Contemplative Dance Practice: Contact Improvisation & Partnering with Nick Smith
Schedule
Mon Jun 01 2026 at 04:00 pm to 07:00 pm
UTC-07:00Location
The Alembic | Berkeley, CA
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This class is a welcoming entry point into Contact Improvisation and movement partnering, 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.Each session unfolds in two parts.
Skill Development & Research (approx. 60–90 minutes)
We explore foundational principles of Contact Improvisation and partnering through clear instruction, exercises, scores, and drills. Together we develop comfort with arrival, approach, touch, weight-sharing, listening, falling, rolling, support, boundaries, and physical communication.
Contemplative Dance Practice (approx. 60–90 minutes)
The second half of the session follows the structure of Contemplative Dance Practice:
• Silent seated meditation (~20 minutes)
• Individual movement inquiry (~20 minutes)
• Open improvisational field (~40 minutes)
During the improvisational period, Contact Improvisation and other partnering forms become our shared vocabulary. 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
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. Please do not let finances be a barrier to participation. 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
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About Contemplative Dance Practice
Contemplative Dance Practice combines seated meditation, personal movement inquiry, and open improvisation. The form was developed by dancer, teacher, and writer Barbara Dilley at Naropa University.
Nick Smith is a facilitator, organizer, meditator, dancer and body worker focused on improvisation, somatics, touch and relational practices. Nick offers one-on-one movement classes, body work sessions, organizes events and teaches regularly throughout the Bay Area. https://www.grapes.dance/
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Where is it happening?
The Alembic, 815 Heinz Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710-2754, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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