCE
21:00-22:00

SCHEDULE:
17:15-17:30 ARRIVALS, TEA, open movement space
17:30-17:45 EMBODIED SHARING CIRCLE
17:45-18:00 GUIDED SOMATIC MOVEMENT
18:15-18:30 GUIDED FLOORWORK, dynamic solo movement in and out of the floor
18:30-18:45 TECHNICAL CI CLASS
18:45-19:00 OPEN CI LAB SPACE
practice class material or whatever you want
invitation for more experienced dancers to offer help/guidance 121
free movement welcome
19:00-19:15 TEA BREAK (open movement space)
19:15-21:00 CI JAM (with warmup)
11th feb warmup: we will explore the dynamic of relating with others in movement while remaining rooted in our own dance
led by Matthew Adams
we will keep the main space free from chat during the jam
live and recorded music interspersed with silence
21:00-21:15 BODYWORK, guided or self-led
21:00-22:00 SOCIAL, FOOD, OPEN DANCE SPACE
vegetarian stew available £5 and other snacks/tea
depending on the vibe we will play uptempo or downtempo music on the dancefloor for those who want to carry on moving
there is a separate tearoom for those who want to be away from music
22:00-22:15 ADIEU

live music: Simon Leach, Christopher De Graal, Matthew Adams
all offerings are optional, there is a tea room you're welcome to sit in and chill/chat at any point
classes will be either taught by Matthew Adams or other teachers tbc
tickets in advance or on the door
veggie stew book in advance to guarantee chomping
if finance is a barrier please get in touch fromecontact(at)gmail.com
St Marks is a beautiful church space to dance in

TRAVEL / PARKING
St Marks is a few minutes walk from Bath train station
there will be a few parking spaces at the venue for those who arrive early
other parking places to consider:
Cleveland Walk just off Bathwick hill: a beautiful 15-20 minute walk through nature and along the canal into the city - cross Bathwick Hill and follow the skyline walk route down to the canal
behind Widcombe parade (close to venue, apparently there's some free parking there, I haven't checked it out yet!)
Widcombe hill east of the Tyning (10 mins walk)

LOCATION
St Marks Community Centre, BA2 4PA

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 12 Feb 23 17:00
2023-02-12 17:00 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Hideout Bristol - 17 Feb 23 09:30
2023-02-17 09:30 - 11:30 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

Meeting & Weighting; CI Workshop Bristol - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 18 Feb 23 10:00
2023-02-18 10:00 - 2023-02-19 17:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
| PROPOSAL |
“An atmosphere of curiosity has made the work a currency of exchange rather than a place to go - awkward for those had expected to someday arrive somewhere.”
—-Nancy Stark Smith.
| Meeting & Weighting |
In reaching to share weight, one is confronted with that which has yet to be defined. The touch you are reaching for or the sharing of weight is not yet invented or formed. Weight sharing in contact improvisation is a way of being in the unknowable, engaging with the unpredictable, and placing oneself in the in-between. Part of this in-betweenness consists of risk; you have to risk yourself to open toward that potentiality. It is this risk, this unknown and this unpredictable nature, which is at the core of Harriet and Joaquín's interest in contact improvisation. We enter this workshop with curiosity to both affect and be affected by (or through?) weight sharing.
During the weekend of course, we will dance, we will dance big and also small. We (Harriet and Joaquín) will share clear technical tools that we have found useful in our dance practice as well as words; our own and the abundant knowledge of others. We believe that ‘solo’ exploration, or duetting with the floor, gives a grounding that contact and group dances can be fed by; we will start there, finding ourselves before giving and sharing weight in duets/trios/groups. Inevitably in sharing weight, we will find ourselves working with other essential tools (falling, rolling-point of contact, spirals). With co-creation of scores, we will dissect and research our way in CI.
This is open for all levels of experienced CI movers.

| SCHEDULE |
Sat 18 Feb
10 am - 5 pm
*1 h 15 m lunch break
Sun 19 Feb
10 am - 5 pm
*1 h 15 m lunch break

| REGISTRATION |
Early bird 90 £ until 27th Jan
Full Price 120 £.
To register please email us at peripheral.ci@gmail.com
or message +447708252649 on Whatsapp
We ask that you pay the whole price or 50% deposit to secure your place, the other 50% can be paid up until the workshop *.
If you are unable to attend the whole weekend, send us a message to pop in for either Saturday or Sunday!
If the financial aspect is stopping you from dancing please contact us and we will try to find an arrangement.
Places are limited to 28 participants
* Once you register, due to organizational reasons, the deposit is not refundable.

| LOCATION |
We have the lovely St Michael's Parish Hall, with its large, bright studio and a little kitchen to warm your winter soups.
Website: https://www.stmichaelsparishhall.co.uk
Google maps: https://www.google.com/.../data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0...

Joaquín Alfei (Argentina/Italy)
Existing in the practices of (contact) improvisation, neuroscience, and philosophy, I am presently obsessed in ‘ways of knowing’ and ‘gestures’ of research in dance improvisation and science. Challenging classical divergences between subject/object, in both my dancing explorations and academic work. And so, what am I ‘(Re)union’ of? A section that seems to be mandatory in this kind of (Bio)presentation: I have grown (in Europe) thinking in movement with the ideas and collaboration of/with Asaf Bachrach, Florencia Campise, and Otto Akkanen. Perhaps among the people who have most influenced/nourished me with their material at specific improvisation workshops/labs are Ray Chung, Daniel Lepkof, Nita Little, Charlie Morrisey, Julyen Hamilton, Scott Smith, and Karen Nelson.
Viewing (contact) improvisation as multi-faceted, I am absorbed in the physical aspects of the study, but too theory, conversation, written and artistic creation. Upon meeting (Contact) Improvisation many years ago, I found myself centered around the form, dancing internationally between labs, workshops, teaching, residencies, jams, performances, collective and personal projects. I am also active in the field and practice of Neuroscience, holding a Ph.D. (KU Leuven, BEL) and position at the National Research Council (ARG).
https://vimeo.com/user154670378

Harriet Roberts (UK)
Continuously asking where she can next dance contact improvisation; Harriet has traveled extensively in search of hubs, homes and bodies researching CI. She has supported and taught within a variety of residencies dedicated to the form as well as festival, workshop, and university settings. Harriet is trained in contemporary dance, diving to both facilitation and performative work, she draws particularly on somatic enquiry and experiential anatomy. Founding the platform WeWomb, Harriet has spent the last years dedicated to the education and celebration of reproductive health. Sharing classes, courses, performance and film raising the voice of the bleeding and birthing body. Videography and photography sit in a place of passion for Harriet, interweaving themselves in all parts of her creative work. She divides and overlaps her time as a doula, dancer and hands-on therapist.
https://vimeo.com/harrietrobertsdance

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Hideout Bristol - 24 Feb 23 09:30
2023-02-24 09:30 - 11:30 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 26 Feb 23 17:00
2023-02-26 17:00 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Hideout Bristol - 3 Mar 23 09:30
2023-03-03 09:30 - 11:30 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

Gravity and Sensation Are Our Teachers: Contact Improvisation Class - Space 238 - 4 Mar 23 12:00
2023-03-04 12:00 - 14:30 | Space 238, 238 Stapleton Road, Bristol, BS5 0NT, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation class for all levels & bodies,
Sat 4 March 12:00 - 14:30 (stay after for lunch!)
Cost: £12 per person (£10 concession)
Taught by Jan-Ming Lee
Booking:
The studio has limited capacity so to avoid disappointment, please email jan.lee.uk@gmail.com for a space in advance!
Access needs:
Please contact me on 07834 227 678 if you wish to communicate any questions or access needs beforehand. We regret that there are a few small steps to get from the cafe into the studio.
Class info:
Gravity and Sensation Are Our Teachers (quote - Daniel Lepkoff)
A practice of ‘knowing’ and ‘not knowing’
We can know through our tactile and bodily senses, we can know a sense of gravity falling and rising, we can practice knowing when the meeting touch of another human is welcoming, supportive, playful, tentative…
The ‘knowing’ might be a map to find courage and joy to dance together with a ‘not knowing’ - something that surely resonates with our current times of uncertainty.
This class involves consensual physical touch which is optional and free to explore in your individual interpretation. I make sure that communication and choice is always present for every dancer to opt in or out.
Venue: Space 238 (238 Stapleton Road, Easton, BS5 0NT)
Space 238 has a cafe with hot drinks, smoothies, juices and food with vegan options.
About Jan-Ming:
I create and facilitate interactive experiences through dance, music, and somatic education, focusing on empathy and communication in a world of social and cultural differences. My work is situated in the spaces in-between things, in the movements of transition and translation between different known worlds.
I have been dancing contact improvisation for over 15 years and am passionate about the exquisitely powerful and completely ordinary practice that it can be to collectively bring us into a dancing conversation together, respecting our differences through curiosity, courage and care.

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Hideout Bristol - 10 Mar 23 09:30
2023-03-10 09:30 - 11:30 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 12 Mar 23 17:00
2023-03-12 17:00 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
(Image by Giulia Ravarotto)

Come and jam on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month!
Join us for an evening of Contact Improvisation, hosted by Bristol CI.
The session will be a jam only space, open to all levels of experience.

Atmospheric piano/double bass improvising duo Sounding Seas - Jemima Evans (piano) and Joe Evans (double bass) - will provide sonic inspiration for our movement explorations.

Space Opens at: 5pm for personal warm up.
Jam : 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Space Closes: 8pm
To book a space, please make payment via bank transfer or paypal. See below for details:
Price: £8 Supported, £10 standard

Paypal: bookings@contactdance.co.uk
Bank Transfer:
Bristol Contact Improvisation
Acc - 65690905
Sort - 089299
Ref - CI JAM JAN (Initials)
Email: bookings@contactdance.co.uk

Room Capacity limited to 20 people, please book in advance to ensure you have a space.
For more info on Bristol CI and Contact Improvisation. See http://contactdance.co.uk/
Note: The venue is the Scouts Hut in St Andrews not Eastville

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Hideout Bristol - 17 Mar 23 09:30
2023-03-17 09:30 - 11:30 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

The Art of Trios - a weekend workshop in Bristol led by Asher Levin & Jocasta Crofts - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 18 Mar 23 10:00
2023-03-18 10:00 - 2023-03-19 16:30 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
Explore the wonderful world of CI Trios.
Your guides will be Jocasta Crofts & Asher Levin, with support from Sarah Massey
Trios are multi-dimensional. They may seem complex and feel daunting.
We’ll explore strategies for finding simplicity and orientation in the creative mix.
We’ll introduce simple effective scores that take us into the heart of jamming, going beyond the normal patterns of intense duos, solo transitions, or puppy piles (wonderful as they are), broadening the possibilities that can open up.

We’ll hone specialised skills and mechanics useful for trios:
* being in the ever-evolving centre * orbiting * weaving * supporting and contributing to a duet * co-supporting as bases * flying strategies * Exploring trio landscapes and including spaces in the dance *
Dancing in 3s opens up spaces and invites a richness of relating, enabling your dance to confidently expand into multi-dimensional relationships. Trios bring surprise, presence, change-ability, fascinating spaces, fresh dynamics…
Trios inherently contain a variety configuration – trio, duo, solo, as well as bridging to possibilities of whole group experiences.
Our research will be playful!

**Bodywork: The workshop will include trio bodywork – we'll expand our attention and inspiration from within a delicious, rich, focused context of experiential anatomy. **

10.00am to 4.30pm Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th March
Join for 1 day or the weekend!
1 day price £50 (£40/£60)
Weekend £80 (£70/£90)
Tickets (& biogs): https://buytickets.at/asherlevinevents/830402
Queries to Jocasta:
deva-shanti@hotmail.com
07875151582

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Hideout Bristol - 24 Mar 23 09:30
2023-03-24 09:30 - 11:30 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 26 Mar 23 17:00
2023-03-26 17:00 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
(Image by Giulia Ravarotto)

Come and jam on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month!

2nd Sundays of the month will from now on be live music nights.
Join us for an evening of Contact Improvisation, hosted by Bristol CI.
The session will be a jam only space, open to all levels of experience.

Space Opens at: 5pm for personal warm up.
Jam : 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Space Closes: 8pm
To book a space, please make payment via bank transfer or paypal. See below for details:
Price: £8 Supported, £10 standard

Paypal: bookings@contactdance.co.uk
Bank Transfer:
Bristol Contact Improvisation
Acc - 65690905
Sort - 089299
Ref - CI JAM JAN (Initials)
Email: bookings@contactdance.co.uk

Room Capacity limited to 20 people, please book in advance to ensure you have a space.
For more info on Bristol CI and Contact Improvisation. See http://contactdance.co.uk/
Note: The venue is the Scouts Hut in St Andrews not Eastville

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Hideout Bristol - 31 Mar 23 09:30
2023-03-31 09:30 - 11:30 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

- The Hideout Bristol - 8 Apr 23 18:30
2023-04-08 18:30 - 21:00 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom
A fantastic opportunity to attend a Blindfolded Contact workshop with Gabriel Diamond -https://www.blindfoldedcontact.com/
Blindfolded Contact Dance is a slow and gentle experience— for both beginners and experienced dancers alike. The constraint of the blindfold invites dancers to explore other senses to find connection, expression, pleasure, and safety. These workshops take participants on a journey of somatic self-discovery and non-verbal consent via solo and group exercises before culminating in a freeform blindfolded jam. We will open with a short circle addressing boundaries and safety. Please arrive from 6:10pm and be ready to start at 6:30pm. This is closed container. Late arrivals will not be admitted and will not receive a refund.
Part of the core ethos of BFC is "the whole room is your partner." That means setting aside your judgments, preferences, and biases and dancing with everyone in the space—including by yourself.
We have a high expectation of personal responsibility and respect regarding consent and boundaries. Learn more about us and read the code of conduct at http://www.blindfoldedcontact.com/
If you have a blindfold (or something that can be used as one), please bring it. Otherwise we will have some available.
Suitable for any level of CI experience.
Cost - £15 / £12 concession - advance booking essential
Paypal - bookings@contactdance.co.uk
Bank Transfer - Bristol Contact Improvisation 08-92-99 65690905 - use your name as a reference
Venue - The Hideout, Unit 2 White Street, St Jude's, Bristol BS5 0TS (on street parking is free after 6pm)
The space will be open from 6:10pm for arriving and personal warm up. Please be ready to start at 6:30pm.

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 9 Apr 23 17:00
2023-04-09 17:00 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
(Image by Giulia Ravarotto)

Come and jam on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month!
Join us for an evening of Contact Improvisation, hosted by Bristol CI.
The session will be a jam only space, open to all levels of experience.

2nd Sundays of the month will from now on be live music nights.

Live music planned for 9th April!
Jam favourite Algy Behrens will be weaving magic with his guitar, effects and loops. Lets join him in creating a beautiful tapestry of sound and movement!

Space Opens at: 5pm for personal warm up.
Jam : 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Space Closes: 8pm
To book a space, please make payment via bank transfer or paypal. See below for details:
Price: £8 Supported, £10 standard

Paypal: bookings@contactdance.co.uk
Bank Transfer:
Bristol Contact Improvisation
Acc - 65690905
Sort - 089299
Ref - CI JAM JAN (Initials)
Email: bookings@contactdance.co.uk

Room Capacity limited to 20 people, please book in advance to ensure you have a space.
For more info on Bristol CI and Contact Improvisation. See http://contactdance.co.uk/
Note: The venue is the Scouts Hut in St Andrews not Eastville

Contact Improvisation: Beginners series - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 16 Apr 23 17:15
2023-04-16 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
Bristol Contact Improvisation presents
A 6 week beginners series (2hrs class) covering the fundamentals of Contact Improvisation.
Teachers: Yasin Hussain, Edwina Pereira, Lucia Navarro, Jan-Ming Lee, Sam Bloomfield, Karen Logan Woods, Simon Leach, Claire Coveney, Grace Newman. Watch some of us dancing here.

There are different pairs of teachers each week, so you can experience different styles and perspectives in each class.

Dates:
Sunday 16th & 30th April
Sunday 7th, 21st May,
Sunday 4th, 18th June
Time: 5.30pm - 7.30pm. (Door open at 5.15pm - please do arrive early so the whole group can start together)
Location: Hut 6388, Bartholomew's Road, St Andrews, Bristol BS 79BJ
Cost
Drop in: £10 Concession, £13 waged, £20 Contributor
Whole series: £50 Concession, £65 waged, £100 Contributor

* A further discount is available on the whole series cost for anyone committed to the course but limited by financial reasons. Please enquire via email for more information.
Payments can be made via paypal, bank transfer or cash on the day.
Bank Transfer:
Bristol Contact Improvisation
08-92-99
65690905
Paypal: bookings@contactdance.co.uk
The space is limited to 18 people. To avoid disappointment, please do book in advance and let us know that you're coming by emailing us at:
bookings@contactdance.co.uk
We aim to provide an inclusive environment for all bodies. If you have any specific requirements, please do let us know when making a booking.

About CI
Contact Improvisation is an open-ended exploration of the kinaesthetic possibilities of bodies moving through contact. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, it is a form open to all bodies and enquiring minds. The practice includes rolling, falling, being upside down, following a physical point of contact, supporting and giving weight to a partner. It is a free play with balance, of no set outcome, bringing forth a physical/emotional truth about a shared moment of movement that leaves the participants informed, centered, and enlivened. (Paxton, Chung)
For more information about this practice and Bristol CI, please visit: http://contactdance.co.uk/
Photography: Ella Swanello
Dancers: Edwina Pereira and Grace Newman

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Trinity Centre - 21 Apr 23 09:30
2023-04-21 09:30 - 11:30 | The Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NW, United Kingdom
A group for CI enthusiasts committed to a regular rigorous CI practice. This is a self-facilitated, dedicated group practice space, co-created by all. Grounding in CI is needed to join.

Time: Friday Mornings 9.30-11.30am
Place: The summer term will take place between Space 238 & Fyfe Hall at Trinity
Commitment: this group asks for a commitment to attend, to support a depth of practice as we move together over time. Currently we do this by semester.
Cost: shared equally, currently roughly £4 per session per person. Once committed, you are asked to pay for the rest of the semester upfront.

This is a closed group, to facilitate a depth of focus and practice. As decided by the group, newcomers may be invited to join at points, either during the existing semester, or at the beginning of the next.

Please contact us first before turning up, as space is limited.

Please note, for Friday 28th April and 5th May at The Fyfe Hall, Trinity

We would like to open up for anyone who feel they may like to commit to join us. £10 (for 2 sessions try out). This is still a non-lead self-practice group, so any visitors would need grounding in CI and be comfortable to find their own way into the dance. If you want to join, contact myself, or one of the existing members if you know any of them. Saskia on 07904 121 646

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 23 Apr 23 17:00
2023-04-23 17:00 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Trinity Centre - 28 Apr 23 09:30
2023-04-28 09:30 - 11:30 | The Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NW, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation: Beginners series - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 30 Apr 23 17:15
2023-04-30 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
Bristol Contact Improvisation presents
A 6 week beginners series (2hrs class) covering the fundamentals of Contact Improvisation.
Teachers: Yasin Hussain, Edwina Pereira, Lucia Navarro, Jan-Ming Lee, Sam Bloomfield, Karen Logan Woods, Simon Leach, Claire Coveney, Grace Newman. Watch some of us dancing here.There are different pairs of teachers each week, so you can experience different styles and perspectives in each class.

Dates:
Sunday 16th & 30th April
Sunday 7th, 21st May,
Sunday 4th, 18th June
Time: 5.30pm - 7.30pm. (Door open at 5.15pm - please do arrive early so the whole group can start together)
Location: Hut 6388, Bartholomew's Road, St Andrews, Bristol BS 79BJ
Cost
Drop in: £10 Concession, £13 waged, £20 Contributor
Whole series: £50 Concession, £65 waged, £100 Contributor

* A further discount is available on the whole series cost for anyone committed to the course but limited by financial reasons. Please enquire via email for more information.
Payments can be made via bank transfer or cash/card on the day.
Bank Transfer:
Bristol Contact Improvisation
08-92-99
65690905

The space is limited to 18 people. To avoid disappointment, please do book in advance and let us know that you're coming by emailing us at:
bookings@contactdance.co.uk
We aim to provide an inclusive environment for all bodies. If you have any specific requirements, please do let us know when making a booking.

About CI
Contact Improvisation is an open-ended exploration of the kinaesthetic possibilities of bodies moving through contact. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, it is a form open to all bodies and enquiring minds. The practice includes rolling, falling, being upside down, following a physical point of contact, supporting and giving weight to a partner. It is a free play with balance, of no set outcome, bringing forth a physical/emotional truth about a shared moment of movement that leaves the participants informed, centered, and enlivened. (Paxton, Chung)
For more information about this practice and Bristol CI, please visit: http://contactdance.co.uk/
Photography: Ella Swanello
Dancers: Edwina Pereira and Grace Newman

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Trinity Centre - 5 May 23 09:30
2023-05-05 09:30 - 11:30 | The Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NW, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation: Beginners series - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 7 May 23 17:15
2023-05-07 17:15 - 2023-05-14 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Trinity Centre - 12 May 23 09:30
2023-05-12 09:30 - 11:30 | The Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NW, United Kingdom

Intimacy & Space - Contact Improvisation day workshop - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 13 May 23 10:00
2023-05-13 10:00 - 17:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
with David Basak & Asher Levin
A day of Contact Improvisation experience, training & play
Open to all with a grounding in CI wishing to explore from delicate to dynamic
 Strategies to be present & responsive to each moment
 Getting closer, while staying connected to all
 In a lovely, bright, central venue, with sprung floor
Price: £55* (£45/£65) as appropriate for you.
Limited to 28 tickets
* Reduced price for teachers & financial need - please email
Tickets: tickettailor.com/events/AsherLevinEvents

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 14 May 23 17:00
2023-05-14 17:00 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
(Image by Giulia Ravarotto)

Come and jam on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month!

2nd Sundays of the month will from now on be live music nights.

Simon Leach will provide improvised piano, guitar and percussion. All musicians and non-musicians invited to join in. Various instruments and sound making devices will be available!
Join us for an evening of Contact Improvisation, hosted by Bristol CI.
The session will be a jam only space, open to all levels of experience.

Space Opens at: 5pm for personal warm up.
Jam : 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Space Closes: 8pm
To book a space, please make payment via bank transfer. See below for details:
Price: £8 Supported, £10 standard

Bank Transfer:
Bristol Contact Improvisation
Acc - 65690905
Sort - 089299
Ref - CI JAM JAN (Initials)
Email: bookings@contactdance.co.uk

Room Capacity limited to 20 people, please book in advance to ensure you have a space.
For more info on Bristol CI and Contact Improvisation. See http://contactdance.co.uk/
Note: The venue is the Scouts Hut in St Andrews not Eastville

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Trinity Centre - 19 May 23 09:30
2023-05-19 09:30 - 11:30 | The Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NW, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation: Beginners series - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 21 May 23 17:15
2023-05-21 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
Bristol Contact Improvisation presents
A 6 week beginners series (2hrs class) covering the fundamentals of Contact Improvisation.
Teachers: Yasin Hussain, Edwina Pereira, Lucia Navarro, Jan-Ming Lee, Sam Bloomfield, Karen Logan Woods, Simon Leach, Claire Coveney, Grace Newman. Watch some of us dancing here.There are different pairs of teachers each week, so you can experience different styles and perspectives in each class.Dates:
Sunday 16th & 30th April
Sunday 7th, 21st May,
Sunday 4th, 18th June
Time: 5.30pm - 7.30pm. (Door open at 5.15pm - please do arrive early so the whole group can start together)
Location: Hut 6388, Bartholomew's Road, St Andrews, Bristol BS 79BJ
Cost
Drop in: £10 Concession, £13 waged, £20 Contributor
Whole series: £50 Concession, £65 waged, £100 Contributor* A further discount is available on the whole series cost for anyone committed to the course but limited by financial reasons. Please enquire via email for more information.
Payments can be made via bank transfer or cash/card on the day.
Bank Transfer:
Bristol Contact Improvisation
08-92-99
65690905The space is limited to 18 people. To avoid disappointment, please do book in advance and let us know that you're coming by emailing us at:
bookings@contactdance.co.uk
We aim to provide an inclusive environment for all bodies. If you have any specific requirements, please do let us know when making a booking.

