Between Falling and Flying - a Contact Improvisation dance workshop

Led by seasoned teachers, this workshop explores the potent space between falling and flying for dynamic dances.
About this Event

This 5-hour workshop explores the potent space between falling and flying which requires attention to gravity and the skillful modulation of balance. Particular attention will be given to the feet, legs and pelvis to orient and guide the body’s weight through space. We will practice folding and yielding softly into the ground and then finding suspension and lightness as we pour into support and take flight. Alongside focused exploration, skill-building, and open dancing, the workshop offers an opportunity to deeply explore partnering material within an intimate group and in close dialogue with the instructors.

It is recommended that you have some prior experience with Contact Improvisation. Total newcomers will be accepted on a case by case basis. Participants with specific access needs are asked to notify us in advance.

TEACHERS:
, MFA (she/they) is a creator, performer, improviser, collaborator, and educator. She is a New York City Bessie Award-winning choreographer and has been a practitioner of Contact Improvisation for nearly 25 years. Her research on therapeutic touch and movement is published in and has been presented at various conferences including CI@50, the Embodiment Conference, Dance & Somatics Conference, the Future of CI Conference, and the National Conference on Community and Restorative Justice. As a CI teacher, recent teaching engagements include The Field Center, European Contact Improvisation Teachers Exchange, PDX CI +/- Festival, Brinca Galicia Contact Festival, Ontario Regional Contact Improv Dance Jam, wcciJAM, Salt Spring Island Contact Improvisation Festival and Earthdance. As a dancer, Gabrielle has performed for Lucinda Childs, Makini (jumatatu m. poe), Susan Rethorst, David Gordon, Vicky Shick, Bill Young, Almanac Dance Circus Theater, Jane Comfort, and Susan Marshall. Revlock holds an MFA in Dance from Smith College and a Certificate in Restorative Justice Facilitation from the University of San Diego.

Ryan Yamauchi (he/him) was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii where he trained in ballet, contemporary dance, aikido and improvisation. He is currently a dancer and rehearsal director with Doug Varone and Dancers and a performing collaborator with 2nd Best Dance Company. Ryan has taught and staged Varone's dances at a number of universities including SUNY Purchase, NYU/Tisch, The Boston Conservatory, and George Mason University. Ryan has been practicing contact improvisation since 2012 and has taught CI at The Field Center, The Peaceable Barn, Peridance Center and in open classes in New York.