Zen and the Art of Contact Improvisation

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About

In this introductory dance workshop, audience members have the opportunity to experience a taste of the movement and partnering technique, known as Contact Improvisation. Through demonstration, participation and viewing of professional performance, the audience can see how the skills they've just learned can be transformed into dance.

Spend 45 minutes participating, stay for the duration of the session | All ages may observe. Open to participants ages 14+.

SAFETY NOTES: No previous dance experience necessary. Children under age 9 MUST be accompanied by an adult. Those who are injured or have medical concerns are advised not to participate but are encouraged as audience members.

This activity is funded by the St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program (SCCIP) Culture Days grant.

Links

• Click here for a complete listing of Culture Days activities in St. Catharines stcatharines.ca

Organizer

Contact Improv Niagara - Dahlia B. Steinberg

Dance Artist and Movement Educator, Dahlia B. Steinberg founded Contact Improv Niagara in 2019 to create an opportunity for people in the region to engage in the open and inclusive movement form known as Contact Improvisation, practiced worldwide. This dance form created by Steve Paxton in the 1970s evolved out of post-modern dance and was strongly influenced by the movement principals of the martial arts. Classes involve somatic exercises that guide students towards their unique expression of movement (weight, direction, momentum etc.) leading to the practice of partnering skills that eventually culminates in an open jam, sometimes to music and/or as a performance form in and of itself.

Contact Improv Niagara offers classes and workshops throughout the year, and aims to organize workshops with master teachers and promote multidisciplinary events (open jams and performances) in collaboration with local musicians, actors, and video/film artists.