About CI
Contact Improvisation is an open-ended exploration of the kinaesthetic possibilities of bodies moving through contact. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, it is a form open to all bodies and enquiring minds. The practice includes rolling, falling, being upside down, following a physical point of contact, supporting and giving weight to a partner. It is a free play with balance, of no set outcome, bringing forth a physical/emotional truth about a shared moment of movement that leaves the participants informed, centered, and enlivened. (Paxton, Chung)
For more information about this practice and Bristol CI, please visit: http://contactdance.co.uk/
Photography: Ella Swanello
Dancers: Edwina Pereira and Grace Newman

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Trinity Centre - 26 May 23 09:30
2023-05-26 09:30 - 11:30 | The Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NW, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 28 May 23 17:00
2023-05-28 17:00 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
(Image by Giulia Ravarotto)

Come and jam 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month!
Join us for an evening of Contact Improvisation, hosted by Bristol CI.
The session will be a jam only space, open to all levels of
experience.
Each 2nd Sunday will feature live improvised music.

Space Opens at: 5pm for personal warm up.
Jam : 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Space Closes: 8pm

To book a space, please make payment via bank transfer. See below for details:
Price: £8 Supported, £10 standard

Bank Transfer:
Bristol Contact Improvisation
Acc - 65690905
Sort - 089299
Ref: CI Jam (month) (Initials) e.g. "CI Jam OCT SL"
It is currently fine to turn up and pay on the door, though this might change in the future if the space becomes too full.
Email: bookings@contactdance.co.uk

For more info on Bristol CI and Contact Improvisation. See https://contactdance.co.uk/
Note: The venue is the Scouts Hut in St Andrews not Eastville. The area is residential and on street parking is available nearby. We kindly ask attendees to park/arrive/leave quietly and be respectful of the neighbours.

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Trinity Centre - 2 Jun 23 09:30
2023-06-02 09:30 - 11:30 | The Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NW, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation: Beginners series - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 4 Jun 23 17:15
2023-06-04 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Trinity Centre - 9 Jun 23 09:30
2023-06-09 09:30 - 11:30 | The Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NW, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 11 Jun 23 17:00
2023-06-11 17:00 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Practice Group - The Trinity Centre - 16 Jun 23 09:30
2023-06-16 09:30 - 11:30 | The Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NW, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation: Beginners series - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 18 Jun 23 17:15
2023-06-18 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Nita Little Two Day Workshop : Co-Creative Practices in Contact Improvisation: Worlding Two as One - - 24 Jun 23 09:30
2023-06-24 09:30 - 2023-06-25 17:00
We present a rare opportunity for Contact Improvisation practitioners to deepen their dance by one of the early pioneers of CI, Nita Little.
The workshop is aimed for those with a baseline of CI, feel comfortable sharing weight and have experience listening to bodies in motion.

Date : 24-25 June 2023 (2 day workshop)
Time: 9.30 Arrive, 10am start, finish for 4.30pm
Location: St Michaels Memorial Parish Hall Park Lane, Bristol BS2 8BE
Ticket Cost:
£80 early bird
£100 (if booking is made after the 15th May)
• A discounted ticket is available for anyone who is committed to their practice but would find it unaffordable. Please enquire below for more details.
Payment:
Paypal: bristolcontactresearch@gmail.com
(please select friends or family)
For bank transfer/or any other queries please email: bristolcontactresearch@gmail.com
Please use Ref: "Nita Little (your initials)" on payments

Class Description
Co-Creative Practices in Contact Improvisation: Worlding Two as One
Beyond the Beginning level – dancers must have a Contact Improv practice.
Contact Improvisation was born through the idea that everybody knows how to move within a sea of gravity. The body will show up, reflexively, to meet its environment. Indeed, at an early stage, Steve Paxton refused to actually teach the dance that by then already had a name. The notion that contact is something we do together, rather than at each other, or on each other, came about through the repetition of the agreement to care, for oneself, for one’s partner, and for the rest of whatever was nearby… the children rolling under our feet. The emphasis on good will was necessary to keep everyone safe under conditions that were highly uncertain. This developed stratospheric levels of awareness and capacities of attention that most people don’t experience. Eventually we became so capable that we could let go of generating the dance and just let the dance itself take over because movement arose in milli-seconds of consciously noted experience organized by a far larger form. Readiness to move was there, in those milliseconds. Where one’s body began and another’s ended was insignificant to the passage of information within the immediacy of dancemaking. Fifty-one years later, this has developed into insight into co-creative practices and levels of relations that speak to the making of dance that is no longer a negotiation. How do we move beyond merely dealing with one another? What else is there? This workshop will be an immersion in practices that support a physicality ready to engage co-creatively in dances that release practiced pathways, are built on the physicality of attention, rely on movement principles, have organizational integrity, and embody care.

Nita Little is an activist for relational intelligence through improvisational dance practices that began with the emergence and development of Contact Improvisation in 1972. This path was provoked by Steve Paxton. The only remaining Contact Improvisation (CI) teacher who was a member of the initial core of CI pioneers, Nita has remained on the cutting edge of this practice, training generations of Contact Improvisation practitioners and teachers worldwide. A performer, choreographer, and dance theorist, Little received her PhD in Performance Studies in 2014. She returns to international touring invited by dance companies, festivals, conferences and universities to teach, lecture, and compose emergent events. Her writing investigates ecological actions of attention and the creative potentials present in entangled relations. She directs an international network of dance research ensembles - the Institute for the Study of Somatic Communication (the ISSC).

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 25 Jun 23 17:00
2023-06-25 17:00 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Emerging Hearts 2023 CONTACT IMPROVISATION DANCE CAMP UK - SOLD OUT - Bush Farm Bison Centre - 28 Jun 23 10:00
2023-06-28 10:00 - 2023-07-03 16:00 | Bush Farm Bison Centre, Bush Farm Bison Centre, West Knoyle, Wiltshire, BA12 6AE, United Kingdom
SOLD OUT

Emerging Hearts 2023

CONTACT IMPROVISATION DANCE CAMP UK

Weds 28th June to Mon 3rd July 2023

Bush Farm Bison Centre, West Knoyle, Wiltshire UK

Where Community Matters as much as the Dance

explore the somatic wonders of contact improvisation
loads of dance, creative, nature and sound-based experiences
wood fire sauna, bodywork space, live music, delicious food, co-creative community
green fields, wild meadows, old woodlands, lakes, amazing skylines and the rolling hills of the countryside

For all the info & waiting list: www.contactimprovcamp.co.uk

Contact Improvisation Jam with live music and food share - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 9 Jul 23 17:00
2023-07-09 17:00 - 21:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
Event organised by Simon Leach.
I've created this event to prepare myself for playing music at the London Mini CI Fest later this month. I would be delighted if as many Bristol dancers as possible would come and help me by jamming to my sounds!
The plan is for doors to open at 5 for personal warmups. At 5:30 I will lead a short group warmup encouraging people to connect first deeply to themselves and then to begin to connect with each other. I will encourage us to work as an ensemble, building awareness of the beauty of the spontaneous choreographies that we create together. We will then jam until 7:30.`
After space for verbal reflections we will eat. Please bring scrumptious food to share! We will have the space until 9:30, so there will be plenty of time to eat, chat and then clear up.
I'll be accepting donations to help pay for the room hire. If there are 20 people there then £4.50 each would cover it.
Looking forward to jamming with you
Any queries, email me at simonleach1@talktalk.net

Sun 3 Sept: Silent Underscore: Contact Improvisation - Space 238 - 3 Sep 23 17:30
2023-09-03 17:30 - 20:00 | Space 238, 238 Stapleton Road, Bristol, BS5 0NT, United Kingdom
With Jan-Ming Lee & Claire Coveney
All bodies and levels welcome*

This session is a little different to our jams/classes. We begin and end together - please commit to coming on time and staying for the whole session, unless there is an emergency (!!)
We will continue these threads in our longer day workshop "Core Elements for Jamming" on Sun 17 September! See bottom for details.

WHAT IS THE UNDERSCORE???
https://nancystarksmith.com/underscore/
The Underscore is a long-form dance improvisation structure developed by Nancy Stark Smith. It has been evolving since 1990 and is practiced all over the globe.
The Underscore is a vehicle for incorporating Contact Improvisation into a broader arena of improvisational dance practice; for developing greater ease dancing in spherical space—alone and with others; and for integrating kinesthetic and compositional concerns while improvising. It allows for a full spectrum of energetic and physical expressions, embodying a range of forms and changing states. Its practice is familiar yet unpredictable.
The practice—usually 3 to 4 hours in length—progresses through a broad range of dynamic states, including long periods of very small, private, and quiet internal activity and other times of higher energy and interactive dancing.

COST
£12 / £10 per person
Pay in advance via paypal using jan.lee.uk@gmail.com (Or bank transfer - email for details)
(further concessions apply by email)

PLAN
Arrive early
17:30 Talkthrough of Underscore
18:00 Begin/plant seeds
19:45 Harvest/close
20:00 Leave space

ACCESS
jan.lee.uk@gmail.com *Please email us with your access needs. There are around 3 - 6 steps to arrive down and then up into the studio from the cafe.

FACILITATORS
Jan-Ming Lee www.janlee.org @janleeuk
Claire Coveney www.bristolat.co.uk

COMING UP
Some spaces are still available for our upcoming day workshop that continues some of these threads -
"Core Elements for Jamming" Day Workshop Sun 17 Sept
Event info: https://fb.me/e/uWVbyTAM

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 10 Sep 23 17:00
2023-09-10 17:00 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
(Image by Giulia Ravarotto)
Come and jam 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month.
Join us for an evening of Contact Improvisation, hosted by Bristol CI.
The session will be a jam only space, open to all levels of
experience.

Each 4th Sunday of the month will feature live improvised music.
Each 2nd Sunday of the month we'll stay open until 9pm for a post jam foodshare. Bring something yummy!

Space Opens at: 5pm for personal warm up.
Jam : 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Space Closes: 8pm (or 9pm when there is a foodshare)

Booking: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/1016099?
Any queries email info@contactdance.co.uk
Price: £8 Supported, £10 standard

It is currently fine to turn up and pay on the door, though this might change in the future if the space becomes too full.

For more info on Bristol CI and Contact Improvisation. See https://contactdance.co.uk/
Note: The venue is the Scouts Hut in St Andrews not Eastville. The area is residential and on street parking is available nearby. We kindly ask attendees to park/arrive/leave quietly and be respectful of the neighbours.

Into the Ground Floorwork Classes - Docklands Community Centre - 14 Sep 23 18:30
2023-09-14 18:30 - 20:30 | Docklands Community Centre, 29 Brigstocke Rd, Bristol, BS2 8UA, United Kingdom
Floorwork 6-week beginner classes. Not CI, but teaching skills vital for fluid CI dancing.

Moving with flow, agility and efficiency into the ground.
We are offering a 6-week series (2hrs classes) ideal for beginners and those who have some experience with any physical practices, open to all who want to learn the basics and develop their corporeality.

Classes will be structured in a way to practice the basics and build on these skills.
Exploring pathways into the floor, on the floor and out of the floor. Breaking down movements, developing and adding variations. Drawing on the knowledge from developmental movement patterns, flying low and contemporary dance.
Using a combination of games, improvisational scores and tasks, drilling movement, learning pathways and sequences. Finding how the spine, head and pelvis connect with each other and the limbs, using gravity to complement our movement. Articulating bones, muscles and fascia, moving through spirals and animal locomotion patterns. Aiming to build strength and mobility in order to find flow in and out of the floor.
Expect to have fun, sweat and dance with others!

Dates:
14th, 21st, 28th September
5th, 12th, 19th October
Time: 18:30 - 20:30 (Doors open at 18:15. Please arrive in good time so we can start together.)
Location: Docklands Community Centre, 29 Brigstocke Road, St Pauls, Bristol BS2 8UA

Cost:
Individual class: £10 Concession, £13 Standard, £16 Contributor
Whole series: £55 Concession, £73 Standard, £91 Contributor
Suggested prices:
*Concession- students/low waged.
*Standard - living wage
*Contributor- supporting others
Bookings: https://hdfst.uk/secret/r8ec7ge6t6
Enquiries: intothegrounddance@gmail.com
Please book in advance as places may fill up and there is a capacity limit for the space.
Please come ready to move with comfortable clothing, long trousers, a layer of long sleeve top for sliding and padding, comfy socks and a water bottle.

Bio:
Edwina is a dancer and massage therapist, she completed her dance training at Bath Spa University. She is continually influenced and learning from different movement practices like contemporary dance, capoeira and contact improvisation and is fascinated by the potentialities of the body.

Grace’s dance style is informed by contemporary and contact improvisation techniques, with a particular focus on low and ground-based movement and the principle of the centre of the body as the centre for movement. She recognizes the value of building core strength to aid in the discovery of new movement possibilities.

Core Elements for Jamming: Sun 17 Sept: Contact Improvisation day workshop - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 17 Sep 23 09:15
2023-09-17 09:15 - 17:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
With Jan-Ming Lee & Claire Coveney
Honing our attention and relational skills, playful exploring of physicality, co-ordination, and structural integrity of our body
Tickets:
Early bird £45 before 11 Aug
After 11 Aug: £60 / £50
If you want to apply for a further concession please email for details.
To book: https://hdfst.uk/e93416
or email claireat@bristol.co.uk
~
About the teachers:
Jan-Ming has been dancing and holding spaces for contact improvisation for over 15 years and is passionate about the exquisitely powerful and completely ordinary practice that it can be to collectively bring us into a dancing conversation together, respecting our differences through curiosity, courage and care. She has a background in performance in dance, music, physical theatre, voicework and is also a practicing somatic bodyworker in The Pantarei Approach.
www.janlee.org

Claire Coveney and Jan-Ming Lee have been dancing-tumbling-uplifting-flipping-jamming together and finding what are the things that keep us curious and playful in our dances, while rooting in our integrity...we have been collecting our rituals of how to be in all the gaps inside of a contact jam, especially inspired by our practices of the Underscore and our training in somatic practices such as Alexander Technique, bodywork, qigong and fascia-movement study.
More details coming very soon!

Into the Ground Floorwork Classes - Docklands Community Centre - 21 Sep 23 18:30
2023-09-21 18:30 - 20:30 | Docklands Community Centre, 29 Brigstocke Rd, Bristol, BS2 8UA, United Kingdom

Basics to Beyond - a six month course in CI - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 23 Sep 23 10:00
2023-09-23 10:00 - 17:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
A six-month training in CI, led by Asher Levin, assisted by Lucia Naga
A CI foundational & adventurous journey with a steady group.
* Study basic principles in depth
*explore themes & share discoveries
*consolidate, play & create in focused, scored dances
*integrate & connect in open jam

Wonderful live music from Simon Leach will accompany and inspire us
We’ll meet one Saturday per month, plus a full weekend
Dates: 23rd September 2023, 21st October 2023, 18th November 2023, 16th December 2023, 20th January 2024, 24th Feb 2024 & 25th Feb 2024

Times: 10am to 5pm
Location: St Michael’s Parish Hall, Park Lane, Bristol BS2 8BE

Open to All – experienced Contacters will benefit as much as those newer to the practice.
It may be compared to a musician studying their scales and arpeggios and then getting creative with it!
For more information or any queries, please ask Asher:

T 07999 934369
E: asher.levin.mail@gmail.com
Tickets: tickettailor.com/events/asherlevinevents

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 24 Sep 23 17:00
2023-09-24 17:00 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Into the Ground Floorwork Classes - Docklands Community Centre - 28 Sep 23 18:30
2023-09-28 18:30 - 20:30 | Docklands Community Centre, 29 Brigstocke Rd, Bristol, BS2 8UA, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation: Beginners series - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 1 Oct 23 17:15
2023-10-01 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
Bristol Contact Improvisation presents:
Ongoing beginners classes (2hrs class) covering the fundamentals of Contact Improvisation.
Teachers: Yasin Hussain, Edwina Pereira, Lucia Navarro, Jan-Ming Lee, Sam Bloomfield, Karen Logan Woods, Simon Leach, Claire Coveney, Grace Newman. There are different pairs of teachers each week, so you can experience different styles and perspectives in each class.

The classes will include:
- Developing body awareness through movement in space
- Learning to share weight with others through a point of contact
- Using gravity to inform our movement explorations
- Developing a strong sense of our connection with the ground, both directly and through contact with others
- Embodying movement pathways, both solo and in contact
- Exploring different qualities of movement and touch
- Opportunities to integrate material from exercises through solo and group improvisation

Dates:
Sunday 3rd, 17th December
Sunday 21st January
Sunday 4th, 18th February
Sunday 3rd, 17th March
Sunday 7th, 21st April
Sunday 5th, 19th May
Sunday 2nd, 16th June

Time: 5.15pm - 7.30pm. (Doors open at 5.15pm, class starts 5:30. Please arrive in good time so we can start together.)

Location: Hut 6388, Bartholomew's Road, St Andrews, Bristol BS 79BJ

Cost
Individual class: £10 Concession, £13 waged, £16 Contributor

Booking: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/996771?#

The space is limited to 18 people. To avoid disappointment, please do book in advance.
Any queries, email info@contactdance.co.uk
We aim to provide an inclusive environment for all bodies. If you have any specific requirements, please do let us know when making a booking.

About CI
Contact Improvisation is an open-ended exploration of the kinaesthetic possibilities of bodies moving through contact. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, it is a form open to all bodies and enquiring minds. The practice includes rolling, falling, being upside down, following a physical point of contact, supporting and giving weight to a partner. It is a free play with balance, of no set outcome, bringing forth a physical/emotional truth about a shared moment of movement that leaves the participants informed, centered, and enlivened. (Paxton, Chung) For more information about this practice and Bristol CI, please visit: https://contactdance.co.uk/

Photography: Ella Swanello
Dancers: Edwina Pereira and Grace Newman

Into the Ground Floorwork Classes - Docklands Community Centre - 5 Oct 23 18:30
2023-10-05 18:30 - 20:30 | Docklands Community Centre, 29 Brigstocke Rd, Bristol, BS2 8UA, United Kingdom

Dancing Through The Layers - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 7 Oct 23 10:00
2023-10-07 10:00 - 2023-10-08 17:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
Tickets https://www.tickettailor.com/events/richardparkerci/882780

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 8 Oct 23 17:00
2023-10-08 17:00 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Into the Ground Floorwork Classes - Docklands Community Centre - 12 Oct 23 18:30
2023-10-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Docklands Community Centre, 29 Brigstocke Rd, Bristol, BS2 8UA, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation: Beginners series - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 15 Oct 23 17:15
2023-10-15 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Into the Ground Floorwork Classes - Docklands Community Centre - 19 Oct 23 18:30
2023-10-19 18:30 - 20:30 | Docklands Community Centre, 29 Brigstocke Rd, Bristol, BS2 8UA, United Kingdom

Basics to Beyond - a six month course in CI - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 21 Oct 23 10:00
2023-10-21 10:00 - 17:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 22 Oct 23 17:00
2023-10-22 17:00 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation: Beginners series - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 29 Oct 23 17:15
2023-10-29 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Floorwork Class: Sensing Body // movement workshops with Jan-Ming Lee & Laura Moy - The Albany Centre - 4 Nov 23 11:30
2023-11-04 11:30 - 13:00 | The Albany Centre, Shaftesbury Ave, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5LT, United Kingdom
We invite you to reconnect to your movement through your attention to breath, your organs and internal landscape.
Beginning from the ground up, we find trust with gravity, exploring movement from evolutional & developmental patterns. How do our radial sea relatives breathe, move and process? How did we as babies develop our desires to move/support ourselves in our body tone?

We begin class with an open-ended exploration, drawing on imagery, breath and anatomical pathways. We play with softness and strength.

We invite you to connect with each other spatially through improvisational puzzles that celebrate our individual differences and choices.. This becomes a springboard to free improvisational dynamic dancing.
You can drop-in, or come regularly - the more sessions you attend, the more you will build your personal archive of ways to move; complementing your dance expression, and assisting with easier lifting of children (!), shopping and heavy objects, navigating our relational space, easier breathing, and clubbing without taking your knees out…

About your teachers:
Jan-Ming is a dancer, musician and somatic educator. She has been performing, teaching and facilitating groups for over 15 years, creating interactive experiences that focus on empathy and communication in a world of social and cultural differences. She is a certified practitioner of somatic bodywork (The Pantarei Approach) and is informed by her studies in contemporary dance, physical theatre, contact improvisation, qigong, axis syllabus, experiential anatomy and somatic movement practices.
www.janlee.org

Laura is a dancer, circus artist and massage therapist. She has been performing and creating professionally for 17 years since completing a BA Dance Theatre at Laban. Her movement training has included contemporary dance, physical theatre, experiential anatomy, aerial, Chinese pole, partner acrobatics, contact improvisation and martial arts. She is a qualified remedial and sports massage therapist, her practice is informed by her training in Body Mind Centering and somatic movement work.
lauramoy.co.uk

Dates and location:
The Albany Centre, Shaftesbury Avenue, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5LT
Saturday mornings 11.30 - 13.00
November 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
Costs per class:
Drop-in (limited numbers, booking recommended)
£13 standard
£16 contributor
£9 concessions (available for those unemployed or underemployed)
Bring exact cash, or pay by card (1.75% fee applies)
Book whole series – save 10%!
£47 standard / £58 contributor / £32 concessions*
Paypal jan.lee.uk@gmail.com or email for bank transfer.

Info: jan.lee.uk@gmail.com

To book:
Paypal: Send a payment to jan.lee.uk@gmail.com with the reference: "Your name/Date of classes/FW" (email a brief message to say you've made a payment and for which dates)
Bank Transfer: Email and we will send you bank details.

