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It starts with a handshake. 

From Lab to Jam

 

How can contact Improvisation be used to tell personal stories, and how can we infuse our humanity into our dance? Weaving in and out of episodes of our lives, we explore pure and abstract contact flow on physical, psychological and emotional planes. Can we develop a whole story, a conversation that begins with simply reaching out to shake the hand of a stranger, seeking the connection of our dance to the fascinating personal encounters of our daily lives? This workshop aims towards an enhanced understanding of the potential of touch and trust. Of touching and being touched by someone else, while “donating an important aspect of yourself and trusting someone else to manage it for you” (Steve Paxton 2018). Let’s think beyond what happens if a partner is unwilling or unable to say “yes”. How does one continue? Is it possible to introduce a different vocabulary for developing movement patterns that go away from conventional acceptance of impulses offered? That challenges our linear understanding and practice of contact improvisation? Starting with the simple handshake, the physical point of entry. Then progressing from a safe space to a brave space. Interpreting the touch impulse of the other, not only as an indication of where to go, but also as an invitation to be allowed to choose otherwise, reflecting authentic human dialogue, building from simplicity to virtuosity.