Contact Improvisation Basics

• Proof of vaccination required
• $20 Cash or Venmo at the door (some proceeds after studio rent will go towards a future BIPOC workshop)
• Contact to request scholarship

Bio

I started dancing CI in Los Angeles in 2002. I've taught classes in New York City (Lehman College, 100 Grand Dance, Ecstatic Dance, Bhakti Center), Southern California, Western Massachusetts (Earthdance), Buffalo, and Michigan, and was the principal teacher for the first Buffalo Weekend Jam. I live and dance in New York City.

I like to focus on technique and practical exercises, with an emphasis on weight-sharing and the rolling point of contact. I like to de-mystify and break things down.

I'm particularly interested in truly off-balance weight-sharing; waiting; subtleties communicated through the point; footwork; moving with ease and efficiency; risk-taking; dancing on one foot; and identifying and breaking patterns. My favorite and most influential teachers include Stefan Fabry, Mary Herzog, Shel Wagner Rasch, Carolyn Waters, and Gretchen Spiro.

I was a presenter for the Consent Culture in Contact Improvisation Symposium (2020) and Future of CI conference (2011). I was a founder of the Earthdance Diversity Scholarship program and member of its DEI Committee, a founder and facilitator for the New York City CI Practica, and an organizer for Shift: The 2012 New York City Fall Equinox Jam. I blog on contact improvisation at contactimprovblog.com.

Host or Publisher Elise Knudson plus