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 5 Nov 23 17:00
2023-11-05 17:00 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Conversational Contact Improvisation - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 11 Nov 23 09:30
2023-11-11 09:30 - 2023-11-12 17:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
CONVERSATIONAL CONTACT (the proposal)

|LANGUAGE| Useful and clear physical tools to support your solo dancing, engagement with the floor and contact with other movers. This ‘language’ will include movement patterning; rolling, spiralling, supporting; helping you to land, lift and jam confidently.

|TONE| Encouraging efficiency and ease, knowing when to employ strength and softness.

|MONOLOGUE| Investment in soloing; for you to feel confident to explore your curiosity before and while dancing in contact; we will integrate this awareness through all that we do.

|DIALOGUE| A relational practice, we will tune our listening skills when in partner dances as well as larger constellations. We will research how to let the dance unfold, how to pose questions through the dance and how to embrace the mutuality of each engagement.

| SCHEDULE |
Sat 11 Nov
9.30 am - 5 pm
*1 h 15 m lunch break
Sun 12 Nov
9.30 am - 5 pm
*1 h 15 m lunch break

| REGISTRATION |
Early bird £90 until 13th Oct
Full Price £110.
To register please email harrietroberts@outlook.com
or message +447708252649 on Whatsapp
I ask that you pay the whole price or 50% deposit to secure your place, the other 50% can be paid up until the workshop *.
If the financial aspect is stopping you from dancing please contact us and we will try to find an arrangement.
Places are limited to 24 participants
* Once you register, due to organizational reasons, the deposit is not refundable.

| LOCATION |
We have the lovely St Michael's Parish Hall, with its large, bright studio and a little kitchen to warm your winter soups.
Website: https://www.stmichaelsparishhall.co.uk

| ABOUT ME |
Harriet is a dedicated practitioner of contact Improvisation, she has travelled extensively in search of hubs, homes and bodies researching CI. She has supported and taught within a variety of residencies dedicated to the form as well as festival, workshop, and university settings. Trained as a contemporary dancer, Harriet divides her time between dance facilitation, performance, and hands-on therapy. She is trained as a doula and has spent the last years dedicated to the education of the reproductive body. For artistic projects see here: Harriet Roberts (vimeo.com)
Photo: Alexander Dodgson

Floorwork Class: Sensing Body // movement workshops with Jan-Ming Lee & Laura Moy - The Albany Centre - 11 Nov 23 11:30
2023-11-11 11:30 - 13:00 | The Albany Centre, Shaftesbury Ave, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5LT, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Open Jam - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 12 Nov 23 15:00
2023-11-12 15:00 - 18:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
Bristol CI are joining forces with Harriet Roberts to create a BIG jam!
Harriet is teaching a weekend workshop and wants to end it with a really big jam. So for this Sunday only, we are moving our jam to St Michael's Parish Hall and changing the timing to 3 to 6pm.
The session will be a jam only space, open to all levels of
experience, with a warm up led by Harriet.
Live improvised music by Simon Leach.
Jam starts at 3pm, please be on time!
Booking: https://www.tickettailor.com/.../bristolcontactim.../1016099
Any queries email info@contactdance.co.uk
Price: £8 Supported, £10 standard
It is fine to turn up and pay on the door, though we can't guarantee a space if it is full.
For more info on Bristol CI and Contact Improvisation. See https://contactdance.co.uk/

Contact Improvisation: Beginners series - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 12 Nov 23 17:15
2023-11-12 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Basics to Beyond - a six month course in CI - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 18 Nov 23 10:00
2023-11-18 10:00 - 17:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom

Floorwork Class: Sensing Body // movement workshops with Jan-Ming Lee & Laura Moy - The Albany Centre - 18 Nov 23 11:30
2023-11-18 11:30 - 13:00 | The Albany Centre, Shaftesbury Ave, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5LT, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 19 Nov 23 17:00
2023-11-19 17:00 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Floorwork Class: Sensing Body // movement workshops with Jan-Ming Lee & Laura Moy - The Albany Centre - 25 Nov 23 11:30
2023-11-25 11:30 - 13:00 | The Albany Centre, Shaftesbury Ave, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5LT, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation: Beginners series - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 26 Nov 23 17:15
2023-11-26 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Winter Warmer Jam 2023 - Bembridge House - 1 Dec 23 18:30
2023-12-01 18:30 - 2023-12-03 16:30 | Bembridge House, Bembridge House, Ashburton, TQ13 7JX, United Kingdom
This event is for experienced practitioners, as there will be no instruction and the focus is on jamming.

With open hearts we invite you to the Winter Warmer Jam, nestled in the Devonshire hills, we will cohabit and create a weekend centered around the practice of contact improvisation jamming. We will nest together and nourish ourselves in the darker days of winter, with a loving dance floor, nourishing food, and sauna extravaganza. We wish to embody and live the lessons of contact improvisation on and off of the dance floor, with collective care for one another and dedication to the practice.

Arrival
6:30 pm Friday 1st December
Depart
Sunday 4:30 pm Sunday 3rd December
Location
Ashburton, Dartmoor, Devon

Tickets Link
https://dandelion.events/e/ciwinterwarmer

Sleeping
We will all share a large barn in the hills near Ashburton, there are different sleeping options, but we will certainly be snuggling up and sharing dream space. There are four spacious double bedrooms with ensuites or the option to roll out your mat next to new and old friends in the studio itself or the mezzanine balcony. You are also welcome to rock up in your bed-on-wheels, there is ample parking space.

Co-Creation
We invite everyone to partake in the preparation of one (or more) meal as a continuation of the practice.

Experience
This will not be an instructive space, we will be held by a structure and agreement to collective focus during jams. Experience in the practice of contact improvisation is required. If you are unsure what this means, do contact us and we can discuss.

Places
There are a limited number of places so book to confirm yours.

Travel
For those of you coming for further afield, you can get trains/buses to Newton Abbott/Exeter/Totnes and we will find a way to ferry you up to the fields.

Cost
We are making this event as affordable as possible.
The base price is £110 for the weekend. This will include food and communal dorm space for sleeping.
A double bedroom with Esnsuite will be an additional £80, this is limited to 4 bedrooms and you are invited to share with friends.
To bring a live-in vehicle there will be an additional £15 for the weekend.

Ticket Exchanges / Refunds
Exchanges/Refunds: To exchange tickets please email davidbasak10@gmail.com and let us know the name changeover. There is a £5 admin fee for this. Refunds can be issued for a £10 admin fee. If the event sells out then refunds will only be given out up until 3 weeks before the the event. After this time you are welcome to find someone else to buy your ticket and let us know the name change for a £5 admin fee.
If finance is a barrier to attending, please get in touch.

With excitment, gratutude and love.
David Basak & Harriet Roberts

Contact Improvisation: Beginners series - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 3 Dec 23 17:15
2023-12-03 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
Bristol Contact Improvisation presents:
Ongoing beginners classes (2hrs class) covering the fundamentals of Contact Improvisation.
Teachers: Yasin Hussain, Edwina Pereira, Lucia Navarro, Jan-Ming Lee, Sam Bloomfield, Karen Logan Woods, Simon Leach, Claire Coveney, Grace Newman. There are different pairs of teachers each week, so you can experience different styles and perspectives in each class.

The course will include:
- Developing body awareness through movement in space
- Learning to share weight with others through a point of contact
- Using gravity to inform our movement explorations
- Developing a strong sense of our connection with the ground, both directly and through contact with others
- Embodying movement pathways, both solo and in contact
- Exploring different qualities of movement and touch
- Opportunities to integrate material from exercises through solo and group improvisation

Dates:
Sunday 3rd, 17th December
Sunday 21st January
Sunday 4th, 18th February
Sunday 3rd, 17th March
Sunday 7th, 21st April
Sunday 5th, 19th May
Sunday 2nd, 16th June

Time: 5.15pm - 7.30pm. (Doors open at 5.15pm, class starts 5:30. Please arrive in good time so we can start together.)

Location: Hut 6388, Bartholomew's Road, St Andrews, Bristol BS 79BJ

Cost
Individual class: £10 Concession, £13 waged, £20 Contributor

The space is limited to 18 people. To avoid disappointment, please do book in advance once booking is open.
Any queries, email info@contactdance.co.uk
We aim to provide an inclusive environment for all bodies. If you have any specific requirements, please do let us know when making a booking.

About CI
Contact Improvisation is an open-ended exploration of the kinaesthetic possibilities of bodies moving through contact. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, it is a form open to all bodies and enquiring minds. The practice includes rolling, falling, being upside down, following a physical point of contact, supporting and giving weight to a partner. It is a free play with balance, of no set outcome, bringing forth a physical/emotional truth about a shared moment of movement that leaves the participants informed, centered, and enlivened. (Paxton, Chung) For more information about this practice and Bristol CI, please visit: https://contactdance.co.uk/

Photography: Ella Swanello
Dancers: Edwina Pereira and Grace Newman

Contact Improvisation Winter Warmer with Hugh and Zoë - BlackBird/RedRose Studios - 8 Dec 23 10:00
2023-12-08 10:00 - 2023-12-10 21:00 | BlackBird/RedRose Studios, BlackBird/RedRose Studios, Unit G, Vallis Mills Trading Estate, Robins Ln, Frome, BA11 3DT, United Kingdom
This is our 3rd yearly Winter CI Gathering with Zoë and Hugh in Frome : )

Contact Improvisation (Saturday/Sunday):

These workshops will be a deep dive into contact improvisation fundamentals: connection, weight-sharing/bearing, listening, flow, play, presence.

We will have workshops by day and jams in the evening.

Axis Syllabus (Friday only):

The Axis Syllabus is an educational perspective and reference system for human movement that is assembled, revised and tested by a growing international network of dancing researchers and was initiated in the mid 90’s by the american dancer, teacher, author and choreographer Frey Faust.

The knowledge and methods draw from several fields of research including biomechanics, anatomy, physics, western medical sciences, physiology, anthropology and an expansive collection of empirical knowledge.

Friday evening we have a separate Ecstatic Dance event at Mycelium Space nearby in Frome.

Details:

Bring your own lunch and optional Dinners from Burrito Boy and Lungi Babas (beloved local Frome takeouts).
Plenty of tea and a Christmas tree.

Open to beginners and ultimate experts of CI and all in-between.

Live musicians for the jams TBA soon…

Saturday and Sunday will be Contact Improvisation with Zoë and Hugh teaching.
Friday will be an Axis Syllabus workshop with Zoë.

If finance is a barrier to attending, please get in touch.

Buy tickets here

Full Weekend inc Friday Axis Syllabus (early bird until 5/11) £135

Full Weekend inc Friday Axis Syllabus £160

Saturday Sunday (early bird until 5/11) £105

Saturday Sunday £120

Friday Axis Syllabus (early bird until 5/11) £45

Friday Axis Syllabus £50

Saturday + Evening Jam £65

Sunday + Evening Jam £65

Saturday Evening Jam £10

Sunday Evening Jam £10

Location:

BlackBird/RedRose Studios,
Unit G, Vallis Mills Trading Estate, BlackBird/RedRose Studios,
Robins Ln, Frome
BA11 3DT

Schedule each day:

Doors open: 9:45am

Morning Session: 10:30am-1pm

Lunch: 1-2:15pm (bring your own)

Afternoon session: 2:15-5pm

Break: 5-6pm

Open Evening Jam (Sat Sun only): 6-8pm

Dinner (Sat Sun only): 8-9pm (Bring your own or collective order to local Frome eatery)

Some sessions may finish earlier or later depending on the flow of the day.

Links:

Admin announcements only WhatsApp group for the event: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CSH58uoD9mZAiHpH69UpeF

General public WhatsApp for the event to organise lift shares, accommodation and general community chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CI20TNWrejSHUqbtIa4xS9

If you can offer a bed or floor space for out-of-towners for a £ contribution it would be very helpful! Please join the general WhatsApp to offer space.

Queries: fromecontact(at)gmail.com

fridaynightdance.co.uk

Facebook link for event: coming soon

Ticket exchanges/refunds

Exchanges/Refunds: To exchange tickets please email fromecontact(at)gmail.com and let us know the name changeover. There is a £5 admin fee for this.If you need to find someone to sell a ticket to or buy from, please join the community WhatsApp group above.

Refunds can be issued for a £10 admin fee. If the event sells out then refunds will only be given out up until 3 weeks before the the event. After this time you are welcome to find someone else to buy your ticket and let us know the name change for a £5 admin fee. Please join the community WhatsApp above if you are looking to find someone exchange a ticket with.

Early bird tickets available until 5th November.

If finance is a barrier to attending, please get in touch.

Biographies:

Zoë Solomons

Zoë is a dancer/mother/teacher/Osteopath and activist. Zoë has been been practicing and performing improvisation since 2000 and considers it a life practice as well as a professional skill. She has performed for Felix Ruckert, Tino Seghal and Simonetta Alessandri among others. Zoë qualified to teach Axis Syllabus universal motion principles in 2008 and has since taught at major dance centres and schools in the U.K. and internationally. Her eclectic training in medicine and bodywork, and a dance background including improvisation, tango, folkdance and contemporary inform her embodied approach to functional movement pedagogy.

Hugh Stanier

Hugh is a movement artist specialising in Improvisation & Contact Improvisation. He has over 15 years of teaching & performance experience. He began dancing when he was 15, training in Break dance and Contemporary. He went on to train at Northern School of Contemporary Dance, graduating in 2008. Since then he has worked with companies such as 2Faced Dance, Tom Dale, STAN Won’t Dance, and Ultima Vez.
He has taught intensives internationally at the Goa Contact Festival(2015-17), Berlin contact festival, Soma Arts festival (Munich), Portugal Contact Gathering and the Goa Dance residency 2019 & 2020. He has collaborated with Danceworx Delhi on an international dance film, and is also creating his own work with a focus on collaborative improvisation with Musicians.
Currently his main focus is organising & facilitating his own events and workshops.
He is also a qualified TMW (Tai Chi Movements for Wellbeing) facilitator. The principles of Tai Chi and Qi Kung underpin his approach to teaching and sharing movement.

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 10 Dec 23 17:00
2023-12-10 17:00 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Basics to Beyond - a six month course in CI - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 16 Dec 23 10:00
2023-12-16 10:00 - 17:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation: Beginners series - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 17 Dec 23 17:15
2023-12-17 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Christmas Jam - The Hideout Bristol - 29 Dec 23 17:00
2023-12-29 17:00 - 20:00 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom
Bristol CI dance community Christmas jam. This is a 3 hour CI jam in the gorgeous Hideout studio, with relaxing music, homemade cake (vegan and gluten free options) and teas. This is an unfacilitated dance jam (not a class), so some experience of Contact Improvisation is required. There will be an opening circle at 5:15pm followed by a warm up into the dance. Doors will close for entry at 5:15pm. We look forward to welcoming you :)

Booking here

in MOTION - Class and Jam - Contact Improvisation and Movement Play - The Trinity Centre - 4 Jan 24 18:45
2024-01-04 18:45 - 21:15 | The Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NW, United Kingdom
Step into this dynamic contact improvisation session, where we will explore together the edges and overlaps of CI, creative movement, and instant composition. We will focus on a wide range of movement skills, techniques and practices that inform and are informed by CI.
The class aims to help you nurture your creativity and embody your playfulness with a deeply collaborative practice of improvisation and movement. Hone technical facets such as weight distribution, balance, spatial awareness, and much more. This is an environment fostering extensive solo exploration within a collaborative framework.

The second half of the session will be for jamming with each other using the skills and techniques explored in the first half.
Cost:
£12 Concession
£16 Standard
Dates:
4th Jan
1st Feb

Enquiries: intothegrounddance@gmail.com
Booking: https://hdfst.uk/e100359
Location: We will be in the beautiful Fyfe Hall at the Trinity Centre. Its a lovely open space with a wooden floor and big stained glass window.
We have the space from 6:30 to 9:30 so there is time for gentle arrival and departure of the space.
Come ready to move in comfy clothing, full-length trousers and long-sleeves. Lets stay hydrated- bring a water bottle.
We look forward to moving with you!
Grace, Edwina and Yasin

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 14 Jan 24 17:00
2024-01-14 17:00 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Floorwork Open-Level Classes - The Island - 16 Jan 24 18:30
2024-01-16 18:30 - 20:30 | The Island, Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2LE, United Kingdom
https://hdfst.uk/intothegrounddance

Basics to Beyond - a six month course in CI - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 20 Jan 24 10:00
2024-01-20 10:00 - 17:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation: Beginners series - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 21 Jan 24 17:15
2024-01-21 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Floorwork Open-Level Classes - The Island - 23 Jan 24 18:30
2024-01-23 18:30 - 20:30 | The Island, Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2LE, United Kingdom

Contemplative Dance - The Hideout Bristol - 27 Jan 24 09:00
2024-01-27 09:00 - 10:15 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom
WHAT IS CONTEMPLATIVE DANCE?
Contemplative Dance Practice was originated by Barbara Dilley at the Naropa University in Bolder, Colorado, USA. The practice brings dance and Tibetan Buddhist practice together to create a simple but strong container to work both artistically and creatively with the art of living.
This practice is divided into 3 parts:
1. Sitting meditation- connect with your inner self.
2. Solo movement- personal space to warm up.
3. Open space- time to feel ourselves in realtion to others, sometimes moving and sometimes witnessing the movers.

DATES:
January- 13th and 27th
February- 11th and 17th
March- 9th and 16th
From 9am to 10:15am

PRICE:
1 session- £6
6 sessions- £30

Everyones is welcome. No previous experience recquired.
In order to achieve a successful practice, doors will be close when the meditation starts, please make sure you arrive on time.
Bring comfortable clothes and a blanket for the first part of the practice if you wish.
Book your spot contacting Lucia: 07564156929

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 28 Jan 24 17:00
2024-01-28 17:00 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Floorwork Open-Level Classes - The Island - 30 Jan 24 18:30
2024-01-30 18:30 - 20:30 | The Island, Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2LE, United Kingdom

in MOTION - Class and Jam - Contact Improvisation and Movement Play - The Trinity Centre - 1 Feb 24 18:45
2024-02-01 18:45 - 21:15 | The Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NW, United Kingdom

Rick Nodine: Making and Breaking Patterns in CI - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 3 Feb 24 09:30
2024-02-03 09:30 - 2024-02-04 17:30 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
RICK NODINE: MAKING AND BREAKING PATTERNS IN CI
London based, Rick Nodine comes to teach a weekend of Contact Improvisation in Bristol, focusing on making and breaking patterns in dance.

LEVEL: Beginners and up
DATE: Saturday 3rd & 4th February 2024 9.30am - 5.30pm

TICKETS:
Early Bird Full Weekend: £90
After 01 Jan Full Weekend: £70
Ticket can be purchased via the ticket ticket tailor booking system: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/yasinhussain/991711#
If you are on a lower income, we offer the option of paying in a couple of instalments, or at a reduced cost if the price is truly out of your range. Please get in touch to briefly explain your circumstances and we will be happy to assist you with this

VENUE & TRAVEL:
St Michael’s Parish Hall, Park Lane, Bristol BS2 8BE
St Michael’s Parish Hall is near the University of Bristol and the city centre. It is a 20-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads Railway Station. There is also free parking at the venue. Upon booking you’ll be given access to a lift share document.
The hall is a good space for CI with plenty of heating and natural light, also with full access to a kitchen.

ACCOMODATION:
This workshop is non-residential benefiting you with a much lower cost and giving you the freedom to make your own arrangements to suit your needs. Upon booking you’ll be sent further information about possible shared accommodation options with other participants or the local Bristol CI community.

ABOUT RICK:
My dancing began socially as a teenager and the first technical form to channel my enthusiasm was Contact Improvisation. After some modern dance training, I performed through the 90's for British contemporary dance companies.
I maintain an improvisational performance practice and have collaborated with many dancers, actors, musicians and designers to create improvised performance.
My choreographic practice has followed and sometimes led the development of my teaching. I started teaching Contact Improvisation in 1996 and gradually expanded the scope of my pedagogy to include performance improvisation, solo dancing and ensemble composition. I still enjoy dancing in my 50's and my teaching is an extension of that enjoyment.
I am a technically minded teacher who eventually gives way to the inevitability of improvisation

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:
Saturday - Making Patterns
After a somatic warm-up based in image led exploration, we will be mixing improvisational approaches with choreographed movement in order to articulate the soft athletics and multidirectional awareness of CI in solo movement patterns: forward, side and backward rolls, dives, knee slides, handstands, and floor surfing.
From a base of solo awareness we will learn partnering patterns that encourage spherical orientation and challenge us to tumble and roll through space.
By integrating patterns into our free CI dancing we will open space to fall, fly and release as we dance together with risk, humour and vigorous physicality.

Sunday - Breaking Patterns
Movement patterns and habits are essential for life and are part of what make us who we are as individuals, but an over dependence on CI vocabulary can limit our creativity. We will work on how to recognise our patterns, how to appreciate what they do for us and how to find alternatives. By working with reversing, redirecting, interrupting, pausing and focus shifting we will stimulate dances of surprise, play and individuality.
The goal is to create a space of open exploration where CI is a reference point for free improvisation

CONTACT:
Yasin Hussain
bristol.contactresearch@gmail.com

Contact Improvisation: Beginners series - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 4 Feb 24 17:15
2024-02-04 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Floorwork Open-Level Classes - The Island - 6 Feb 24 18:30
2024-02-06 18:30 - 20:30 | The Island, Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2LE, United Kingdom

Contemplative Dance - The Hideout Bristol - 11 Feb 24 09:00
2024-02-11 09:00 - 10:15 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Open Jam - Stapleton Church Hall - 11 Feb 24 17:00
2024-02-11 17:00 - 19:30 | Stapleton Church Hall, 23 Park Rd, Stapleton, Bristol, BS16 1AZ, United Kingdom
(Image by Giulia Ravarotto)
Come and jam 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month.
Join us for an evening of Contact Improvisation, hosted by Bristol CI.
The session will be a jam only space, open to all levels of
experience.

Each 4th Sunday of the month will feature live improvised music.
Each 2nd Sunday of the month we'll stay open until 9pm for a post jam foodshare. Bring something yummy!

Space Opens at: 5pm for personal warm up.
Jam : 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Space Closes: 8pm (or 9pm when there is a foodshare)

Booking: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/1016099?
Any queries email info@contactdance.co.uk
Price: £8 Supported, £10 standard

For more info on Bristol CI and Contact Improvisation. See https://contactdance.co.uk/

Note: The venue has a car park. The area is residential, so we kindly ask attendees to park/arrive/leave quietly and be respectful of the neighbours.

Floorwork Open-Level Classes - The Island - 13 Feb 24 18:30
2024-02-13 18:30 - 20:30 | The Island, Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2LE, United Kingdom

Contemplative Dance - The Hideout Bristol - 17 Feb 24 09:00
2024-02-17 09:00 - 10:15 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation: Beginners series - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 18 Feb 24 17:15
2024-02-18 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Floorwork Open-Level Classes - The Island - 20 Feb 24 18:30
2024-02-20 18:30 - 20:30 | The Island, Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2LE, United Kingdom

Basics to Beyond - a six month course in CI - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 24 Feb 24 10:00
2024-02-24 10:00 - 2024-02-25 17:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Open Jam - Stapleton Church Hall - 25 Feb 24 17:00
2024-02-25 17:00 - 19:30 | Stapleton Church Hall, 23 Park Rd, Stapleton, Bristol, BS16 1AZ, United Kingdom

ECSTATIC contact connection DANCE - The Elmgrove Centre - 2 Mar 24 15:00
2024-03-02 15:00 - 22:30 | The Elmgrove Centre, Elmgrove Rd, Bristol , BS6 6AH, United Kingdom
Pixi Pete & Asher Levin Present a day of...
Ecstatic Contact Connection Dance

Early Bird Tickets, saving 25%, available until midnight Sunday 28th January 2024!
Are you into Ecstatic Dance, Contact Improvisation or both?
Would you like to experience these practices combined in a deeply connected, dynamic, thrilling, yet safe way?

Asher and Pete are excited to introduce you to their brand new event, born from a shared love of both practices and a desire to grow these practices together in the community. It's an opportunity to explore new ways to connect on the dance floor - to develop skills, discernment and experience-based courage connecting with self and others in both Contact Improv & Ecstatic Dance practices.
A Contact Improv (C.I) afternoon workshop with Asher, will be followed by an Ecstatic Dance (E.D) evening with Pixi Pete. Whether or not you are an experienced C.I dancer, this is a place to develop your practice or discover it, and then to combine this on the open floor of E.D.

