The Underscore
Schedule
Sat, 04 Apr, 2026 at 10:00 am
UTC-04:00Location
Shared Visions Retreat Center - Murphey School | Durham, NC
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WHAT IS THE UNDERSCORE?The Underscore is a long-form dance improvisation structure developed by Nancy Stark Smith, evolving since 1990 and practiced all over the globe. It serves as a vehicle for incorporating Contact Improvisation into a broader arena of improvisational dance practice — allowing participants to develop greater ease dancing in spherical space and integrate kinesthetic and compositional concerns while improvising.
The practice progresses through 20+ phases, 12+ connections, and 7+ aspects of the score — each represented by a "glyph" or symbol — creating an experiential map for dancers. Within that frame, movers are free to create their own movements, dynamics, and relationships: with themselves, each other, the group, and the environment.
Learn more: patrickcrowley.net/underscore or globalunderscore.com/about
THIS EVENT IS FOR DANCERS WHO:
Have a firm base in Contact Improvisation (CI)
Have an interest in composition
Have participated in an Underscore talk-through
EVENT SCHEDULE — Saturday, April 4th
10:00am — Physical Arrival (please arrive on time and ready to begin)
10:00am–1:00pm — Underscore
1:00–2:00pm — Community Harvest
We ask that you arrive on time and stay for the entire event: doors will close to late arrivals at 10:15am
VIRTUAL TALK-THROUGH — Thursday, March 26th, 7–9pm
If you have never received a detailed talk-through of the Underscore, attendance is required for participation. Even for experienced practitioners, the talk-through is highly encouraged and a wonderful way to deepen your experience.
The talk-through outlines the flow of the day, as well as expectations and etiquette around arrival and departure. The Underscore is not led with verbal cues — the idea is that everyone "knows" it and comes together to share the practice.
Zoom link for talk-through sent upon registration, and a recording will be sent out if you are not able to make it live.
PRICING
This event is offered on a sliding scale: $30 / $45 / $60.
$45 is the suggested amount — $30 is for those with less access to resources, and $60 is for those with more. Please pay the highest amount you can comfortably afford.
Register at livingartscollective.as.me/The-Underscore
Email [email protected] with any questions
DETAILS & ETIQUETTE
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that covers your knees and shoulders (easier for sliding on the floor). Dressing in layers is recommended — activities range from quiet and meditative to vigorous and sweaty.
Please, no strong fragrances or body odors. Remove jewelry for safety.
Keep the stage area clear; leave your belongings down the hall
Please arrive on time and stay for the entire event.
For more information see our website page: livingartscollective.com/contact-improvisation
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Where is it happening?
Shared Visions Retreat Center - Murphey School, 3717 Murphy School Rd, Durham, NC 27705-8009, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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