Contemplative Dance Practice: Contact Improvisation & Partnering

July 20, 2028 at 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

The Berkeley Alembic, 2820 Seventh St, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA

Format 4:00pm - 5:30pm -- Contact Improvisation class (open container, arrive anytime before 5:30pm) 5:30pm - 7:00pm -- Contemplative Dance Practice (doors lock at 5:30pm, please do not arrive late) Register https://www.berkeleyalembic.org/events Description This class is a welcoming entry point into Contact Improvisation, held within the structure of Contemplative Dance Practice. No prior experience is necessary but experienced movers will find depth, rigor and an open space for research and exploration. Touch is welcome but never required. Clear consent, attunement and respect for boundaries are foundational. This space invites participants to explore embodiment and attention, physical listening, intimacy and boundaries, risk and restraint, rigorous play 4pm (90 minutes) We explore foundational principles of Contact Improvisation and partnering through clear instruction, exercises and scores. 5:30pm (90 minutes) Contemplative Dance Practice : Silent seated meditation (~20 minutes), Personal Awareness Practice (~20 minutes), Open improvisation (~20 minutes). About the Container Participants are welcome to arrive anytime during the first 90 minutes. The container is open from 4:00–5:30pm. At 5:30pm the doors close so that the Contemplative Dance Practice portion can unfold with clarity and continuity. No one is turned away for lack of funds. Registration through the Alembic website is required. About Contact Improvisation Contact Improvisation is a movement practice centered on improvisation, somatic awareness, touch and physical communication. Through spontaneous interaction with other dancers, gravity and space, participants explore a constantly unfolding field of movement possibilities. About Contemplative Dance Practice Contemplative Dance Practice combines seated meditation, personal awareness practice and open improvisation. The form was developed by dancer, teacher and writer Barbara Dilley at Naropa University. About the Facilitator Nick Smith is a facilitator, organizer, meditator, dancer and body worker focused on improvisation, somatics, touch and relational practices. Nick offers private work, body work sessions, organizes events and teaches regularly throughout the Bay Area. https://www.grapes.dance/