What to expect:
CONTACT IMPROV WORKSHOP: 3pm – 6pm
Appropriate for beginners to advanced, The C.I workshop will cover embodied relational skills, as well as exploring C.I body physics. The workshop will start by developing your creative, honest, aware connection with self, the different parts of the body and the space around you, prior to connecting in focused scores with others. We’ll first enjoy the spaces and non-touch connections between beings. Exploring skills of coming into physical contact with another, you’ll deepen your presence to intimacy embodied, creative, moving physical intimacy. There will be spacious qualities within the closeness. You’ll also gain confidence in your awareness of boundaries. As well as lighter, lyrical scores, you'll safely experience sharing some body weight and offering support within dance. Finally, we’ll open up beyond 1-2-1 into constellations of several beings, combining awareness of our own dance vibe with consciousness of the whole evolving Happening.

ECSTATIC DANCE open floor 7.30pm - 10.30pm
Coming together in an opening circle to welcome All and give guidelines. There will be a short warm-up and embodiment to reconnect in and to the space, self and each other. We will then move in to the E.D open floor where, with some light facilitation, you'll move and dance freely in the space, going on your journey with & in the presence of All.
The invitation is to deepen your movement practice, having a place to be creative, to explore your own authentic range of movement and emotions. The E.D will be accompanied by recorded music and live percussion.
We will close with a live sound journey to integrate.
Our Invitations:
We encourage you to join us for the Whole Day Experience.
You are also welcome to join either just the afternoon C.I workshop, or evening E.D open floor. Whether you join for the whole day, or just the CI / Ecstatic Dance, you are welcome to join us for Dinner...

DINNER!
As part of your experience, we are offering a delicious energising meal of a thick, hearty vegetable soup, chunky sourdough bread and butter, accompanied by a delicious crunchy salad, with carrots, fennel, roasted pumpkin seeds and many other delights for your palate. For desert, you may choose from a scrummy choice of cakes. Vegan and GF options will be available.
BYO: You are also welcome to bring your own food (as we are cooking, no access to kitchen).

Date:
Saturday 2nd March 2024
Location:
The Elmgrove Centre Community Hall, Elmgrove Rd, Redland, Bristol BS6 6AH
Times:
Whole Day: 3pm - 10.30pm
CI Workshop: - 3pm- 6pm
Dinner / pause 6pm - 7.30pm
Ecstatic Dance: 7.30pm - 10.30pm

Early Bird Tickets, saving 25%, available until midnight of 28th January 2024!
Box-office: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/asherlevinevents/1047265

Bio Pixi Pete (also known, offstage, as Peter Michel)
I epitomise the modern artistic polymath. Seamlessly combining roles as a DJ, creative facilitator, and musician. I draw from a rich tapestry of over a decade of experience in embodiment practices, meditation, and performance. My training with the Dancing Heart Path's esoteric and embodiment school, Authentic Relating Lvl 1 and initiation into, Cacao Ceremonies in Nicaragua, all contributed to my practice and reflect my dedication. My unique touch involves integrating live percussion into my DJ sets, infusing electronic and acoustic rhythms, creating a completely unique, electrifying (and acoustic) performance. I am a popular resident DJ for Ecstatic Dance U.K, Bristol, Brighton, Dance Medicine Glastonbury and M.B.S, as well as working as a guest DJ internationally. I also craft my own UK ceremonies and events.

Bio Asher Levin
I’ve been practicing CI since my teens. I moved to Berlin in 2008 where I started teaching. I’ve taught CI internationally ever since. In CI, I experience trust, creativity and joy, as well as my shadows. I meet myself as I am. I love both the unusual and to re-move the known afresh. It’s liberating to connect with my animal self, fully in the moment. I love dancing wild and free, yet aware and attentive. Alongside duets, and solos, I have a passion for multi-partner and whole group constellations. I am particularly interested in the interplay of spaciousness and intimacy, strength and tenderness. I am now based in Dartington, where I love the local wild life of dancing, singing, spiritual and community engagement, as well as actively interacting with nature.

Contact Improvisation: Beginners series - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 3 Mar 24 17:15
2024-03-03 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Contemplative Dance - The Hideout Bristol - 9 Mar 24 09:00
2024-03-09 09:00 - 10:15 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Open Jam - Stapleton Church Hall - 10 Mar 24 17:00
2024-03-10 17:00 - 19:30 | Stapleton Church Hall, 23 Park Rd, Stapleton, Bristol, BS16 1AZ, United Kingdom

In Motion - Class and Jam - The Trinity Centre - 12 Mar 24 18:30
2024-03-12 18:30 - 21:30 | The Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NW, United Kingdom
Step into this dynamic contact improvisation session, where we will explore together the edges and overlaps of CI, creative movement, and instant composition. We will focus on a wide range of movement skills, techniques and practices that inform and are informed by CI.
The class aims to help you nurture your creativity and embody your playfulness with a deeply collaborative practice of improvisation and movement. Hone technical facets such as weight distribution, balance, spatial awareness, and much more. This is an environment fostering extensive solo exploration within a collaborative framework.
The second half of the session will be for jamming with each other using the skills and techniques explored in the first half.

Cost:
£12 Concession
£16 Standard

Dates:
12th March Tuesday
9th April Tuesday

Enquiries: intothegrounddance@gmail.com

Booking: https://www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/whats-on/the-trinity-centre/tue-12-mar-in-motion-class-jam-103828#e103828

Location: We will be in the beautiful Fyfe Hall at the Trinity Centre. Its a lovely open space with a wooden floor and big stained glass window. Fyfe Hall is on the second floor and the venue is accessible.
We have the space from 6:30 to 9:30 so there is time for gentle arrival and departure of the space.
Come ready to move in comfy clothing, full-length trousers and long-sleeves. Lets stay hydrated- bring a water bottle.
We look forward to moving with you!
Grace, Edwina and Yasin

Contemplative Dance - The Hideout Bristol - 16 Mar 24 09:00
2024-03-16 09:00 - 10:15 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation: Beginners series - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 17 Mar 24 17:15
2024-03-17 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Open Jam - Stapleton Church Hall - 24 Mar 24 17:00
2024-03-24 17:00 - 19:30 | Stapleton Church Hall, 23 Park Rd, Stapleton, Bristol, BS16 1AZ, United Kingdom
(Image by Giulia Ravarotto)
Come and jam 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month.
Join us for an evening of Contact Improvisation, hosted by Bristol CI.
The session will be a jam only space, open to all levels of
experience.

Each 4th Sunday of the month will feature live improvised music.
Each 2nd Sunday of the month we'll stay open until 9pm for a post jam foodshare. Bring something yummy!

Space Opens at: 5pm for personal warm up.
Jam : 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Space Closes: 8pm (or 9pm when there is a foodshare)

Booking: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/1016099?
Any queries email info@contactdance.co.uk
Price: £8 Supported, £10 standard

We don't want to exclude anyone because of financial circumstances. Please contact us on info@contactdance.co.uk if you can't afford the concession price.

For more info on Bristol CI and Contact Improvisation. See https://contactdance.co.uk/

Note: The venue has a car park. The area is residential, so we kindly ask attendees to park/arrive/leave quietly and be respectful of the neighbours.

Bypass the Judge – a plentiful day of... Playfulness in CI! - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 30 Mar 24 10:30
2024-03-30 10:30 - 17:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
A warm-up for April Fools' Day!

A day beyond technique.

Welcoming our judge or inner critic as someone to play with, to love, or to swear at.

We'll let go of applying what we've learnt & learning yet more (technique, as well etiquette habits beyond consent, that buffer and encumber) and practice playing, being silly, being characterful (monstrous, sassy, naïve, grumpy...), being fully in our emotions, our provocateur, rebel, passivity, activities...

Inviting and guiding us in to a range of co-creative frames and scores to explore, we'll focus (& blur), and give wings to inner beings, born from inner sparks, combining with the gloriously combustible connections with others that take place in the moment of CI happening.

For CI dancers with at least some basic experience.

LOCATION
St Michael's Parish Hall, Bristol, BS2 8BE

Tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/asherlevinevents/1121670

Free Extra Jam! - 58th Bristol Scout Hut - 31 Mar 24 17:00
2024-03-31 17:00 - 19:30 | 58th Bristol Scout Hut, Gadshill Road, Bristol, BS5 6PU, United Kingdom
Come and test out the Eastville Scout Hut as a possible venue for future jams.
After a short led warmup, we'll have a contact improvisation jam to a playlist before reconvening to share our thoughts on the venue.

Surrender to your inner sight - an evening of Blindfolded Contact Improvisation - 58th Bristol Scout Hut - 6 Apr 24 18:00
2024-04-06 18:00 - 21:00 | 58th Bristol Scout Hut, Gadshill Road, Bristol, BS5 6PU, United Kingdom
Surrender to your inner sight.
We're hosting Gabriel Diamond from California, USA for an unforgettable evening of Blindfolded Contact Dance from 6-9pm on Saturday 6 April in Eastville, Bristol.

Blindfolded Contact Dance is a slow and gentle experience for both beginners and experienced dancers alike. The constraint of the blindfold invites dancer to explore other senses to find connection, expression, pleasure, and safety. These workshops take participants on a journey of somatic self-discovery and non-verbal consent via solo and group exercises before culminating in a freeform blindfolded jam. We will open with a short circle addressing boundaries and safety.

Learn more about the practise and read the code of conduct at http://www.blindfoldedcontact.com/
Part of the core ethos of BFC is "the whole room is your partner". That means setting aside your judgments, preferences, and biases and dancing with everyone in the space—including by yourself. We have a high expectation of personal responsibility and respect regarding consent and boundaries. If you have a blindfold (or something that can be used as one), please bring it. Otherwise we will have some available.
If you have a blindfold (or something that can be used as one), please bring it. Otherwise we will have some available. Please wear clothes suitable for dance and bring a water bottle (water is available).

About the facilitator: Gabriel is a long-time dancer who has practiced many modalities of conscious movement. He has developed a passion for exploring how blindfolds can be be used as a medicine and tool for transcending biases, cravings, and aversions. His work as an artist explores the intersection of activism, street theatre, shadow work, and embodiment. He is the co-founder of Vulnerable Rally, vulnerablerally.com. He is a filmmaker by trade with a background in theatre, outsidefilms.com.
Suitable for any level of Contact Improvisation experience.

Cost - £25 / £20 concession - advance booking essential

There are a limited number of tickets available for £15, fror those who cannot afford the concession rate.

Booking: https://buytickets.at/bristolcontactimprovisation.../1188906
Please arrive from 5:30pm for a 6pm start. This is closed container, late arrivals will not be admitted and will not receive a refund.

Venue - 58th Bristol Scout Group, Gadshill Rd, Eastville, Bristol BS5 6PU (car park opposite the Scouts Hut, bikes can be locked against railings)

Contact Improvisation: Beginners series - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 7 Apr 24 17:15
2024-04-07 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
Bristol Contact Improvisation presents:
Ongoing beginners classes (2hrs class) covering the fundamentals of Contact Improvisation.
Teachers: Yasin Hussain, Edwina Pereira, Lucia Navarro, Jan-Ming Lee, Sam Bloomfield, Karen Logan Woods, Simon Leach, Claire Coveney, Grace Newman. There are different pairs of teachers each week, so you can experience different styles and perspectives in each class.

The classes will include:
- Developing body awareness through movement in space
- Learning to share weight with others through a point of contact
- Using gravity to inform our movement explorations
- Developing a strong sense of our connection with the ground, both directly and through contact with others
- Embodying movement pathways, both solo and in contact
- Exploring different qualities of movement and touch
- Opportunities to integrate material from exercises through solo and group improvisation

Dates:
Sunday 3rd, 17th December
Sunday 21st January
Sunday 4th, 18th February
Sunday 3rd, 17th March
Sunday 7th, 21st April
Sunday 5th, 19th May
Sunday 2nd, 16th June

Time: 5.15pm - 7.30pm. (Doors open at 5.15pm, class starts 5:30. Please arrive in good time so we can start together.)

Location: Hut 6388, Bartholomew's Road, St Andrews, Bristol BS 79BJ

Cost
Individual class: £10 Concession, £13 waged, £16 Contributor

We don't want to exclude anyone because of financial circumstances. Please contact us at info@contactdance.co.uk if you can't afford the concession price.

Booking: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/996771?#

The space is limited to 18 people. To avoid disappointment, please do book in advance.
Any queries, email info@contactdance.co.uk
We aim to provide an inclusive environment for all bodies. If you have any specific requirements, please do let us know when making a booking.

About CI
Contact Improvisation is an open-ended exploration of the kinaesthetic possibilities of bodies moving through contact. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, it is a form open to all bodies and enquiring minds. The practice includes rolling, falling, being upside down, following a physical point of contact, supporting and giving weight to a partner. It is a free play with balance, of no set outcome, bringing forth a physical/emotional truth about a shared moment of movement that leaves the participants informed, centered, and enlivened. (Paxton, Chung) For more information about this practice and Bristol CI, please visit: https://contactdance.co.uk/

Photography: Ella Swanello
Dancers: Edwina Pereira and Grace Newman

In Motion - Class and Jam - The Trinity Centre - 9 Apr 24 18:30
2024-04-09 18:30 - 21:30 | The Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NW, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation, The Underscore and Being Ready to Dance - The Willow Studio - 13 Apr 24 10:00
2024-04-13 10:00 - 2024-04-14 17:00 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation, The Underscore and Being Ready to Dance
Taught by Juliet Shelley
Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th April 2024
10am to 5pm
Dance Studio, St Werburghs Primary School
James St, St Werburgh's, Avon, Bristol BS2 9US

£70 early bird before 1st March, £80 concession, £90 full price

ONE DAY TICKETS FOR SATURDAY NOW AVAILABLE: £40 concession, £45 full price.

Booking: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/1099016

Email info@contactdance.co.uk

In this workshop Juliet teaches contact improvisation techniques and skills which will introduce participants to the physical material and vocabulary of the improvisation score by Nancy Stark Smith entitled ‘The Underscore’.

Juliet will also teach ways of how to be fully available in the dancing of Contact Improvisation by actively incorporating seeing and hearing as part of and alongside the physical and sensory information and vocabulary within this form. This practice opens up a large range of compositional choices and options to the dancer by drawing on an integrated, rich level of resources and responses available in each moment whilst dancing Contact with a partner.

In the second part of the workshop, Juliet leads participants through the Underscore. Participants can apply the vocabularies from the first part into practicing and dancing the Underscore. They can learn and experience a specific scored ensemble framework within which they can dance contact improvisation and they can expand their dancing into a deeper practice both through the framework of the Underscore and by accessing and incorporating a wide range of choices, flavours and colours into their dancing.

For all levels of experience

Juliet Shelley is a dancer, choreographer and performer currently residing in Paris, France. She is also a teacher of the Alexander technique and Pilates. She has been teaching Contact Improvisation since 1987. Her teachers include Nancy Stark Smith, Steve Paxton, Kirstie Simson, Chris Aiken and Martin Keogh. She has taught classes and workshops in the UK, France, Netherlands, Italy, the USA, Malaysia, New Zealand and Australia She began dancing Contact Improvisation in London following her graduation from the Laban Centre for Movement and Dance in 1983 and continued at the Centre for New Dance Development in Amsterdam. She attended the first two European Contact Improvisation Teachers Exchanges in Angers, France and Berlin, Germany and attended the 25th Anniversary of Contact Improvisation in Oberlin, Ohio in 1997. In 2000 she attended an Intensive three week training with Nancy Stark Smith at Earthdance in the USA and in 2012 she was invited to the Extended Underscore workgroup with Nancy Stark Smith and Mike Vargas in London, a seven day in depth practice and study of the Underscore with thirty participants.

https://motionbeing.com/dance/contact-improvisation/
https://motionbeing.com/testimonies/
https://muovo.fr/en

Bristol CI: Open Jam - Stapleton Church Hall - 14 Apr 24 17:00
2024-04-14 17:00 - 19:30 | Stapleton Church Hall, 23 Park Rd, Stapleton, Bristol, BS16 1AZ, United Kingdom
(Image by Giulia Ravarotto)
Come and jam 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month.
Join us for an evening of Contact Improvisation, hosted by Bristol CI.
The session will be a jam only space, open to all levels of
experience.

Each 4th Sunday of the month will feature live improvised music.
Each 2nd Sunday of the month we'll stay open until 9pm for a post jam foodshare. Bring something yummy!

Space Opens at: 5pm for personal warm up.
Jam : 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Space Closes: 8pm (or 9pm when there is a foodshare)

Booking: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/1016099?
Any queries email info@contactdance.co.uk
Price: £8 Supported, £10 standard

We don't want to exclude anyone because of financial circumstances. Please contact us at info@contactdance.co.uk if you can't afford the concession price.

For more info on Bristol CI and Contact Improvisation. See https://contactdance.co.uk/

Note: The venue has a car park. The area is residential, so we kindly ask attendees to park/arrive/leave quietly and be respectful of the neighbours.

Contact Improvisation: Beginners series - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 21 Apr 24 17:15
2024-04-21 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Open Jam - Stapleton Church Hall - 28 Apr 24 17:00
2024-04-28 17:00 - 19:30 | Stapleton Church Hall, 23 Park Rd, Stapleton, Bristol, BS16 1AZ, United Kingdom

DYNAMIC ANATOMY: Fascial Flow / Arms as Roots - an Axis Syllabus based Dynamic Anatomy workshop with Zoë Solomons - - 4 May 24 10:00
2024-05-04 10:00 - 2024-05-05 17:30
DYNAMIC ANATOMY: Fascial Flow / Arms as Roots - an Axis Syllabus based Dynamic Anatomy workshop with Zoë Solomons.

Our hands and arms have unique expressivity and tactile intelligence. The evolution and experience of which lives in their fascial connective tissue.
In this workshop we will observe the fascial anatomy of the arms; the layers of connective tissue that wrap, support and connect our upper limbs to our trunk and legs.
This anatomical enquiry will be a starting point for movement exploration, tuning us into sensory specificity, support and connection to reach, spiral and take weight through the arms.
We may do short movement motifs as well as free movement as we practice together. All aspects are opt-in and are adaptable for movers of all levels of experience. The emphasis of these sessions is to develop our own movement research/exploration. Honouring our individual and collective body intelligence.
Previous workshop participants report that the experience was supportive for varied practices of rowing, gardening, running, yoga, parenting, as well as dancing.
Expect embodied learning and functional movement that can open up the natural joy & sensuality of having a human body!

SCHEDULE & LOCATION:
Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th of May 2024
Space will be open for your own warm up from 9.30am
10am-1pm Morning session
1-2.30pm Lunch
2.30-5.30pm Afternoon session
@ Trinity Rooms, Field road, Stroud (about a ten minute walk into town with lots of cafe/market options, and a five minute walk to Waitrose)

TICKETS & PAYMENT:
Earlybird price £110 until March 15th. Tickets will then increase to £130. If this price is inaccessible for you please reach out and we will try and find a way for you to join.
To book please either pay the full price or make a deposit of £60 via Paypal to https://paypal.me/SophieMarsh1?country.x=GB&locale.x=en_GB (make sure you select 'friends and family'). Ref: ARMS. Please email sophieroffmarsh@hotmail.com to let us know you have made payment.
Full payment is due 3 weeks before the event (13th April).

REFUNDS/EXCHANGES:
To exchange tickets please email sophieroffmarsh@hotmail.com and let us know the name changeover. There is a £5 admin fee for this.
Refunds can be issued upto 3 weeks before the event (13th April) for a £10 admin fee. After this we can offer you a 50% refund or you are welcome to find someone else to buy your ticket and let us know the name change for a £5 admin fee. No refunds available less than 5 days prior to the event.*
*Extenuating circumstances include severe injury, bedbound illness or family death.
We have set this cancellation policy to support you in honouring the commitment to yourself, and to support us in creating a viable event. We appreciate your collaboration and understanding.
Contact Sophie - sophieroffmarsh@hotmail.com - with any questions regarding the workshop/payment etc.

ABOUT ZOË:
Zoë is a dancer/mother/teacher/Osteopath and activist. Zoë qualified to teach Axis Syllabus universal motion principles in 2008, when teaching she combines this knowledge with anatomical understanding from her work as an osteopath with dancers and athletes. She has taught at major dance centres and schools in the U.K. and internationally. Her eclectic training in medicine and bodywork, and a dance background including improvisation, tango, folkdance and contemporary inform her embodied approach to functional movement pedagogy.
More about Zoë here: http://www.motionislotion.co.uk/
And Axis Syllabus here: https://www.axissyllabusforum.org/

Contact Improvisation: Beginners series - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 5 May 24 17:15
2024-05-05 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Lean_in - Contemporary movement and contact improvisation - Fresh Dance and Arts Centre - 10 May 24 19:30
2024-05-10 19:30 - 21:00 | Fresh Dance and Arts Centre, 44-46 Greenbank Road, Bristol, BS5 6EY, United Kingdom
FREE Bristol CI jam tickets available! Attend on 10th May and jam on 12th May, attend 21st May and jam on 26th May.

Discover Movement with Just Josh

WHO IS JOSH???
Josh is a seasoned contemporary dancer, choreographer, and facilitator, on a transformative journey through movement. With years of global performance and teaching experience, Josh infuses his workshops with a unique blend of technique, fluidity, and personal insight.
He studied at ' Northern school of Contemporary Dance' finding a love for floorwork and release based techniques within contemporary movement, focusing on blending the use of economic movement patterns with dynamic acrobatics. This love of exploration of economics in movement, falls nicely into the use of partner work and Contact improvisation, which Josh also shares a passion. Exploring the sweet spot in combining the solo and joint movement practises within choreography and improvisation.
Josh, now in his early 30s, has encountered personal challenges throughout his artistic journey. These challenges have deeply influenced his creative path, shaping his understanding of movement as both a practice and a powerful outlet for processing personal experiences.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
Expect technique & fluidity From Josh's specialized training at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, focuses on refining technique and achieving fluid movement through a wide use of levels and floorwork. Expect creative expression by exploring how movement and choreography can be vehicles for personal expression and growth. Expect to learn choreography from a repertoire of material from Josh's dance company 'Shared Momentum' and finally expect to learn how to manage and maintain your fitness, health and bodily connection.

WHAT IS REQUIRED OF ME?
You will be required to bring a long sleeve top and trousers and socks, this is to protect yourself from friction burns when in contact with the floor or another person.
Optional knee pads, not essential but can really help if you have sore knees.
A bottle of water, DONT WAIT HYDRATE!
WHERE AND WHEN ARE THE WORKSHOPS?

Location: Fresh Dance and Arts Centre, 44-46 Greenbank Rd, Greenbank, Bristol BS5 6EY
Duration: 4 weeks
Dates & Times:
Fridays (10th and 17th) from 19:30 to 21:00
Tuesdays (21st and 28th) from 20:30 to 22:00
Fee Options:
Standard Drop-In: £14 per session
Concessions: £12 per session (students, seniors, etc.)
Whole Block (4 sessions): £50

HOW CAN I SIGN UP?
Register Online: TicketSource - https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/.../2024.../20:30/t-krmmdrx
OR
Save yourself the admin fee's and sign up directly by contacting Josh via email and by paying Josh directly via PAYPAL: Joshleeds822@live.com - using the reference of LEAN IN - drop in or concessions or block.
Contact Josh:
WhatsApp: +447742052226
Email: Sharedmomentum3@gmail.com

Immerse yourself in the world of contemporary dance and discover the transformative power of movement with Just Josh. Register now to secure your spot in this enriching workshop series!
For inquiries and registration, please contact Josh via WhatsApp, email, or register online through TicketSource. Let's move, create, and grow together! 💃🕺

Outdoor CI Jam on Clifton Downs - - 11 May 24 15:00
2024-05-11 15:00 - 18:00
Jam jam jam in the park in the sun that at last has come!

