Contact Improvisation is a partnering dance form that was founded by Steve Paxton in 1972. The practice is based on a physical conversation between two or more bodies, exploring the principles of momentum, weight and touch. “Integrating his background as a modern dancer and his studies in the martial art form Aikido, Steve developed Contact Improv through explorations with his students and colleagues at the time.” (Zemeleman, no date)
Applying techniques such as:
- Transfer of Weight
- Counterbalance
- Center of Gravity
- Touch Points
- Breath
- Rolling, Sliding, Pushing, Pulling
- Open Space for Bodily Investigations
- Sensitivity and awareness
Allows for a released flow of movement during the physical dialogue being created between bodies. “As time has gone on, the definition of contact improvisation has changed; away from experimental dance phenomenon and toward physical practice allied with a number of complex new body and mind studies.” (Paxton, 2003, p.175)
“Contact Improvisation is an honouring 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.” – Moti Zemelman
Bibliography:
Zemelman, M. (no date) What is contact improvisation? Available at: http://www.contactimprov.com/whatiscontactimprov.html (Accessed: 23 November 2016).
Paxton, S. Drafting Interior Technique. In Stark-Smith, N. A Subjective History of Contact Improvisation. In Albright, A. C., & Gere, D. (2003). Taken by surprise: A dance improvisation reader. Middletown, Conn: Wesleyan University Press. Pp. 175 – 184.
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