I understand Contact Improvisation to be, in a very simple way, just dancing. I don’t really separate it from the rest of my dancing. My own “definition” of Contact Improvisation is: “The exploration of the limits and possibilities of moving with poetic intent, but without a plan, in close proximity with other people, and the effect of what is learned there on the dance when we are further away”. With this in mind we’ll be exploring, in movement, some ideas and processes that are relevant to all dance practice and seeing how that exploration enriches the specific context of dancing Contact Improvisation (however each participant understands it). We have limited time so we will focus on one “theme” in particular; phrasing. We’ll look at the grammar and syntax of phrasing in movement and see how a developed sensitivity to this can enrich duets and group improvisations. This will provide the thread through the classes but of course we’ll also touch on other issues, particularly around the journey through vertical space (alone and together) and the profound experiences involved in changing proximity with other people (from far to full weight bearing).  These explorations will emerge from and return to solo and interactive. Hopefully this will enrich what everyone can bring to, and receive from, jamming. The processes in the workshop can be explored with any level of physical ability. 

There will be considerable conceptual material. I’ll attend to limiting the amount of talking I do by presenting the material in written and diagrammatic form. 

I suggest people bring a notebook in which to write and draw.