Bring water and maybe food to share after if you feel it.
Come at the start to create a container together in the open space, stay to the end for closing circle and hang outs...
pin drop tbc. See https://www.facebook.com/events/1701884567008039

I, Zoë, will lead a small simple intro and from there we can move as we feel.
It's outdoors in a public park so the energy can be a little looser, but we can still use this space to focus on connection, movement, play, labbing what we want to on the grassy sunny terrains.
share lifts if you can!

Bristol CI: Open Jam - Stapleton Church Hall - 12 May 24 17:00
2024-05-12 17:00 - 19:30 | Stapleton Church Hall, 23 Park Rd, Stapleton, Bristol, BS16 1AZ, United Kingdom

Lean_in - Contemporary movement and contact improvisation - Fresh Dance and Arts Centre - 17 May 24 19:30
2024-05-17 19:30 - 21:00 | Fresh Dance and Arts Centre, 44-46 Greenbank Road, Bristol, BS5 6EY, United Kingdom

CI Up in the Sky - Contact Improvisation Day Workshop - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 18 May 24 10:00
2024-05-18 10:00 - 17:30 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
Journeying from the floor to flying.
Contact Improvisation
Bristol Day WorkshopTaught by Richard Parker

Saturday 18th May 2024 | 10am - 5.30pm

St Michael’s Parish Hall, Park Lane, Bristol BS2 8BE

Tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/richardparkerci

Contact Improvisation: Beginners series - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 19 May 24 17:15
2024-05-19 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Lean_in - Contemporary movement and contact improvisation - Fresh Dance and Arts Centre - 21 May 24 20:30
2024-05-21 20:30 - 22:00 | Fresh Dance and Arts Centre, 44-46 Greenbank Road, Bristol, BS5 6EY, United Kingdom

Body to Land Contact Improvisation - Eastville Park - 25 May 24 11:00
2024-05-25 11:00 - 19:00 | Eastville Park, Eastville, Bristol, BS5 6XA, United Kingdom
A Contact Improvisation event to connect to people and land. A relational practice to wake up our own nature in urban wilderness.

11-12 Arriving and Land Meditation by Rowan Quarry

12-14 CI class by Laura Doehler

14- 17 CI jam

17- 19 Sauna

Unwind with entering this magical place near Eastville Park where nature radiaties agency and a natural spring forms the backdrop for an initial meditation for you to arrive and enter a life -centric focus and practice.

It is followed by a 2 hour Contact Improvisation class by Laura whose long standing CI practice (more than 10 across France, Netherlands, Germany, Portugal, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Turkey) has been informed greatly over the past 3 years by working outdoors in natural habitats. Her CI practice involves the body as land and the land as body. It is a sense making of collectivity that expands the otherwise social focus of CI for a more wholesome ecologically inclusive view of togetherness. Her teachings make space for the explorative and the experiential, instigating a freedom in movement by understanding what it is we need to root and how connectivity situates belonging and change. More information about Laura is on her website of Exit Map, a community dance company she formed and is co-director of: https://www.exitmap.org/laura-doehler

We then transition into a jam for 3 hours.

We encourage you to bring light food to picnic and share around the spring or near the dance space wherever you feel drawn to linger and rejuvenate.

Our offer for the closure for this extended movement practice is to stay on, enjoy the space and the sauna that we will fire up especially for you.

Booking: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/body-to-land-contact-improvisation-tickets-880706154817

Bristol CI: Open Jam - Stapleton Church Hall - 26 May 24 17:00
2024-05-26 17:00 - 19:30 | Stapleton Church Hall, 23 Park Rd, Stapleton, Bristol, BS16 1AZ, United Kingdom
(Image by Giulia Ravarotto)
Come and jam 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month.
Join us for an evening of Contact Improvisation, hosted by Bristol CI.
The session will be a jam only space, open to all levels of
experience.

Each 4th Sunday of the month will feature live improvised music.
Each 2nd Sunday of the month we'll stay open until 9pm for a post jam foodshare. Bring something yummy!

Space Opens at: 5pm for personal warm up.
Jam : 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Space Closes: 8pm (or 9pm when there is a foodshare)

Booking: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/1016099?
Any queries email info@contactdance.co.uk
Price: £8 Supported, £10 standard

We don't want to exclude anyone because of financial circumstances. Please contact us at info@contactdance.co.uk if you can't afford the concession price.

We don't want to exclude anyone because of financial circumstances. Please contact us at info@contactdance.co.uk if you can't afford the concession price.

For more info on Bristol CI and Contact Improvisation. See https://contactdance.co.uk/

Note: The venue has a car park. The area is residential, so we kindly ask attendees to park/arrive/leave quietly and be respectful of the neighbours.

Lean_in - Contemporary movement and contact improvisation - Fresh Dance and Arts Centre - 28 May 24 20:30
2024-05-28 20:30 - 22:00 | Fresh Dance and Arts Centre, 44-46 Greenbank Road, Bristol, BS5 6EY, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation: Beginners series - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 2 Jun 24 17:15
2024-06-02 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 58th Bristol Scout Hut - 9 Jun 24 17:00
2024-06-09 17:00 - 19:30 | 58th Bristol Scout Hut, Gadshill Road, Bristol, BS5 6PU, United Kingdom

5 week contact Improvisation Course - The Willow Studio - 11 Jun 24 20:15
2024-06-11 20:15 - 21:30 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
Attendees of this course will be able to get into the Bristol CI jams on 23rd June and 14th July for FREE!

Contact Improvisation: Beginners series - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 16 Jun 24 17:15
2024-06-16 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

5 week contact Improvisation Course - The Willow Studio - 18 Jun 24 20:15
2024-06-18 20:15 - 21:30 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 58th Bristol Scout Hut - 23 Jun 24 17:00
2024-06-23 17:00 - 19:30 | 58th Bristol Scout Hut, Gadshill Road, Bristol, BS5 6PU, United Kingdom

5 week contact Improvisation Course - The Willow Studio - 25 Jun 24 20:15
2024-06-25 20:15 - 21:30 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

5 week contact Improvisation Course - The Willow Studio - 2 Jul 24 20:15
2024-07-02 20:15 - 21:30 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

5 week contact Improvisation Course - The Willow Studio - 9 Jul 24 20:15
2024-07-09 20:15 - 21:30 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Nita Little - Somatic Commucication: Relational Intellingence in Contact Improvisation - John Cabot Academy - 13 Jul 24 09:00
2024-07-13 09:00 - 2024-07-14 17:00 | John Cabot Academy, Woodside Rd, Kingswood, Bristol , BS15 8BD, United Kingdom
This work is for dancers whose Contact Improvisation practice is beyond the beginning levels - those familiar with inversions, weight exchange, and changing states.
This is a two day dive into the fabric of touch that is key to our relational practices in the movement of Contact Improvisation – and for many of us, in the living of life itself. Steeped in somatic communication, this adventure into our movement life begins within ourselves, but moves outwardly, to where selfhood refuses to be stable, set and limiting. Instead, its instability is key to its creativity, the play that appears when our relational communication is fluid, Movement scores throughout the weekend will make this connection. In this workshop we will form and reform what we know as touch, exploring how this touch translates into the flow of movement. We increase the strength of our moving together with the human and the more than human worlds we also are.
Creative, thoughtful, heart based, skill based, our learning will be anchored in the core principles of Contact Improvisation, such as: how to move weight like water - actions of cascading. The details of touching within weight exchange. The rising and hanging of the body – each mode significant to communication. How attention lives in the very small. Extending to form surfaces that arc. Learning to trust the physicality of our extended intelligence.
Movement practices include lots of dancing both as skills building and exploration. Although, in many cases these will be the same thing.

DATE: Saturday 13th and 14th July 2024
SCHEDULE: (SAT & SUN)
Arrive : 9.30am
Finish: 5pm

BOOKING PROCESS
To apply for this workshop, please fill in the application shown in the below link so that we can get to know you better. Once you have submitted your responses, you will hear back from us within 4-6 weeks with an outcome. If your application is successful, we will also include details for payment to secure your place
Application form: https://forms.gle/ZUSiE8jhqbGmLsDr7

TICKET PRICE
Full price: £120
Concession: £75 (limited number)
(the option of payment by instalments will be made for all successful applicants)

CONTACT
bristolcontactresearch@gmail.com

VENUE & TRAVEL

https://maps.app.goo.gl/hRfBTSuQn7HB7omo9
John Cabot Academy (School) , Woodside Road, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 8BD
50 mins from Temple Meads Station50 mins - from Bus Station40 mins from Flix / Megabus / National Express drop-off point (Bond Street)
There is ample free parking directly outside of the venue
Once you have secured a place in the workshop, you will receive a lift sharing document, this can be used to offer and seek lifts to the venue from other participants
The theater space is located within the school main building. At reception someone will be there to greet you and show you the hall.

ACCOMODATION
This workshop is non-residential, although local accommodation is available by AirBnB within a 10 mins walking distance from the venue. Hotels are a bit further away and are located in the center, around 40 mins by public transport.Once you have secured a place in the workshop, you will receive additional information that may allow shared accommodation with other participants or the local Bristol CI community

FOOD
The hall includes access to a kitchen to warm food brought for lunch and a dining area to eat. Food can also be bought on Two Mile high street, approximately 10 mins walk from the venue.A light selection of fruits, biscuits and teas will be provided at the venue.

ABOUT NITA LITTLE
Nita Little is an activist for relational intelligence through improvisational dance practices that began with the emergence and development of Contact Improvisation in 1972. This path was provoked by Steve Paxton. The only remaining Contact Improvisation (CI) teacher who was a member of the initial core of CI pioneers, Nita has remained on the cutting edge of this practice training generations of Contact Improvisation practitioners and teachers worldwide. A performer, choreographer, and dance theorist, Little received her PhD in Performance Studies in 2014.
She returns to international touring invited by dance companies, festivals, conferences and universities to teach, lecture, and compose emergent events. Her writing investigates ecological actions of attention and the creative potentials present in entangled relations. She directs an international network of dance research ensembles - the Institute for the Study of Somatic Communication (the ISSC).

Bristol CI: Open Jam - 58th Bristol Scout Hut - 14 Jul 24 17:00
2024-07-14 17:00 - 19:30 | 58th Bristol Scout Hut, Gadshill Road, Bristol, BS5 6PU, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 8 Sep 24 17:00
2024-09-08 17:00 - 19:45 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
(Image by Giulia Ravarotto)

Come and jam 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month.
Join us for an evening of Contact Improvisation, hosted by Bristol CI.The session will be a jam only space, open to all levels of
experience.

Each 4th Sunday of the month will feature live improvised music.

Each 2nd Sunday of the month we'll stay open until 9pm for a post jam foodshare. Bring something yummy!

Space Opens at: 5pm for personal warm up.
Jam : 5.30pm to 7.45pm
Space Closes: 8pm (or 9pm when there is a foodshare)

Price: £8 supported, £10 standard

For those unable to afford £8 there are a limited number of tickets available for £5

Booking: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/1016099?
Any queries email info@contactdance.co.uk

For more info on Bristol CI and Contact Improvisation. See https://contactdance.co.uk/

Note: The area is residential, so we kindly ask attendees to park/arrive/leave quietly and be respectful of the neighbours.

LOCATION
Scout Hut 6388, St. Bartholomews Rd, St Andrew's, Bristol BS7 9BJ

ECSTATIC contact-connection DANCE - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 14 Sep 24 10:30
2024-09-14 10:30 - 17:30 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
Early Birds: 12 tickets, saving 15% available until they're gone. TicketTailor.com/events/asherlevinevents/1265614

Pixi Pete & Asher Levin Present a day of...
Ecstatic contact-connection Dance!

Are you into Ecstatic Dance, Contact Improvisation or both?
Following their sell-out debut in March 2024, Asher & Pete are delighted to present the latest incarnation of E c-c D. Born from a shared love of both practices and a desire to grow these practices together in the community.
It's an opportunity to explore new ways to connect on the dance floor - to develop skills, discernment and experience-based courage connecting with self and others in both Contact Improv & Ecstatic Dance practices.
A chance to relate your movement to music in a refreshing new way.

The Contact Improv for Ecstatic Dance workshop with Asher, will be followed by a Contact Improv-friendly, music-led Ecstatic Dance open floor with Pixi Pete.
Whether or not you are an experienced Contact Improviser. or Ecstatic Dancer, this is a place to develop your multi-dimensional practice or discover it, and then to combine these beautiful practices on the open floor of Ecstatic Dance
12 Early Bird tickets, saving 15%, are available until they sell out.
TicketTailor.com/events/asherlevinevents/1265614

What to expect:
Contact Improv for Ecstatic Dance workshop: 10.30am – 1pm
Appropriate for beginners to advanced, The C.I workshop will cover embodied relational skills, as well as exploring C.I body physics. Prior to connecting in focused scores with others, the workshop will start by developing your creative, honest, aware connection with self, different parts of your body and the space around you. We’ll enjoy the spaces and non-touch connections between beings. Exploring skills of coming into physical contact with another, you’ll deepen your presence to embodied, creative, moving physical relating. There will be spacious qualities within the intimacy. You’ll also gain confidence in your awareness of boundaries. As well as lighter, lyrical scores, you'll safely experience sharing some body weight and offering support within dance. Finally, we’ll open up beyond 1-2-1 into constellations of several beings, combining awareness of our own dance vibe with consciousness of the whole evolving co-created happening.

Ecstatic Dance open floor 2.30pm - 4.45pm
Coming together in an opening circle to welcome All. There will be a warm-up and embodiment to reconnect to the space, self and each other. We will then move on, to the music-led Ecstatic Dance open floor where, with some light facilitation, you'll move and dance freely in the space, going on your journey with & in the presence of the whole constellation of all present.
The invitation is to deepen and broaden your movement practice while being aware of the whole co-creation, having a place to be creative to explore your own authentic range of movement and emotions. The Ecstatic Dance will be accompanied by expertly DJ'd recorded music, and live percussion.

A live music inner journey . 4.45pm-5.15pm
Pixi Pete will lead this inner journey to integrate the day's adventures. With hang drum and other instruments, he will calm and ground you, bringing your spirit being and earth body into one. You'll be ready for your journey to continue, taking the day's treasures with you, beyond the dance floor.
Closing Circle 5.15pm to 5.30pm
Refreshments:
Drinks: A range of hot drinks are freely available. Cacoa will be for sale.
Please bring a water bottle to bring into the space.
Snacks: Please bring some snacks to keep your energy high.
Lunch: Please bring your own lunch. It is possible to heat food in the kitchen.

Date:
Saturday 14th September 2024
Location:
St Michael's Parish Hall, Bristol BS2 8BE
Times:
10.30am to 5.30pm.
12 Early Bird Tickets, saving 15%, are available until they sell out!
TicketTailor.com/events/asherlevinevents/1265614

Contact Improvisation Beginners Classes - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 15 Sep 24 17:15
2024-09-15 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
Bristol Contact Improvisation presentsOngoing beginners classes (2hrs class) covering the fundamentals of Contact Improvisation.
Here is what it can look like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eQ91vd1KBI

Each attendee is welcome (on one occasion only) to bring a friend for free!

Teachers: Yasin Hussain, Edwina Pereira, Jan-Ming Lee, Sam Bloomfield, Karen Logan Woods, Simon Leach, Claire Coveney, Grace Newman.
There are different teachers different weeks, so you can experience different styles and perspectives in each class.

The classes will include:- Developing body awareness through movement in space- Learning to share weight with others through a point of contact- Using gravity to inform our movement explorations- Developing a strong sense of our connection with the ground, both directly and through contact with others- Embodying movement pathways, both solo and in contact- Exploring different qualities of movement and touch- Opportunities to integrate material from exercises through solo and group improvisation

Dates:Sunday 15th, 29th SeptemberSunday 20th OctoberSunday 3rd, 17th NovemberSunday 1st, 15th December
Time: 5.15pm - 7.30pm. (Doors open at 5.15pm, class starts 5:30. Please arrive in good time so we can start together.)
Location: Hut 6388, Bartholomew's Road, St Andrews, Bristol BS 79BJ

CostIndividual class: £10 Concession, £13 waged, £16 ContributorWe don't want to exclude anyone because of financial circumstances. Please contact us on info@contactdance.co.uk if you can't afford the concession price.

Booking: https://www.tickettailor.com/.../bristolcontactim.../1322702The space is limited to 18 people. To avoid disappointment, please do book in advance once booking is open.
Any queries, email info@contactdance.co.uk
We aim to provide an inclusive environment for all bodies. If you have any specific requirements, please do let us know when making a booking.

About CIContact Improvisation is an open-ended exploration of the kinaesthetic possibilities of bodies moving through contact. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, it is a form open to all bodies and enquiring minds. The practice includes rolling, falling, being upside down, following a physical point of contact, supporting and giving weight to a partner. It is a free play with balance, of no set outcome, bringing forth a physical/emotional truth about a shared moment of movement that leaves the participants informed, centered, and enlivened. (Paxton, Chung)

For more information about this practice and Bristol CI, please visit: https://contactdance.co.uk/
Photography: Ella SwanelloDancers: Edwina Pereira and Grace Newman

Basics to Beyond, Bristol, 2024-2025 - a course in Contact Improvisation - 6 full days over 6 months - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 21 Sep 24 10:30
2024-09-21 10:30 - 2025-02-15 17:30 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
A six-month training & exploration in CI, led by Asher Levin.
A foundational & adventurous journey with a steady group. 🌊⚓
*study basic principles in depth
*explore themes & share discoveries
*consolidate, play & create in focused, scored dances
*integrate & connect in jam time

🎶🎵Wonderful live music from Simon Leach will accompany and inspire! 🎶🎵
We’ll meet one Saturday per month for 6 months from September 2024 to February 2025!
21st September, 19th October, 16th November, 14th December, 18th January, & 15th February

Times: 10.30am to 5.30pm
Venue: St Michael’s Parish Hall, Park Lane, Bristol BS2 8BE
Open to All – experienced Contacters will benefit as much as those newer to the practice. It may be compared to a musician studying their scales and arpeggios and then getting creative!

* 1 half-price practical helper place is available. Preferably for someone who may not otherwise be able to afford to join. Please email me if you are interested.
**2 subsidised supported places are available (thanks to some generous donations of people who have contributed to a supported place fund, when buying tickets for previous events). If you need financial support in order to participate, please email me.

Participant places are limited to 28 - The course sold-out last year. Please book early to avoid disappointment.
tickettailor.com/events/asherlevinevents/1189937
For more information or any queries, please ask Asher:
t: 07999 934369 e: asher.levin.mail@gmail.com

A few Quotes from Basics to Beyond participants 2023-2024 (quoted with permission).
“It was ideal for me, I'll miss doing it every month (...) I felt increasingly more able to move in a way that felt good, my nervous system was so regulated by each of the days (….) I think this was the effect of your approach [and] the group who I felt really comfortable with as the months went on. The check-in circles and group warm-ups were also really helpful for reflection and feeling safe within the group.”
“Inspirational teaching in a supportive environment….I felt that the group dynamic developed really well.”
“It was good, I’d do it again. Liked the format, liked the facilitator, liked the music and the musician.”
“It was really nice to grow a trust in the group.”
A link to further quotes from participants in my CI workshops and intensives, during the past year can be found on the event booking page.
tickettailor.com/events/asherlevinevents/1189937
(for all my other current, live events, go to TicketTailor.com/events/asherlevinevents
Asher Levin
is based in Dartington and loves being and interacting with the land and elements. He’s been practicing Contact Improvisation, physical theatre, teaching and leading workshops for a quarter-century. He's taught CI internationally since 2008. In CI, play and being, he loves the practice of trusting ourselves and others - even within the unknown, and re-seeing the known afresh for the first time. He loves old friends too. Being off-balance and free, yet focused and caring, as CI invites, is incredibly liberating and enriching. In CI, currently Asher is particularly interested in the interplay of spaciousness and intimacy, dynamic, tenderness and finding the unusual. He enjoys whole group scores and the partner or trio, within the social, physical and spiritual environment.

Bristol CI Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 22 Sep 24 17:00
2024-09-22 17:00 - 19:45 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
(Image by Giulia Ravarotto)

Come and jam 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month.
Join us for an evening of Contact Improvisation, hosted by Bristol CI.The session will be a jam only space, open to all levels of
experience.

Each 4th Sunday of the month will feature live improvised music.

Each 2nd Sunday of the month we'll stay open until 9pm for a post jam foodshare. Bring something yummy!

Space Opens at: 5pm for personal warm up.
Jam : 5.30pm to 7.45pm
Space Closes: 8pm (or 9pm when there is a foodshare)

Price: £8 supported, £10 standard

For those unable to afford £8 there are a limited number of tickets available for £5

Booking: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/1322768
Any queries email info@contactdance.co.uk

For more info on Bristol CI and Contact Improvisation. See https://contactdance.co.uk/

Note: The area is residential, so we kindly ask attendees to park/arrive/leave quietly and be respectful of the neighbours.

LOCATION
Scout Hut 6388, St. Bartholomews Rd, St Andrew's, Bristol BS7 9BJ

Contact Improvisation Beginners Classes - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 29 Sep 24 17:15
2024-09-29 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
Bristol Contact Improvisation presentsOngoing beginners classes (2hrs class) covering the fundamentals of Contact Improvisation.
Here is what it can look like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eQ91vd1KBI

Each attendee is welcome (on one occasion only) to bring a friend for free!

Teachers: Yasin Hussain, Edwina Pereira, Jan-Ming Lee, Sam Bloomfield, Karen Logan Woods, Simon Leach, Claire Coveney, Grace Newman.
There are different teachers different weeks, so you can experience different styles and perspectives in each class.

The classes will include:- Developing body awareness through movement in space- Learning to share weight with others through a point of contact- Using gravity to inform our movement explorations- Developing a strong sense of our connection with the ground, both directly and through contact with others- Embodying movement pathways, both solo and in contact- Exploring different qualities of movement and touch- Opportunities to integrate material from exercises through solo and group improvisation

Dates:Sunday 15th, 29th SeptemberSunday 20th OctoberSunday 3rd, 17th NovemberSunday 1st, 15th December
Time: 5.15pm - 7.30pm. (Doors open at 5.15pm, class starts 5:30. Please arrive in good time so we can start together.)
Location: Hut 6388, Bartholomew's Road, St Andrews, Bristol BS 79BJ

CostIndividual class: £10 Concession, £13 waged, £16 ContributorWe don't want to exclude anyone because of financial circumstances. Please contact us on info@contactdance.co.uk if you can't afford the concession price.

Booking: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/1322702
The space is limited to 18 people. To avoid disappointment, please do book in advance once booking is open.
Any queries, email info@contactdance.co.uk
We aim to provide an inclusive environment for all bodies. If you have any specific requirements, please do let us know when making a booking.

About CIContact Improvisation is an open-ended exploration of the kinaesthetic possibilities of bodies moving through contact. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, it is a form open to all bodies and enquiring minds. The practice includes rolling, falling, being upside down, following a physical point of contact, supporting and giving weight to a partner. It is a free play with balance, of no set outcome, bringing forth a physical/emotional truth about a shared moment of movement that leaves the participants informed, centered, and enlivened. (Paxton, Chung)

For more information about this practice and Bristol CI, please visit: https://contactdance.co.uk/
Photography: Ella SwanelloDancers: Edwina Pereira and Grace Newman

Axis Syllabus - Dynamic Anatomy; Knees - The Willow Studio - 5 Oct 24 09:30
2024-10-05 09:30 - 2024-10-06 17:30 | The Willow Studio, St. Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
An event held at Willow Dance Studio, St Werburghs Primary School on Saturday 5th October. Doors are at 09:30 with entertainment starting at 10:00. The event finishes at 17:30.

