Contemplative Dance Practice: Build-A-Floor Celebration Festival

A.P.E.@Hawley Presents:

Build-A-Floor Celebration Festival: Honoring floors for dancing and the lineage of Nancy Stark Smith, Steve Paxton, and Contact Improvisation

Thursday-Sunday, May 2-5

Project host: Andrea Olsen

The Workroom at 33 Hawley and Shepherd’s Barn at Historic Northampton

Northampton, MA USA

Friday, May 3

Contemplative Dance Practice, led by Jennifer Polins

9-10 AM, The Workroom 

“With a sprung dance floor, we will be able to continue to support and grow our thriving dance and somatics communities.”

- Build-A-Floor Project endorsement by Jennifer Polins 2020

This event follows the format of the Contemplative Dance Practice (CDP) developed by Barbara Dilley in the 1970's, and shared by Nancy Stark Smith in Florence, MA through 2020—also called “20-20-20.” After a brief introduction to the practice, we meditate in silence, move with eyes closed, and move with eyes open. Changes are signaled by the ringing of a meditation bell; participants bow in, bow out of each section. Writing is welcomed throughout. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a journal for this quiet contemplative introduction to your day!

All levels of experience welcome; space opens 30 minutes before for check-in and arriving.

Sliding scale: 0-$10 (Income supports festival artists)

Open to all.

Jennifer Polins is the director of the School for Contemporary Dance and Thought, and a long-time practitioner of contact improvisation with Nancy Stark Smith and Steve Paxton. She hosts contemplative practice as presented by Barbara Dilley and Nancy Stark Smith.

Host or Publisher A.P.E.