Name of teacher
Vivianne Rodrigues de Brito
Period, duration
Block 1, 3 weeks
Study load
32 contact hours
Competencies:
1, 2, 3 & 4
Summary
Contact Improvisation (CI) is a dance form in which points of physical contact between two or more moving bodies provide the starting point for movement improvisation and exploration.The form was founded in 1972 by the American choreographer Steve Paxton.
Content and design of the class
In this class, students learn to explore their bodies in relationship with others by using the fundamentals of sharing weight, touch, and movement awareness.
The class starts with gentle manipulations in which the body becomes soft and receptive to touch. These manipulations evolve into a soft sensorial dance and gradually build into a playful and highly physical dance through the space.
The classes will consist of:
1- Practicing falling and rolling and moving into and out of the floor more fluidly, at greater speeds, from greater heights.
2- Focusing on our skeletal alignment and body-use, to lift and support weight with greater ease and freedom.
3- Practicing different qualities and ways of touching: pushing, pulling, brushing, sliding, and pivoting the point of contact.
4- Improvising with eyes closed, increasing sensorial awareness and trust in oneself and others.
5- Witnessing each other’s dancing, discussing, and reflecting on one’s own experience using non-judgmental language.
Learning goals
- To understand and utilize creatively the physical forces (gravity, inertia, and momentum) while dancing with a partner.
- To be able to roll, slide and pivot the point of contact for navigating over and around their partners and for giving them support.
- To be able to roll out of falls from different heights and are comfortable using the landing gear of hands and feet for shock absorption.
- To demonstrate constant reediness to interact in all directions and to safely react to what is happening at the moment.
- To know basic lifts and their stages.
- To be aware of different degrees of muscle tension in the body. Understand skeletal alignment and body –use.
- To be able to create, compose and perform all at the same time, exposing themselves with clear intent and full presence.
- To acquire insights into the different perspectives of a dancer and audience by watching others and being watched while dancing.
- To develop the ability to analyze and give peer feedback based on the principles taught in the classes.
Working method(s) used
Training, peer teaching and feedback, reflection, improvisation, and own exploration regarding dynamics, states of mind, and personal interpretation.
Used study material
Book: Contact Improvisation – Pallant (2006)
Videos- Steve Paxton (Magnesium and Fall after newton)
Assessment criteria:
Attendance, attitude, participation, physical and artistic personal development, insight, and communication.
Method of assessment
Continuous feedback, self-reflection and assessment, and teacher’s evaluation