In this weekend intensive we will begin by learning about the alignment of the knee joint. We will have access to a model skeleton as well as images, information and discussion. This theoretical exploration will serve as a foundation for sensory exploration of functional alignment. Through the weekend we may expand our view to the relationship of the knee to the ankle, hip and spine. The overall aim is for each individual to build personal sensory references of integrated joint function to apply in their life as a mover, whatever form that takes.

The first day of the workshop will focus on fundamental alignment principles. We will utilise improvisation and short movement motifs to practice these, and to observe and develop our movement habits.

The second day will be a chance to ‘workshop’ these principles in a mini individual project, eg - How do these principles serve me to: lift my baby from the ground, skip-rope, do … dance move?
Participants may arrive knowing their project, join another project, or discover one on the day.

This will be an opportunity for group learning. How this evolves will be responsive to the group and there may an opportunity to expand into more dynamic dancing or yet to be discovered fun!

Healthy dynamic alignment can offers us the opportunities for more ground, play and power in our movement practice - whether that’s as a parent, climber, dancer, surfer, runner etc… As such this workshop is open to any human with a body.

About your teacher;
Zoë is a dancer/mother/teacher/Osteopath and activist. She has performed for Felix Ruckert, Tino Seghal and Simonetta Alessandri among others.

Zoë qualified to teach Axis Syllabus universal motion principles in 2008, when teaching she combines this knowledge with anatomical understanding from her work as an osteopath with dancers and athletes. She has taught at major dance centres and schools in the U.K. and internationally. Her eclectic training in medicine and bodywork, and a dance background including improvisation, tango, folkdance and contemporary inform her embodied approach to functional movement pedagogy.

Need to know info;
Doors open at 9.30am for a 10.00am start, please arrive on time.

Please wear comfortable clothes to move in.
Please bring water and food, some refreshments will be provided. There will be a 90m lunch break should you wish to go to town for food, there are plenty of shops nearby.

You may wish to bring warm layers, a yoga mat or something soft to lie on should we do bodywork.

A notepad and pen is also worth bringing, should you wish to take notes.

Tickets https://www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/whats-on/willow-dance-studio-st-werburghs-primary-school/sat-5-oct-axis-syllabus-dynamic-anatomy-knees-110175#e110175

Bristol CI Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 13 Oct 24 17:00
2024-10-13 17:00 - 19:45 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
(Image by Giulia Ravarotto)

We only have 20 spaces, so please book ahead of time. If you come to pay on the door there may not be room!

Come and jam 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month.
Join us for an evening of Contact Improvisation, hosted by Bristol CI.The session will be a jam only space, open to all levels of
experience.

Each 4th Sunday of the month will feature live improvised music.

Each 2nd Sunday of the month we'll stay open until 9pm for a post jam foodshare. Bring something yummy!

Space Opens at: 5pm for personal warm up.
Jam : 5.30pm to 7.45pm
Space Closes: 8pm (or 9pm when there is a foodshare)

Price: £8 supported, £10 standard

For those unable to afford £8 there are a limited number of tickets available for £5

Booking: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/1322768
Any queries email info@contactdance.co.uk

For more info on Bristol CI and Contact Improvisation. See https://contactdance.co.uk/

Note: The area is residential, so we kindly ask attendees to park/arrive/leave quietly and be respectful of the neighbours.

LOCATION
Scout Hut 6388, St. Bartholomews Rd, St Andrew's, Bristol BS7 9BJ

Contact Improvisation Beginners Classes - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 20 Oct 24 17:15
2024-10-20 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
Bristol Contact Improvisation presentsOngoing beginners classes (2hrs class) covering the fundamentals of Contact Improvisation.
Here is what it can look like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eQ91vd1KBI

Each attendee is welcome (on one occasion only) to bring a friend for free!

Teachers: Yasin Hussain, Edwina Pereira, Jan-Ming Lee, Sam Bloomfield, Karen Logan Woods, Simon Leach, Claire Coveney, Grace Newman.
There are different teachers different weeks, so you can experience different styles and perspectives in each class.

The classes will include:- Developing body awareness through movement in space- Learning to share weight with others through a point of contact- Using gravity to inform our movement explorations- Developing a strong sense of our connection with the ground, both directly and through contact with others- Embodying movement pathways, both solo and in contact- Exploring different qualities of movement and touch- Opportunities to integrate material from exercises through solo and group improvisation

Dates:Sunday 15th, 29th SeptemberSunday 20th OctoberSunday 3rd, 17th NovemberSunday 1st, 15th December
Time: 5.15pm - 7.30pm. (Doors open at 5.15pm, class starts 5:30. Please arrive in good time so we can start together.)
Location: Hut 6388, Bartholomew's Road, St Andrews, Bristol BS 79BJ

CostIndividual class: £10 Concession, £13 waged, £16 ContributorWe don't want to exclude anyone because of financial circumstances. Please contact us on info@contactdance.co.uk if you can't afford the concession price.

Booking: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/1322702The space is limited to 18 people. To avoid disappointment, please do book in advance once booking is open.
Any queries, email info@contactdance.co.uk
We aim to provide an inclusive environment for all bodies. If you have any specific requirements, please do let us know when making a booking.

About CIContact Improvisation is an open-ended exploration of the kinaesthetic possibilities of bodies moving through contact. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, it is a form open to all bodies and enquiring minds. The practice includes rolling, falling, being upside down, following a physical point of contact, supporting and giving weight to a partner. It is a free play with balance, of no set outcome, bringing forth a physical/emotional truth about a shared moment of movement that leaves the participants informed, centered, and enlivened. (Paxton, Chung)

For more information about this practice and Bristol CI, please visit: https://contactdance.co.uk/
Photography: Ella SwanelloDancers: Edwina Pereira and Grace Newman

Bristol CI Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 27 Oct 24 17:00
2024-10-27 17:00 - 19:45 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Introduction to Somatic Bodywork - Fresh Dance and Arts Centre - 1 Nov 24 11:30
2024-11-01 11:30 - 14:00 | Fresh Dance and Arts Centre, 44-46 Greenbank Road, Bristol, BS5 6EY, United Kingdom
Sat 2nd November
11:30 – 14:00
Fresh Dance & Arts Centre, 44-46 Greenbank Rd, Greenbank, Bristol BS5 6EY

This workshop does not focus on the strict form of contact improvisation. But it will introduce you to foundational practices that can support you to find more touch/movement possibilities and potentially a deeper, more personal connection to your contact improvisation dancing with others.

Why? - It could help us to tap into our deeper intentions and communications as we move together or meet each other through physical contact. Through demonstrating simple exercises alternating between words and body practices (in solo/partner/group) we can become aware of our own and each other’s intentions through staying embodied, while articulating our feelings, sensations, poetic images or other kinds of creative resources. These can be part of the communication and expression as much as the actual movement and touch between each other. Learning about this translation between words and touch/movement can help us relate better to our wishes, limits, preferences, and that of our dance partner, and help to let go of any assumptions that are not true which could inhibit our dancing. All of this contributes to more possibilities and a stronger empathic connection through our movements as we improvise through contact together.

Price: Early bird until 10th October £25 / Standard £35 / Supporter £45

Join Jan-Ming Lee at a relaxed workshop open to all. A basic introduction to Somatic Bodywork, informed by her experience as a certified & insured somatic bodyworker in “The Pantarei Approach” : bodyspoken.com

Depending on the rhythms and intentions of all individuals who join the session, we will work on some or all of the below :

~ Simple partner & group exercises introducing touch and presence as a communicative, empathetic tool

~ Be guided to connect to your own sensation and aliveness

~ Time to reflect alone with writing/drawing

~ Practice basic embodied skills to speak and listen to another with words, and beyond words

~ Tap into what you care about and long for, and feel what needs to be attended to

~ Observe Jan-Ming using touch, movement and conversation as a trauma-informed therapeutic practice

Spaces are limited!

Please email jan.lee.uk@gmail.com soon to avoid disappointment! Please let her know any access needs or concerns at all

Support in Motion - St Werburghs Primary School - 2 Nov 24 12:00
2024-11-02 12:00 - 17:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
with Sole de la Hoz and Mark Rietema
Sunday 3rd November
12:00 - 17:00
St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, BS2 9US

A 5 hour Contact Improvisation workshop all about Under and Over dancing
Sunday 3rd of Nov, 12-5pm - Bristol

What do we need to move from a static back and forth dance, to a more active
support of our partners movement? In our research we have been particularly interested in reversing stereotypical roles and exploring what Sole’s smaller structure needs to lift Mark’s bigger structure. This has helped us to focus on particular principles and fundamentals of being both under and over dancers. We will start gently, using experiential anatomy and early developmental movement patterns based on Body-Mind Centering®, to then explore how we can free up our weight sharing into a more dynamic dance. Pivoting, reaching, pushing and dancing our way into three dimensionality...

This workshop is open to all levels. You can expect a mixture of somatic explorations, technical labbing and open dance scores. Please contact us if you have any access needs. (Body-Mind Centering® and BMC® are registered service marks of Bonnie Bainbridge
Cohen).

Sunday 3rd of November 2024, 12-5pm – St. Werburgh’s Primary School, Bristol
Tickets need to be booked in advance here https://bookwhen.com/markrietema

Sole de la Hoz teaches Contact Improvisation in London (eg. Temenos Dance, CI@Goldsmiths, London Contact Festival, Acland Burghley). She trained as a professional dancer, and has worked extensively in opera, immersive dance projects, and screen. Alongside performing and Contact Improvisation Sole is a Yoga instructor and Thai Massage practitioner

Mark Rietema teaches Somatics and CI in London and abroad. He also works as a psychotherapist
and somatic movement educator, having studied Process Oriented Psychology and Body-
Mind Centering®. His previous background is in community arts projects and
performances (UK, US) with an MA in Community Arts from Goldsmiths. He teaches as
faculty for Embody Move UK, Institut Prozessarbeit Deutschland, and as a guest teacher in various institutions.

Contact Improvisation Beginners Classes - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 3 Nov 24 17:15
2024-11-03 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 10 Nov 24 17:00
2024-11-10 17:00 - 19:45 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Beginners Classes - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 17 Nov 24 17:15
2024-11-17 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Random Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 21 Nov 24 19:00
2024-11-21 19:00 - 21:30 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
A random Thursday evening dance jam for the Bristol CI community. Open to all, this is a CI dance jam, not a class, so some experience of CI is required.

Doors open at 7pm for personal warm up and teas. On arrival come to the main school entrance and ring the doorbell. We will start at 7:30pm prompt with an opening circle, please be on time for this. Bring a water bottle, clothes should be comfy for dancing/ exercise. We dance bare foot or in socks.
Tickets here: https://www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/whats-on/st-werburgh-s-primary-school-hall-james-st-st-werburgh-s-bristol-bs2-9us/thu-21-nov-bristol-ci-random-jam-119200#e119200

Bristol CI Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 24 Nov 24 17:00
2024-11-24 17:00 - 19:45 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Winter Warmer Festival - Nettlecombe Court - 28 Nov 24 17:00
2024-11-28 17:00 - 2024-12-02 12:00 | Nettlecombe Court, The Leonard Wills Field Centre, Williton, Taunton, TA4 4HT, United Kingdom
28th November - 2nd December
17:00 - 12:00
Nettlecombe Court,The Leonard Wills Field Centre, Williton, Taunton, TA4 4HT

We are very excited to bring you the Winter Contact Improvisation Festival 2024!

BUY TICKETS HERE
https://dandelion.events/e/festival2024

After a successful year of running Jam Weekends and a CI space at the Buddhafield Festival in 2023, SOMA SPACE will bring you a full 4 days Contact Improvisation Festival. Suitable for all levels of experience.
We are committed to deepening and celebrating the practice of contact improvisation in the UK. We are creating more spaces and events to gather, dance, learn, and play in. This festival will be jam-packed with classes from internationally renowned teachers and jam spaces in a beautiful location and historical building based in Somerset.
This CI festival will be the perfect winter break to gather and nourish our bodies and souls in the community.

What's On Offer
- Classes and intensive workshops from internationally renowned CI teachers
- Sleeping accommodation, in shared rooms with en suite bathrooms.
- Local, organic* meals, prepared with love from our amazing Chef Djmila Home (feastsdonegood.com)
- Sauna
- Morning Yoga and Singing
- Being part of a vibrant and loving CI community

Intensive Teachers
Hugh Stanier, Rick Nodine, Zoe Solomons

Afternoon Teachers
Mark Rietema, Benn Julian, Laura Doehler, Manuela Sarcone

For more details and schedule please follow the link to the SOMA SPACE website: www.somaspaceci.co.uk

Cost
Supported £360
Standard £390
Supporter £420
Ticket Link: https://dandelion.events/e/festival2024

Contact Us Via Email:
somaspaceci@gmail.com

Contact Improvisation Beginners Classes - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 1 Dec 24 17:15
2024-12-01 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 8 Dec 24 17:00
2024-12-08 17:00 - 19:45 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Beginners Classes - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 15 Dec 24 17:15
2024-12-15 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Blindfold Contact Improvisation Jam - The Hideout Bristol - 15 Dec 24 18:45
2024-12-15 18:45 - 22:00 | The Hideout Bristol, The Hideout, Bristol, BS5 0TS, United Kingdom
A deep mid-winter dance.
By removing the sense of sight, we are invited to rely on our other senses - touch, listening, and proprioception (the sense of where your body is in space) - to navigate the dance. Inviting us into a deep state of presence, trusting our body to guide us while attuning to ourselves and the bodies of others. Dancing blindfolded uncovers new and authentic ways of moving with ourselves and with others. Come and imerse yourself with us into a deep mid winter dance in the darkness.

Jocasta Crofts will be guiding us through this journey from waking up the eyes, how we then close them and begin to trust the’eyes’ we have all over our body. Learning to deepen into our other senses, soft feeling and intuition will guide us into a deep mid winter dance in the darkness. Participating in a blindfolded jam requires a certain level of trust and vulnerability, which can be both challenging and rewarding. We aim to make the environment as safe as possible.

Jocasta, also known as Shanti is an experienced contact improvisation teacher, a Body Mind Centering practitioner and a mother. Shanti is intuitive, playful, a tribal gatherer and a little bit witchy.

Live music: Ian Popperwell will be playing a live meditative soundscape with his modular synth and saxophone. Ian is a visually impaired musician and support worker based in Bristol.

Organizer: Edwina Pereira is a dancer, contact improvisation teacher and massage therapist. She will be organizing the event and making sure the experience is nourishing for all.

When: 15th December 18:45 Where: The Hideout Bristol, Unit 2, White Street, St Judes, Bristol, BS5 0TS
No experience necessary. People with different backrounds are welcome.

Cost:
£22 Concession
£25 Standard
£28 Supporter
Date: 15th December 2024
Times: Doors open at 18:45, we start at 19:00 and finish by 22:00
Enquiries: intothegrounddance@gmail.com
Booking: https://hdfst.uk/e118124 or drop me an email
Come ready to move in comfy clothing and bring a water bottle. Christmasy hot drinks and snacks will be provided.

We look forward to moving with you!
Edwina and Jocasta

Bristol CI Jam - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 22 Dec 24 17:00
2024-12-22 17:00 - 19:45 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

New Years Gathering Ci and Ritual - Eastville Park - 31 Dec 24 16:00
2024-12-31 16:00 - 2025-01-01 01:00 | Eastville Park, Eastville, Bristol, BS5 6XA, United Kingdom
Spring Garden is holding a New Years Gathering!
Tickets here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/rowanquarryevents/1468995

Join us in welcoming the New Year's with a celebration of sweet community vibes in connection with the land here at Spring Garden. We invite you to an afternoon and evening of; Ritual, CI Dance, Food Share, Sauna and a Cheeky Exstatic Dance as we cross the threshold into 2025.

This will be a community event for the sauna and CI community, so expect friendly faces and a relaxed atmosphere.
The Dome will be open with a wood burning fire lit, there will also be a Main fire by the Temple and of course the Sauna will be hot.

Please meet at wickham bridge at just be for 4pm and 7pm be picked up.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/r3T5ddtL18ijKU2o6

What to Expect:

• 2.5 hour Contact improvisation jam as the sun sets in our newly improved outdoors covered Temple space! (plus newly installed slidey floor) Please bring warm layers to dance in.

• Ritual to welcome in the winter dreaming time and to craft a vision of ourselves for the New Year 2025 (held by Rowan)

• Shared meal, everyone brings something yummy for us to break bread together (please bring your own plate, mug and cutlery)

• Sauna (please bring 2 towels and a water bottle)

* Dress for outdoors winter weather; thermus with tea, hats, warm socks etc. are highly recommended.

If you want to skip the Ci Jam, no worries arrive at 7pm for the food share.

Timings:

Arrive at 4pm

Ci Jam from 4.30pm - 7pm

Food share 7pm - 8.30pm

Ritual 9pm - 9.30pm

Sauna opens 9.30 till 1am

Gather to count in the new year with a cheaky Ecstatic Dance from 11.30pm

Make our way home 1am

We will need a few helpers over evening, so you would like to help out abit for a free ticket send me a message on 07804142832

We look forward to seeing you and entering the New Year's together!

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 5 Jan 25 05:15
2025-01-05 05:15 - 08:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
(Image by Giulia Ravarotto)
Come and jam 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month.Join us for an evening of Contact Improvisation, hosted by Bristol CI.The session will be a jam only space, open to all levels ofexperience.
Each 3th Sunday of the month will feature live improvised music.
Each 1st Sunday of the month we'll stay open until 9pm for a post jam foodshare. Bring something yummy!
Space Opens at: 5:15pm for personal warm up.Jam : 5.30pm to 7.45pmSpace Closes: 8pm (or 9pm when there is a foodshare)
Price: £8 supported, £10 standard
For those unable to afford £8 there are a limited number of tickets available for £5
Any queries email info@contactdance.co.uk
For more info on Bristol CI and Contact Improvisation. See https://contactdance.co.uk/
Note: The area is residential, so we kindly ask attendees to park/arrive/leave quietly and be respectful of the neighbours.
LocationSt Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US

Book tickets here https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/1483014

Contact Improvisation Beginners Classes - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 12 Jan 25 05:15
2025-01-12 05:15 - 07:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
Bristol Contact Improvisation presentsOngoing beginners classes (2hrs class) covering the fundamentals of Contact Improvisation.
Here is what it can look like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eQ91vd1KBI
Teachers: Yasin Hussain, Edwina Pereira, Jan-Ming Lee, Sam Bloomfield, Karen Logan Woods, Simon Leach, Claire Coveney, Grace Newman.
There are different teachers different weeks, so you can experience different styles and perspectives in each class.
The classes will include:- Developing body awareness through movement in space- Learning to share weight with others through a point of contact- Using gravity to inform our movement explorations- Developing a strong sense of our connection with the ground, both directly and through contact with others- Embodying movement pathways, both solo and in contact- Exploring different qualities of movement and touch- Opportunities to integrate material from exercises through solo and group improvisation
Dates:Sunday 12th, 26th JanuarySunday 9th, 23rd FebruarySunday 9th, 23rd MarchSunday 13th, 27th AprilSunday 11th, 25th MaySunday 8th June
Time: 5.15pm - 7.30pm. (Doors open at 5.15pm, class starts 5:30. Please arrive in good time so we can start together.)Location: Hut 6388, Bartholomew's Road, St Andrews, Bristol BS 79BJ
CostIndividual class: £10 Concession, £13 waged, £16 ContributorWe don't want to exclude anyone because of financial circumstances. Please contact us on info@contactdance.co.uk if you can't afford the concession price.
Booking: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/1322702The space is limited to 18 people. To avoid disappointment, please do book in advance once booking is open.
Any queries, email info@contactdance.co.ukWe aim to provide an inclusive environment for all bodies. If you have any specific requirements, please do let us know when making a booking.
About CIContact Improvisation is an open-ended exploration of the kinaesthetic possibilities of bodies moving through contact. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, it is a form open to all bodies and enquiring minds. The practice includes rolling, falling, being upside down, following a physical point of contact, supporting and giving weight to a partner. It is a free play with balance, of no set outcome, bringing forth a physical/emotional truth about a shared moment of movement that leaves the participants informed, centered, and enlivened. (Paxton, Chung)
For more information about this practice and Bristol CI, please visit: https://contactdance.co.uk/
Photography: Ella SwanelloDancers: Edwina Pereira and Grace Newman

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 19 Jan 25 05:15
2025-01-19 05:15 - 08:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Beginners Classes - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 26 Jan 25 05:15
2025-01-26 05:15 - 07:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Weaving Our Attention Through Touch: From solo to collective contact jamming With Jan-Ming Lee - Centre For Science and Art - 8 Feb 25 10:30
2025-02-08 10:30 - 17:00 | Centre For Science and Art, 13 Lansdown, Stroud, GL5 1BB, United Kingdom
Our day begins with solo floor work - moving in relationship with earth’s gravity, informed by anatomical, developmental movement and qigong. A constant anchor is the Earth’s pull, and how to let it support your direction of movement across space.
This will create a dynamic landscape to meet each other through touch. Different qualities of touch can become ways of communicating, listening and building up a kinaesthetic map of ourselves in relation to others.
As we warm up into our dancing further, we will dive into the practical containers of contact improvisation; tracing our attention of who is above and below; to learn how we dance from ground to air together.
We will explore our spines and how it connects to the tilt and curve of each other’s pelvis where your lower centre is. Like the direction of water and steam, we can play with the movements of a radial nature; such as scoop, swing, and bounce between ground and air, to converge and diverge from your dance partner’s centres. We listen and respect each individual’s unique rhythm and timing in each moment.
We arrive into a jam space in the afternoon; being guided and having open time to be witnessed in momentum and stillness in our dances together.
Open to everyone - all levels of movement experience are welcome.
Itinerary:10.30 Arrive10.45 Opening circle
11.00 Morning session: solo floor work/moving, touch scores in partners/trios, witnessing scores transitioning between solo and group moving
1.00 Lunch
2.00 Practical elements of contact improvisation, above/below, centres, transitioning between air and ground
3.45 Jam
4.15 Guided warm down
4.30 Closing circle, Harvest5.00 Leave space

Prices:£50 early bird until January 8th£65 standard (after January 8th)£75 supporter
Limited spaces available, booking essential.
To book please contact Sophie via email: sophieroffmarsh@hotmail.com
Biography:
Jan-Ming’s love of contact improvisation began 20 years ago. Since then, she has been nurtured and challenged by its creativity and contradictions of freedom, risk and play. Amongst many things, she is informed by her ancestral healing practice, an ongoing study of Chinese Daoist internal energy arts, somatic bodywork, Afro-Brazilian martial art of Capoeira, and trauma-informed approaches advocating choice, consent, equity, compassion and pleasure. She has a background as a performance artist/facilitator in dance, music and physical theatre, and is a practicing somatic bodyworker certified in The Pantarei Approach.
www.janlee.org

Contact Improvisation Beginners Classes - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 9 Feb 25 17:15
2025-02-09 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Moving Between Places - with Lucia Navarro - St Werburghs Primary School - 16 Feb 25 14:00
2025-02-16 14:00 - 17:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
A key member of the Bristol CI organising and teaching team over the past years, Lucia recently moved back to Spain to deepen her studies of CI. She'll be visiting to share her perspectives on what it is to be a moving body, both solo and with others.

"This contact improvisation workshop is a journey to explore our movement from the layers of our body to the outer space or another body."

If you attend this workshop, you can attend the following Bristol CI jam for free (running 5:30 to 8:00), featuring a warm up from Lucia and live music!

Location
St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US

Booking https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/1520473

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 16 Feb 25 17:15
2025-02-16 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Beginners Classes - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 23 Feb 25 17:15
2025-02-23 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Super Soft - A Weekend Intensive with Rick Nodine - Stapleton Church Hall - 1 Mar 25 10:30
2025-03-01 10:30 - 2025-03-02 18:00 | Stapleton Church Hall, 23 Park Rd, Stapleton, Bristol, BS16 1AZ, United Kingdom
Booking

https://www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/whats-on/stapleton-church-hall/sat-1-mar-super-soft-a-weekend-intensive-120458#e120458

In this weekend intensive we will ask questions with our dancing about the quality of softness.

What does it mean to be soft in a CI dance and what does it achieve?
Why did Steve Paxton say "tension masks sensation” ?
Do I know how much muscle tone I use to dance?
When could I use less force or tone?
Do I copy my partners tone or force?
Are there situations in which being soft is wrong?

This workshop will explore these questions through carefully framed improvisational tasks (focused dances) followed by discussion and feedback.

Thoughtful dances and embodied conversations will feedback into more conscious dances.

This workshop is for any dancer who is looking for more awareness and enjoyment from Contact Improvisation.

Rick's Biography;
'My dancing began socially as a teenager and the first technical form to channel my enthusiasm was Contact Improvisation. After some modern dance training I performed through the 90's for British contemporary dance companies.
I maintain an improvisational performance practice and have collaborated with many dancers, actors, musicians and designers to create improvised performance.
As a choreographer, I have made work for many contexts, including major Opera houses, small theatres, art galleries, touring dance companies and warehouse parties.
I started teaching Contact Improvisation in 1996 and gradually expanded the scope of my pedagogy to include performance improvisation, solo dancing, ensemble composition and voice/movement techniques.
For 20 years I was a member of staff at London Contemporary Dance School where I taught Composition and Improvisation. I have been a guest teacher in many institutions and festivals such as CNDC Anger (France), National Taiwan University of Arts, Tanzfabrik Berlin, Freiburg Festival, APA Hong Kong and The Royal Ballet School.'

https://www.ricknodine.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ricknodine/?hl=en

Practical information:

Timings for both days -
1000-1030 arrivals
1030-1330 first part of class
1330-1500 lunch (not provided)
1500-1800 second part of class

Doors open at 10.00am for a 10.30am start, please arrive on time.

Please wear comfortable clothes to move in.

Please bring a water bottle and food - some refreshments will be provided. There will be a 90m lunch break should you wish to go to town for food. There is a fully equipped kitchen for heating your own packed lunch.

You may wish to bring warm layers, a yoga mat, some cusions or something soft to lie on should you wish to take some time for some solo improvisation/rest.

A notepad and pen is also worth bringing.

We have bursary positions available for this event. Please get in touch if you are someone who cannot attend due to price being a barrier.

Any questions or queries? Please email jessdalg@hotmail.co.uk

Venue Address;
23 Park Rd, Stapleton, Bristol BS16 1AZ
There is capacity for 10 cars on site.

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 2 Mar 25 17:15
2025-03-02 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Beginners Classes - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 9 Mar 25 17:15
2025-03-09 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Earth Patterns & Flight Paths - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 15 Mar 25 10:30
2025-03-15 10:30 - 17:30 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
2 Contact Improvisation workshop days to extend your CI movement vocabulary.

⭐Learn movement patterns and pathways, integrated into partner work to train your body’s responses. Become aware of and acquire new knowledge of what’s potentially available!

🍃For Contact Improvisers with some experience of CI fundamentals and with some experience in the basics of 'flying' and 'basing'. If you're not sure if these workshop days are right for you, please feel free to discuss it with me.

Early Bird Tickets available until 17th February 2025. Places are limited to 25 participants, so please book early to guarantee a place.

2 helper places available & 2 supported bursary places available. If you would like to be a helper in exchange for a greatly reduced-price place or if finance is a bar to participation, please get in touch.

What I’m offering:

💫Over these two workshop days, I will share detailed, loosely choreographed movement pathways and patterns that give awareness of, and train us in, particular ways of moving and orientating. They are to delve into. We’ll start low to the ground and continue to the mid-range, and up to fully standing. We’ll travel in unusual and useful ways between these levels, and through the space, alone and together.

We will move on to pathways and reference moves for: dynamically sharing weight, inviting ‘flyers’, and ‘airborne’ pathways onto, across & around bodies.

There will be time to improvise, holding the patterns and paths as inspiration for adventures in CI.

A little context

Deep listening and freely responding in the moment are at the heart of my CI practice. However, I wouldn’t be half as free, safe or aware of options without training with a wide range of movement pathways. I’m lucky to have acquired these loose choreographies over 25 years from great CI masters, mistresses, and fellow explorers.

In my own research, working with and inspired by these pathways and patterns, I discovered and developed my own training ‘choreographies’ for my own practice. I’ve now gathered some of them together for teaching Contact Improvisers with some experience, and I’m still adding to and researching the material. It’s an ongoing process of muses, discovery, and play. I’d like to share some of the fruits of this with you.

Location
St Michael's Parish Hall, Bristol, BS2 8BE

Booking: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/asherlevinevents/1482376

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 16 Mar 25 17:15
2025-03-16 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Beginners Classes - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 23 Mar 25 17:15
2025-03-23 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 6 Apr 25 17:15
2025-04-06 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Stretching the form: Affor(dances) - Contact improvisation Meeting - John Cabot Academy - 12 Apr 25 09:30
2025-04-12 09:30 - 2025-04-13 17:30 | John Cabot Academy, Woodside Rd, Kingswood, Bristol , BS15 8BD, United Kingdom
Joaquín Alfe (Bristol): Stretching the form: Affor[dances] Contact Improvisation Meeting
12-13th April 2025

[EVENT DETAILS]
Sat / Sun 12th and 13th April 2025
9.30am to 5.30pm *1.15hrs Lunch
John Cabot's Academy, Bristol, BS15 8BD

[REGISTER]
Places are limited to 30 participants. To register for the event please fill in this Registration form. To secure your spot we ask you to make an initial deposit** of £40, with the full balance paid 4 weeks before the event starts.
Register link: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSdNulOzWXWpLx.../viewform
Ticket Prices*:
Early Bird - £85 - Before 01 March 2025
Full Price - £110 - After 01 March 2025
* limited concession price tickets are available - please enquire via the registration form
** for payment details, please see the registration form

[THE PROPOSAL]
“The world is perceived not only in terms of object shapes and spatial relationships but also in terms of object possibilities for action (affordances) — action makes perception.”
-- J. J. Gibson--
Stretching the form: Affor[dances]
Contact Improvisation Meeting
I have been interested for some time in exploring the question of how to formulate research inquiries.
Research depends on asking the right questions, which might mean asking open-ended questions; questions that allow us to be put into variation by the answers. While science wonders ‘whether this is the case?’ and philosophy wonders ‘what it means?’, dance ponders ‘what happens if I do this again?’ Where the dance and dancer-questioner are engaged with practice as research. This is the perspective that we will adopt for our dances and explorations together.

The term affordances can be thought of as a "relationscape”; belonging neither to the object itself nor to its user but is created by the relationship established between them. How can we reinvent affordances through the continuous dialogue of weight sharing with our partner(s), the practice and the space? With profound focus on essentials of Contact Improvisation, we will dance this (and other) question(s).
Too abstract? In the studio, practically/technically, this looks like us focusing on weight-sharing, falling and sharing/making questions. During the weekend of course, we will dance, we will dance big and also small. I will introduce movement experiences that foster a refined quality of listening, especially during moments of falling, which open dancers to both present and future moments, and allows the ‘letting in’ of the stimuli we encounter in dancing CI.I will also share tools and containers for collective artistic exploration (i.e., dancing scores, sharing words, solo and in groups explorations, watching and listening to different materials) that I have found useful in my dance practice and training, but also tools to stretch our minds. Inevitably, mutual sharing of weight (and falling) is a way of being in the unknowable, we will also find ourselves working and engaging with the unpredictable, placing oneself in the in-between.

- This is open for all levels of experience, beginners, especially for those with curiosity to make questions and to both affect and be affected by (or through?) weight sharing and falling.

- Pedagogical endnote: Together, our experiment is to navigate the graceful comfort of working with pre-digested material that I facilitate, while also (co)creating the beautiful discomfort of the research laboratory spirit in (contact) improvisation.

BIO:
Joaquín Alfei (Argentinian)
Joaquín is a dancer, dance researcher, and doctor in Psychology (KU Leuven – Belgium). Existing in the practices of dance and improvisation, experimental psychology, and philosophy, Joaquín has been obsessed in ‘ways of knowing’ and ‘gestures’ of research in dance improvisation and science. Challenging classical divergences between subject/object, in both his dancing explorations and academic work.
Joaquín has grown thinking-in-movement in Bruxelles and the dance artists who have most nourished him with their material about improvisation and that he has studied with are D. Lepkoff, K.J. Holmes, J. Hamilton, L. Nelson, C. Morrisey, R. Chung, N. Little, S. Smith, M. Kivaldy and K. Nelson.
Viewing dance and (contact) improvisation as multi-faceted, he is presently absorbed in the physical aspects of the study, but too theory, conversation, written and artistic creation. Upon meeting (contact) improvisation many years ago, he found himself centred around the form, dancing and teaching internationally (EU, Japan, UK, South America).

Dance Video Archive Vimeo I https://vimeo.com/user154670378
Academic Writing https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=EqcVWiEAAAAJ&hl=en

[VENUE & TRAVEL]
https://maps.app.goo.gl/hRfBTSuQn7HB7omo9
John Cabot Academy (School) , Woodside Road, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 8BD
50 mins from Temple Meads Station
50 mins - from Bus Station
40 mins from Flix / Megabus / National Express drop-off point (Bond Street)
There is ample free parking directly outside of the venue
Once you have secured a place in the workshop, you will receive a lift sharing document, this can be used to offer and seek lifts to the venue from other participants
The theatre space is located within the school main building. At reception someone will be there to greet you and show you the hall.

[ACCOMODATION]
This workshop is non-residential, although local accommodation is available by AirBnB within a 10 mins walking distance from the venue. Hotels are a bit further away and are located in the center, around 40 mins by public transport.
Once you have secured a place in the workshop, you will receive additional information that may allow shared accommodation with other participants or the local Bristol CI community

[FOOD]
The hall includes access to a kitchen to warm food brought for lunch and a dining area to eat. Food can also be bought on Two Mile high street, approximately 10 mins walk from the venue.
A light selection of fruits, biscuits and teas will be provided at the venue.

[CONTACT INFO]
bristolcontactresearch@gmail.com

Contact Improvisation Beginners Classes - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 13 Apr 25 17:15
2025-04-13 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 20 Apr 25 17:15
2025-04-20 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Beginners Classes - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 27 Apr 25 17:15
2025-04-27 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 4 May 25 17:15
2025-05-04 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Dancing the Unknown - Richard Parker - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 10 May 25 10:00
2025-05-10 10:00 - 18:00 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom
Dancing the Unknown
Improvisation as a Shared Journey

Contact Improvisation Workshop with Richard Parker

Let go of expectations, tune into the art of listening and response, and embrace the unknown as you discover improvisation as a shared journey.

Expanding Group Creativity and Playfulness
Tap into the co-creative nature of improvisation by listening to and responding to the shifting dynamics within Contact Improvisation. Together, we’ll explore tools like momentum, gravity, rhythm, and spatial awareness, allowing spontaneous and unknown moments to emerge. Through shared exploration, we’ll uncover new possibilities for playful interaction and creative movement.

Mindfulness and Improvisation Beyond Technique
This workshop will include guided scores and mindfulness practices to help you connect deeply to the present moment. By listening inwardly and outwardly, we’ll cultivate improvisation as a language of movement that transcends technique, inviting richer, more expressive, and unpredictable dances to unfold.

Cultivating Confidence and Creativity in Jams
Build confidence and ease in jam settings by learning to respond intuitively to the evolving flow of the dance. We’ll explore how to access jams with openness and curiosity, developing trust in yourself, your partners, and the improvisational process.

Through listening and response, we’ll create dances that are alive with creativity, spontaneity, and connection.

Level

This workshop is not suitable for newcomers to Contact Improvisation, but it welcomes anyone who has begun to explore the practice, from those with some experience to well-seasoned practitioners.

Venue & Travel:

St Michaels Parish Hall is near the University of Bristol and the city centre. It is a 20-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads Railway Station, with plenty of free parking. Upon booking you’ll be sent more info about how to find us, parking and given access to a lift-share document.

The venue has a wooden floor, plenty of heating and natural light, with access to a kitchen.

Ticket Info: https://www.contactimprovcamp.co.uk/immersive-workshop-days/bristol?fbclid=IwY2xjawHzbWtleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYHtuxzrrekw69e1WsHvxPC2-6vRfP4UnBJONVeHjZ5EYx4GzvSX0I1kug_aem_TyqHWbZdz96f4_8yVJPEQg

Inclusivity:

At Emerging Hearts we hope to make our events as accessible as possible. We understand that while we try to price our events reasonably, support may still be needed. If you are on a lower income, we offer the option of paying in instalments, or at a reduced cost if the price is truly out of your range. Please visit our inclusivity page and we will be happy to assist you. Please note that while we offer further support beyond instalments, only a certain amount of these spaces may be available.

Open studio day with Touchdown Dance - - 10 May 25 10:30
2025-05-10 10:30 - 16:30
Open studio day with Touchdown Dance.
Come and join us to learn inclusive ways of working with movement facilitation with non-visual methods, through the body.
We will cover fundamentals and skills to bring participants together; to find ease, safety, self awareness and curiosity. Based in Contact Improvisation we include principles from yoga, dance, aikido and somatic practices.
Touchdown Dance invites you to join us at the Natural Theatre Institute in Bath, from 10.30 to 4 pm on Saturday May 10th. Cost £25 (waged) or £15 low waged or £10 unemployed

Please register with Katydymoke@gmail.com or 07932 038730 (whatsapp or phone).
See www.touchdowndance.co.uk

Contact Improvisation Beginners Classes - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 11 May 25 17:15
2025-05-11 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Earth Patterns & Flight Paths - St. Michael's Parish Hall - 17 May 25 10:30
2025-05-17 10:30 - 17:30 | St. Michael's Parish Hall, Park Ln, Bristol BS2 8BE, Bristol, BS2 8BE, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 18 May 25 17:15
2025-05-18 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Beginners Classes - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 25 May 25 17:15
2025-05-25 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 1 Jun 25 17:15
2025-06-01 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Beginners Classes - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 8 Jun 25 17:15
2025-06-08 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 15 Jun 25 17:15
2025-06-15 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Emerging Hearts CI Dance Camp - - 23 Jun 25 12:00
2025-06-23 12:00 - 2025-06-30 12:00
Emerging Hearts

Contact Improvisation Dance Camp UK

Where Community Matters as much as the Dance

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR 2025 CAMP
Monday 23rd June – Monday 30th June 2025
Redwood Farm, Somerset (UK)
We're thrilled to announce our 2025 Contact Improvisation Dance Camp is returning to the beautiful landscape of Redwood Farm. After the incredible success and your wonderful feedback from this year, we’re excited to extend the camp to a FULL 7 DAYS for 2025.
We wanted to let you know as early as possible so you can plan your time and join us for this unforgettable week of CI.
What’s New for 2025:

An Extended Camp: more time, more connection, more exploration.

Themed Days: Each day will explore a unique aspect of Contact Improvisation, giving you a deeper dive into the practice.

Larger Sauna Area: More space to relax, unwind, and share amidst the dancing!

Inclusive Support for Beginners: Dedicated guidance to ensure everyone, no matter their experience level, feels supported.

More Protein Options: We’re offering additional options to ensure everyone feels well-nourished throughout the camp.

https://www.contactimprovcamp.co.uk/

Underscore Practice with David Leahy - St Werburghs Primary School - 6 Jul 25 15:00
2025-07-06 15:00 - 21:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
David will facilitate an Underscore and will play live music for it. More details to follow soon.Attendees are invited to bring food to share together afterwards.

3:00 - 4:00 Arrive and talk through for people who haven't done the Underscore before
4:00 Arrival of people familiar with the Underscore
4:00 - 4:30 Assembly - a space for the group to come together, share and set intentions
4:30 - 7:00 Moving together for 2.5 hours
7:00 - 7:30 Harvest - coming together to verbally share and reflect
7:30 - 8:30 Foodshare meal
8:30 - 9:00 Clearing up and leaving

Any queries email info@contactdance.co.uk

£10/£15/£18

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/1691820

The Underscore practice

The Underscore, which was conceived by Nancy Stark Smith, takes the improvising dancer through a number of states of listening and awareness that commonly occur within an improvised dance / Contact jam setting. Beginning with a deeply internal focus the practice gradually expands outwards until the dancer is invited to engage more fully with the physical space and everyone within it.

Nancy always referred to the Underscore as both a personal research tool, one that allows each individual the opportunity to scrutinize how they engage with the dance, while at the same time being a frame that supports the dancers to establish deeper and more sustaining connections with the others that they are sharing the practice with.

An important aspect of the Underscore is that the facilitator does not guide the dancers through the process but rather introduces the practice before the practice starts. This leaves the responsibility of navigating through the various stages of the practice to each individual. In this way, the practice exists in between being both a prescriptive guide and a descriptive tool, that beautifully supports and under-scores what naturally happens when we come together to dance.

Having first worked with Nancy and her partner, composer Mike Vargas, in 2003, my approach to my facilitation of the practice remains very true to how I was introduced to it. As a facilitator of the practice, I am particularly focused on emphasizing how the Underscore can greatly support each individual’s personal journey into contact improvisation: with the practice effortlessly providing permission and space for a wider range of connections through dance.

Teacher Biography

Double bassist and dancer, David Leahy has been an active member of both the free improvised music and contact improvisation scenes ever since his arrival from New Zealand in 1998. As a musician, David has performed with many of the leading figures on the free music scene and has a long-standing relationship with artists such as Philipp Wachsmann, Terry Day, Loz Speyer, and Neil Metcalfe to name a few. Beyond being a member of the London Contact scene, David cites Paris-based dancer Claire Filmon, former Pina Bausch dancer Geraldo Si, and Nancy Stark Smith as formative influences on his practice.

David works at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, where he is a lecturer to both music and dance students. He is particularly interested in cross-disciplinary and spatialized performance practices and continues to base much of his personal practice on Nancy Stark-Smith's, Underscore, which he translated into a music-based practice in 2014.

Family Dance with Asher Levin and Agnieszka Grenckowska - Sparks Bristol - 27 Jul 25 11:00
2025-07-27 11:00 - 12:30 | Sparks Bristol, 78 Broadmead, Bristol, BS1 3DS, United Kingdom
FAMILY DANCE

Music-led, barefoot dance session
Theme: Waves, Tides and Beaches

Beginning with
Contact Improvisation & Free Dance facilitation
before moving into a free-dance session.
Expect:
* playful movement and dance exploration; deepening creative relationships between parents / carers and your children;

*to develop abilities to connect in an embodied, self-aware, celebratory way with oneself and others.

There will also be an opportunity to make dance-inspired drawings (materials supplied).
Target age range 3 - 9 years (younger and older are welcome) and their parents/carers. An opportunity for multi-generations to dance together in a safe, equal space!
27th July at 11:00-12:30
(we kindly ask that you arrive on time so that we can start together)
Low cost general admission tickets and limited concession tickets are now on sale.
Book here: www.agnitefitness.com/ci
General admission ticket £10 (1 parent and 1 child combined ticket), extra child £3 each (maximum of two children per one parent)
Concession ticket £5 (1 parent and 1 child combined ticket), extra child fee applies as above; note: concession ticket reserved for individuals facing significant financial difficulty)

Led by Asher Levin (www.movingadventures.co.uk)
Assisted by Agnieszka Grenckowska (www.agniteftienss.com)

Jam in the Park! - The Old Bowling Green, Brandon Hill Park - 10 Aug 25 14:00
2025-08-10 14:00 - 17:00 | The Old Bowling Green, Brandon Hill Park, Park Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR, United Kingdom
The Old Bowling Green, Brandon Hill, Great George Street, BS1 5QD

Continuing the tradition of Bristol jams in the sun!
All levels welcome.
Sunday 10th August
2pm til whenever.
We'll be here https://maps.app.goo.gl/HYZU65c1LeW4dNS46
Contact Simon on 07947 236642 if you can't find the spot.

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 7 Sep 25 17:15
2025-09-07 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Family Dance Jam - Sparks Bristol - 21 Sep 25 11:00
2025-09-21 11:00 - 12:30 | Sparks Bristol, 78 Broadmead, Bristol, BS1 3DS, United Kingdom
FAMILY JAM – IMPROVISED GAMES, FREE DANCE AND ART PLAY.

Family Jam is a fun and engaging way for you to keep you and your child/ren moving, be creative, and connect. It is a feel-good moment session where grownups & their little ones (3–9 years) warm up, explore imaginary worlds and move with props like flowy scarves & pull rope.

The format is designed for children with parents/ caregivers who wish to stay active while having fun. The structured and facilitated elements are well balanced with free and improvised time, which is followed by an open space for creating art.

Wear flexible, comfortable clothes, and bring snacks - water will be provided.

No dance experience needed, just an open-minded attitude and an interest in staying active with your child.

Target age range 3 – 9 years (younger and older are welcome) and their parents/carers. An opportunity for multi-generations to dance together in a safe, equal space!

WHEN: 21st September, Sunday, at 11:00-12:30

(we kindly ask that you arrive on time so that we can start together)

WHERE: SPARKS Bristol, Department of Discovery, ground floor, BS1 3DS

HOW MUCH: Low cost general admission tickets and limited concession tickets are now on sale.

Book here: www.agnitefitness.com/ci

General admission ticket £10 (1 parent and 1 child combined ticket), extra child £3 each (maximum of two children per one parent)

Concession ticket £5 (1 parent and 1 child combined ticket), extra child fee applies as above; note: concession ticket reserved for individuals facing significant financial difficulty)

--

Hear my name https://namedrop.io/agnieszkagrenckowska

Agnieszka Agni Grenckowska
BPhil, Slupsk

MA Cultural Studies, Warsaw
FdSc Health and Social Care, UWE Bristol
RNDA BPP

Freelance dance practitioner I Community & Event Organiser and Facilitator
Certified Personal Development Coach
Owner at AGNA Holistic Personal Development Coaching

https://linktr.ee/movetowellness

mobile UK: +44 (0) 7871455025

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 21 Sep 25 17:15
2025-09-21 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Spiral Me - A Contact Improvisation weekend workshop with Teti Nikolopoulou - St Werburghs Primary School, Silver Birch Annexe - 27 Sep 25 10:00
2025-09-27 10:00 - 2025-09-28 17:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, Silver Birch Annexe, Mogg Street, Bristol, BS2 9UB, United Kingdom
Spiral Me…

*Saturday and Sunday day tickets are now available!

All paths of movement are spirals, all creatures on earth have evolved in the spiral model. Spiral reaches to the source of our existence.

In this 9-10 hours workshop we will explore the essence of the spiral. We will focus on its mechanism to find the functional paths of the body.

In the first day, we will explore Paxton's material on the spine, and we will experiment in the tools derived from this. Furthermore, we will combine somatics approach, like experiential anatomy and developmental movement to get conscious in the biomechanics of the body and functional movement. We will find out that the spiral occurs in the thorax, while pelvis facilitates the procedure. In this way, the spine easily follows the pathways of movement and move smoothly, powerfully and efficiently.

In the second day of the workshop, we will see how limbs assist and navigate spirals. We will then apply these principles to contact improvisation, and we will explore the spiral pattern with partner at all levels, from the floor to the spirals on the back and around the heads of others

The workshop is for all levels, and intermediate and advanced.

Venue
St. Werburghs Primary School
Silver Birch Annexe
Mogg Street
St Werburgh's
Bristol
BS2 9UB

Teti Nikolopoulou bio

Teti is a dancer, choreographer and Physical Education (Phd) teacher. She has been studied and trained for over 25 years in dance and contact improvisation and has completed postgraduate (2009) and doctoral studies (PHD/2020) on them in National and Kapodestrian University of Athens. She combines the practice of dance with theories, while connecting the modern dance forms with kinetic forms from the tradition. She has attended dance and contact improvisation workshops with important teachers (Nita Little, Ann Cooper Albright, Christina Klissiouni, Frey Faust, Timos Zechas, Charly Morrissey, David Zabrano, etc) and has been dancing and choreographing since 1992. She has collaborated with choreographers, directors, musicians, and visual artists and has taken part in international platforms and dance festivals. She teaches dance, improvisation and contact improvisation in professional dance schools, while she gives lectures, writes articles, and gives workshops on Somatics. Teti is an artist who invests in the dancer’s embodiment and uses it as a performative process. The dramaturgy of the performances results from the very process of movement and dance, while other narrative elements borrowed from other arts and life are used adjunctively. In other words, Teti, as teacher, dancer and choreographer focuses on the act of dance itself, recognizing the autonomy of this art and its ability to express meaning. She has also created a workshops where she trains professional dancers for free in exchange for research and creation of choreographic material, in Athens. Teti, in her youth, has been awarded twice in Pan-Hellenic choreography competitions and is funded by the Greek Ministry of Culture regularly from 2007, and 1017 until today.

Tickets https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/1639583

Contact Improvisation Beginners Class - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 28 Sep 25 17:15
2025-09-28 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
Bristol Contact Improvisation presentsOngoing beginners classes (2hrs class) covering the fundamentals of Contact Improvisation.
Here is what it can look like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eQ91vd1KBI
Teachers: Yasin Hussain, Edwina Pereira, Jan-Ming Lee, Sam Bloomfield, Karen Logan Woods, Simon Leach, Claire Coveney, Grace Newman.
There are different teachers different weeks, so you can experience different styles and perspectives in each class.
The classes will include:- Developing body awareness through movement in space- Learning to share weight with others through a point of contact- Using gravity to inform our movement explorations- Developing a strong sense of our connection with the ground, both directly and through contact with others- Embodying movement pathways, both solo and in contact- Exploring different qualities of movement and touch- Opportunities to integrate material from exercises through solo and group improvisation

Dates:28th September12th and 26th October9th and 23rd November14th and 28th December11th and 25th January8th and 22nd February8th and 22nd March12th and 26th April10th and 24th May14th June

Time: 5.15pm - 7.30pm. (Doors open at 5.15pm, class starts 5:30. Please arrive in good time so we can start together.)Location: Hut 6388, Bartholomew's Road, St Andrews, Bristol BS 79BJ
CostIndividual class: £10 Concession, £13 waged, £16 ContributorWe don't want to exclude anyone because of financial circumstances. Please contact us on info@contactdance.co.uk if you can't afford the concession price.
Booking: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/1322702The space is limited to 18 people. To avoid disappointment, please do book in advance once booking is open.
Any queries, email info@contactdance.co.ukWe aim to provide an inclusive environment for all bodies. If you have any specific requirements, please do let us know when making a booking.
About CIContact Improvisation is an open-ended exploration of the kinaesthetic possibilities of bodies moving through contact. Sometimes wild and athletic, sometimes quiet and meditative, it is a form open to all bodies and enquiring minds. The practice includes rolling, falling, being upside down, following a physical point of contact, supporting and giving weight to a partner. It is a free play with balance, of no set outcome, bringing forth a physical/emotional truth about a shared moment of movement that leaves the participants informed, centered, and enlivened. (Paxton, Chung)
For more information about this practice and Bristol CI, please visit: https://contactdance.co.uk/
Photography: Ella SwanelloDancers: Edwina Pereira and Grace Newman

Contact Improvisation Workshop with Laura Doehler - St Werburghs Primary School - 5 Oct 25 14:00
2025-10-05 14:00 - 17:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
The joy and desire to connect to someone else is enabled through one’s own grounding, clarity of attention and presence. As the patterns that inform our connections to others and our environment start within ourselves, we take this session for an intuitive and playful integration of a variety of these developmental patterns to gain a freedom in our own movement that others are naturally part of at all times. The aim is to feel how moving by oneself and moving with others is in many ways the same thing and to understand what changes when we come in and out of contact.

Laura Doehler has taught CI for about 20 years in London and across Europe. She applies it regularly as part of her work at the National Centre for Circus Arts where she trains circus artists to make sense of movement by doing and by crafting performances. Her love of contact and dance is very much rooted in the desire to feel free to move and connect, to playfully open up new ways of being and relating. Laura is also director of the non-profit company Exit Map that employs movement to inspire social and environmental change.

www.exitmap.org

Tickets £15/£20/£25

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/1841332

*Free entry to the jam and foodshare afterwards at 5:15

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 5 Oct 25 17:15
2025-10-05 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Beginners Class - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 12 Oct 25 17:15
2025-10-12 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 19 Oct 25 17:15
2025-10-19 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Who Are You Dancing With? Visible and invisible Forces and Relationships in CI - day workshop with Juliet Shelley - St Werburghs Primary School, Silver Birch Annexe - 25 Oct 25 10:00
2025-10-25 10:00 - 19:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, Silver Birch Annexe, Mogg Street, Bristol, BS2 9UB, United Kingdom
Who Are You Dancing With?
Visible and invisible Forces and Relationships in CI
What are some of the ways that we can more fully inhabit the shared experience of dancing CI?
Day workshop - 7 hours of teaching time

What are some of the ways that we can more fully inhabit the shared experience of dancing CI?
How can you bring more of who you are into your dancing?

In this workshop we’ll employ the vocabulary of Contact Improvisation to explore ways towards deepening and expanding our relationship with ourselves and with others as we dance.

Alongside the physical practice of dancing CI, the workshop will offer ways to bring less visible aspects of yourself into your dancing which can offer a richness of depth, nuance, range and integration both internally and externally.
The workshop will address aspects that are personal to you and how these personal aspects interface with the vocabulary and form of CI.

We’ll practice and explore the dialogue and play between the micro and the macro, the personal and the shared and the exchange that happens between them on a moment to moment basis.
The workshop will offer you practices to remain present on many levels in your dancing of CI to help you resource aspects of yourself that you may not normally access while you dance.
This includes exploring and integrating your vision, hearing, sensation and movement, and applying this practice to your dancing of CI.

From here you can access specificity, focus, range/expansion and a deeper relationship to the environment, which can bring support to your body and emotional sentience and colour to your dancing.

Juliet Shelley is a dancer, choreographer and performer currently residing in Paris, France. She studied dance professionally at the Laban Centre, London and at the Centre for New Dance Development in Amsterdam. Alongside her performance work, she has been dancing and teaching Contact Improvisation for most of her adult life. Her teachers include Nancy Stark Smith, Steve Paxton, Katie Duck, Julyen Hamilton, Kirstie Simson, Chris Aiken and Martin Keogh. She has taught classes and workshops in the UK, France, Netherlands, Italy, USA, Malaysia, New Zealand and Australia. She also teaches classes in Pilates and the Alexander Technique.

https://muovo.fr/en/pages/what-people-say
info@contactdance.co.uk
Concession £55 +£1.50 booking fee
Full price £65 +£2 booking fee

Tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/1671184

Contact Improvisation Beginners Class - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 26 Oct 25 17:15
2025-10-26 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 2 Nov 25 17:15
2025-11-02 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Beginners Class - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 9 Nov 25 17:15
2025-11-09 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 16 Nov 25 17:15
2025-11-16 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Beginners Class - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 23 Nov 25 17:15
2025-11-23 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Finding Tone: Dancing In and Out of Contact - A Contact Improvisation Workshop with Lisa May Thomas - - 7 Dec 25 14:00
2025-12-07 14:00 - 17:00
Finding Tone: Dancing In and Out of Contact - For beginners and intermediates

In this Contact Improvisation workshop, we will explore how tone—the balance between release and readiness—laxation and tension, shapes our dancing both in and out of contact. Through solo, partner, and group explorations, participants will be guided to find greater clarity, playfulness, and depth in their movement.

Together we will:
* Practice centering techniques and weight transfer to ground and expand our dancing.
* Work with rolling, reaching, folding, and off-balance to discover pathways into and out of the floor.
* Explore listening in partnership—how to follow, support, or disrupt through touch.
* Investigate “tone” from the inside out, using living and moving sculptures as playful structures for trio work.
* Develop strategies for performing contact—including piloting, blindfolded duets, and shifting between giving and receiving in the dance.

This session is open to movers with some curiosity about Contact Improvisation—whether you are just beginning or wishing to deepen your existing practice. Expect a balance of movement drills, creative scores, and performance play, all within a supportive environment.

Lisa May Thomas is a dance artist, teacher, and facilitator whose work weaves together somatic practice, improvisation, and contemporary dance. She has also extensively explored how we are embodied with different technologies, making dance films, and working with technologies such as motion capture and multi-person virtual reality to create participatory immersive performances.

Lisa has a broad-range of teaching expertise which includes lecturing in higher education across the UK, teaching class for experienced dancers, working with inclusive dance groups and with communities of elders. With a background in both performance and movement research, she creates spaces that encourage curiosity, playfulness, and embodied awareness. Her teaching is rooted in an attentiveness to the body and exploring our interconnectedness to the world around us. She works with practices that orient around touch and weight to open new possibilities for movement and connection.

Lisa has taught and performed widely, developing a practice that values both rigorous technique and improvisational responsivity, supporting movers of all backgrounds to deepen their experience of dance as an expressive and relational artform

Tickets £15/£20/£25

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/1841532

*Free entry to the jam and foodshare afterwards at 5:15

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 7 Dec 25 17:15
2025-12-07 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Beginners Class - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 14 Dec 25 17:15
2025-12-14 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Solstice Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 21 Dec 25 17:15
2025-12-21 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
Solstice Celebration Dance Jam

Come join us next Sunday the 21st for a Solstice Celebration Jam, gathering together and bringing awareness to this turning point of the year.

After this day, the light slowly begins its return. We'll honour the solstice together by dancing in silence, listening deeply to one another, letting presence guide us.

You’re invited to bring a lamp or small light, helping to softly illuminate the space and symbolise the returning sun

After the jam, we’ll have a food share, please bring a meal

We look forward to welcoming you into this special mid-winter jam.

Space Opens at: 5:15pm for personal warm up.Jam : 5.30pm to 7.45pmSpace Closes: 8pm (or 9pm when there is a foodshare)
Price: £8 supported, £10 standard
For those unable to afford £8 there are a limited number of tickets available for £5
Any queries email info@contactdance.co.uk
For more info on Bristol CI and Contact Improvisation. See https://contactdance.co.uk/
Note: The area is residential, so we kindly ask attendees to park/arrive/leave quietly and be respectful of the neighbours.

LocationSt Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US

Book tickets here https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/1483014

Winter CI jam and shared meal - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 29 Dec 25 17:00
2025-12-29 17:00 - 21:00 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom
Midwinter jam with foodshare!
Join us for an evening of Contact Improvisation, hosted by Bristol CI. The session will be a jam only space, open to all levels of
experience.

Bring food to share and eat together afterwards - there is a kitchen where food can be heated up.

Space Opens at: 5:00pm for personal warm up.
Opening circle at 5.30
Facilitated warm-up from 5.45 to 6.15
Jam : 6.15pm to 7.45pm
Foodshare 7.45 to 8.45 then finish by 9pm.

Price: £5, £8 or £10 - choose what you feel able to pay.

Any queries email info@contactdance.co.uk
For more info on Bristol CI and Contact Improvisation. See https://contactdance.co.uk/

Location: Scout Hut 6388, St. Bartholomews Rd, St Andrew's, Bristol BS7 9BJ

Note: The area is residential, so we kindly ask attendees to park/arrive/leave quietly and be respectful of the neighbours.

Location
Scout Hut 6388, St. Bartholomews Rd, St Andrews, Bristol BS7 9BJ, BS7 9BJ

Tickets

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/1977440

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 4 Jan 26 17:15
2026-01-04 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Beginners Class - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 11 Jan 26 17:15
2026-01-11 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 18 Jan 26 17:15
2026-01-18 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation BOOTCAMP - St Werburghs Primary School - 22 Jan 26 19:00
2026-01-22 19:00 - 21:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
Contact Improvisation BOOTCAMP! Bristol 2026

Join us for 8 weeks of Contact Improvisation, honing in on the physical part of this practice.

These 2hr weekly classes lean on developing by practice and repetition, to build confidence and train the body. The first two classes have the option of dropping in, thereafter the remaining 6 classes will be a closed group. Each class will consist of:

- Rigorous full body warm up
- Small Jam
- Mobility/floorwork drills
- Contact drills
- Jam
- Bodywork

Expect a fun, dynamic, focused class with opportunities to improve mobility and advance skills. Exercises repeat throughout each week with options/adaptions according to skill levels as we move through the weeks.

OPEN LEVEL
For those comfortable with weight sharing and keen for getting sweaty!

LOCATION
Sports Hall St Werburgh’s Primary School, James St, St Werburgh's, Avon, Bristol BS2 9US

TIME / DATE
Thursdays 7pm-9pm / 22nd January - 12th March 2026

CONTACT INFO:
movingthroughmovement@gmail.com

PROGRAMME
Whole course - 22nd January - 12th March (8 Weeks):
- Drop in (try before committing) - 22nd+29th January (2 weeks)
- Closed committed group - 5th February - 12th March

TICKET PRICING
DROP IN - 22nd/ 29th January (each class) : £12 Standard £10 Concession
50% attendance (4 classes): Standard: £46 Concession £40

75% attendance (6 classes): Standard: £70 Concession £60

100% attendance (8 classes): Standard: £90 Concession £80

Minimum commitment of 50% attendance (4 classes) for the whole course (including two drop in days), with the option to add extra sessions as drop-ins if you’re able to join more.
We have tried to make it as affordable as possible, if the cost is still an obstacle for you to attend please get in touch.

Feel free to add a donation when buying your ticket if you would like to support us and have the means.

Disclaimer: If we do not sell enough block tickets for a closed group, the course may be opened for drop-ins.

About the facilitators:
Edwina has been dancing contact improvisation for 8 years, she has been taught by Daniel Lepkov, Nita Little, Eszter Gál, amongst many others. Edwina is a trained dancer and massage therapist; she is inspired by somatics, anatomy and technical principles of movement to harness a wide range of expression in the dance. Edwinas' teaching style is fun, energetic and caring.
Yasin has been dancing for over 5 years and has travelled internationally. His practice has been informed by teachers such as Daniel Lepkov, Nita Little, Matan Levkowich, amongst many others. Yasin is an engineer and dancer; he takes inspiration from physics and structures and applies these principles to contact improvisation. Yasin's teaching style is silly, imaginative and thorough.

Tickets:

https://hdfst.uk/e146292

Link to event on 29th Jan

https://hdfst.uk/e146418

link to event on 5th feb

https://hdfst.uk/e146419

link to event on 12th Feb

https://hdfst.uk/e146420

link to event from 19th Feb to 12th March

EYES CLOSED CONTACT IMPROVISATION JAM - Old Endowed School - 24 Jan 26 17:00
2026-01-24 17:00 - 19:30 | Old Endowed School, Rodborough , Stroud, GL5 3NF, United Kingdom
EYES CLOSED CONTACT IMPROVISATION JAM, Sat 24th Jan, 5 - 7.30pm, with Jocasta. @ Old Endowed School, Rodborough, Stroud, GL5 3NF. Price £15, £22, £25. To book your place, please PayPal deva-shanti(at)hotmail.com or DM Jocasta for bank details. We will have an opening circle and then Jocasta will lead us in through exercises which explore eyes, eyes open, eyes closed, eyes all over the body and anesthesia of the senses. This will tumble into a soft slow eyes closed jam, with ambient tones and spaces of silence.

Contact Improvisation Beginners Class - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 25 Jan 26 17:15
2026-01-25 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation BOOTCAMP - St Werburghs Primary School - 29 Jan 26 19:00
2026-01-29 19:00 - 21:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Dance Day with Lucia Navarro - St Werburghs Primary School - 1 Feb 26 12:00
2026-02-01 12:00 - 17:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
A key member of the Bristol CI organising and teaching team over the past years, Lucia moved back to Spain to deepen her studies of CI. She'll be visiting to share her perspectives on what it is to be a moving body, both solo and with others.

Lucia is offer two 2 hour workshops.

12:00 - 2:00 Movement Improvisation - Aligned Bodies
This workshop is an invitation to connect with our movement and how it is affected in relation to other bodies or the space around it.

2:00 - 3:00 Lunch break

3:00 - 5:00 Contact Improvisation - Orientation Spaces
In CI dance, we may encounter situations in which our body feels disoriented. Through different exercises, we will seek to familiarise ourselves with these situations so that we can enjoy this wonderful practice to the fullest.

You can attend both workshops or just one. If you attend either you will get FREE entry to the Bristol CI jam afterwards, running from 5:30 to 7:45 with shared food afterwards.

One workshop: £10/£13/£16

Both workshops: £18/£24/£30

Location
St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US

Tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bristolcontactimprovisationdance/1989643

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 1 Feb 26 17:15
2026-02-01 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation BOOTCAMP - St Werburghs Primary School - 5 Feb 26 19:00
2026-02-05 19:00 - 21:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Beginners Class - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 8 Feb 26 17:15
2026-02-08 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation BOOTCAMP - St Werburghs Primary School - 12 Feb 26 19:00
2026-02-12 19:00 - 21:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Freedom Within Limits - Exploring the Edges of Contact Improvisation - The Greenhouse - 14 Feb 26 11:00
2026-02-14 11:00 - 20:30 | The Greenhouse, Hereford Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 4NA, Bristol, BS3 4NA, United Kingdom
Immerse yourself into sensorial textures and landscapes at the edges of contact improvisation with Jamus Wood, where movement becomes conversation and the rope enriches every whisper of sensation. Senses sharpen, roles shift, breath thickens, and touch gathers into a quiet language that pulls you deeper into the dance.

Our day at the edge of Contact Improvisation, begins by Grounding ourselves in contact improvisation and cultivating our attention inward and outward, so movement wells up from listening, from breath, from the body’s own inspirations.

Once we are tuned to the groups collective body, we’ll draw from Shibari. We’ll begin without ropes, exploring relational sensation through weight and compression, binding/unbinding, held/free. From here we will meet the rope Ichinawa (one-rope) to deepen into resistance and surrender, stillness and breath, gravity and flow.

We’ll conclude our day with an exploratory jam, allowing space to integrate what we've explored and to express ourselves freely, weaving our individual journeys into a collective tapestry of creativity and joy.Join us in this supportive circle of explorers. Together, let’s celebrate the borders of Contact Improvisation with Shibari, deepening our connections through movement, trust and shared discovery.

Limited tickets available.

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/jamuswoodembodiment/1957903

Location
The Greenhouse, Hereford Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 4NA

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 15 Feb 26 17:15
2026-02-15 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation BOOTCAMP - St Werburghs Primary School - 19 Feb 26 19:00
2026-02-19 19:00 - 21:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Beginners Class - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 22 Feb 26 17:15
2026-02-22 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Queer Contact Improv: Improvers Course ✨ - St Werburghs Community Centre - 25 Feb 26 18:30
2026-02-25 18:30 - 20:30 | St Werburghs Community Centre, Horley Road, Bristol, BS2 9TJ, United Kingdom
Hey all, we’re excited to launch a new 6-week course for LGBTQI+ folks with some experience of Contact Improvisation who want to deepen their practice in a queer-led, supportive space.

Whether you’ve joined one of our beginner courses or have been dancing CI for a while, this course is an invitation to refine your skills, explore new techniques, and move in connection with queer community.

Contact Improvisation is a playful, dynamic dance form rooted in touch, shared weight, listening, and embodied awareness.

Together we’ll explore safe risk, responsiveness, and new possibilities for movement and connection.

Facilitated by experienced CI practitioners Ania Varez (they/them) and Rhiannon Colvin (she/they), the course will build on core CI principles while offering space to develop and play.

You can sign up here: https://forms.gle/wg8z4kbDD3C9REHSA

Contact Improvisation BOOTCAMP - St Werburghs Primary School - 26 Feb 26 19:00
2026-02-26 19:00 - 21:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 1 Mar 26 17:15
2026-03-01 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Queer Contact Improv: Improvers Course ✨ - St Werburghs Community Centre - 4 Mar 26 18:30
2026-03-04 18:30 - 20:30 | St Werburghs Community Centre, Horley Road, Bristol, BS2 9TJ, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation BOOTCAMP - St Werburghs Primary School - 5 Mar 26 19:00
2026-03-05 19:00 - 21:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Beginners Class - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 8 Mar 26 17:15
2026-03-08 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Queer Contact Improv: Improvers Course ✨ - St Werburghs Community Centre - 11 Mar 26 18:30
2026-03-11 18:30 - 20:30 | St Werburghs Community Centre, Horley Road, Bristol, BS2 9TJ, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation BOOTCAMP - St Werburghs Primary School - 12 Mar 26 19:00
2026-03-12 19:00 - 21:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 15 Mar 26 17:15
2026-03-15 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Queer Contact Improv: Improvers Course ✨ - St Werburghs Community Centre - 18 Mar 26 18:30
2026-03-18 18:30 - 20:30 | St Werburghs Community Centre, Horley Road, Bristol, BS2 9TJ, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Beginners Class - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 22 Mar 26 17:15
2026-03-22 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Queer Contact Improv: Improvers Course ✨ - St Werburghs Community Centre - 25 Mar 26 18:30
2026-03-25 18:30 - 20:30 | St Werburghs Community Centre, Horley Road, Bristol, BS2 9TJ, United Kingdom

Queer Contact Improv: Improvers Course ✨ - St Werburghs Community Centre - 1 Apr 26 18:30
2026-04-01 18:30 - 20:30 | St Werburghs Community Centre, Horley Road, Bristol, BS2 9TJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 5 Apr 26 17:15
2026-04-05 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Beginners Class - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 12 Apr 26 17:15
2026-04-12 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 19 Apr 26 17:15
2026-04-19 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Beginners Class - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 26 Apr 26 17:15
2026-04-26 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 3 May 26 17:15
2026-05-03 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Beginners Class - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 10 May 26 17:15
2026-05-10 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 17 May 26 17:15
2026-05-17 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Beginners Class - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 24 May 26 17:15
2026-05-24 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 7 Jun 26 17:15
2026-06-07 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom

Contact Improvisation Beginners Class - 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut - 14 Jun 26 17:15
2026-06-14 17:15 - 19:30 | 63rd Bristol Scouts Hut, St Bartholomews Road, St Andrews, Bristol, BS7 9BJ, United Kingdom

Bristol CI Jam - St Werburghs Primary School - 21 Jun 26 17:15
2026-06-21 17:15 - 20:00 | St Werburghs Primary School, James Street, Bristol, BS2 9US, United Kingdom
