Some tunes to keep you warm, from the inside-out, during these cold winter months. Keep dancing, moving, grooving and that blood circulating. [spotifyplaybutton play=”spotify:user:rockyndy:playlist:5HLgN2xd08MoZbfRLR2ZVn”/]
2018 Movement Census – Dance needs YOU!
Calling All Dancers! We have an ambitious goal to conduct the first global survey of dancers to provide the community with insights on performance & injury prevention. As we kick off a new year we’re excited at The Movement Blog for what 2018 can bring. This year we are aiming big by attempting to gain …
New in 2018: We Speak Dance with Vandana Hart – a Netflix Original Series
WE SPEAK DANCE is a 5-part Netflix series that follows Alvin Ailey trained dancer and former UN advisor, Vandana Hart, throughout Indonesia, Vietnam, France, Nigeria, and is globally accessible. Hart comes from a very interesting and impressive background. Being able to merge dance, arts, culture, as well as global politics first handedly, it’s no wonder this unique series …
Mini Review: Radiant Space Art Gallery, Los Angeles
Radiant Space Art Gallery is based in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, CA, and thrives from its founders: Daniel Elder, Sean Maurer, Golie Yazdy, Olivia Mia Orozco. This gallery space hosts art shows, dance, music performances, sound baths, pop up fashion markets and donation based group classes. Mia, the main event coordinator, is a dancer, actress, and all …
Movement Playlist #8: Contact Improvisation
Movement Playlist #8–Contact Improvisation
We’re Jammin’; 84 mins
This past Sunday, I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Pramod Miguel Bento and Rita Vilhena, two beautiful dancers and Contact Improvisation facilitators in Lisbon, Portugal. Every Sunday, Pramod and Rita facilitate open Contact Improvisation classes followed by a 2 hour jam session. Like in most dance classes– live or digital music facilitates the class too. To my delight Pramod and Rita’s music was fantastic. They even allowed me play some of my own playlists.
When did Contact Improvisation develop?
It’s said that it was started and presented by American Dancer/Choreographer, Steve Paxton in 1970’s in the United States, however it is now practiced all over the world. There’s even an online directory where you can find out where to take contact improvisation classes or attend a jam session. Check out Contact Quarterly, started by a dancer and founding participant, Nancy Stark Smith, for more information.
What happens in a Contact Jam?
The facilitator often sets the environment (usually after a warmup or improvisation class) where dancers alternate partners in and out of the main space with or without music. ‘Partners’ begin in a duet which can form into a group. Dancers outside the main space can relax, stretch, or keep improvising. The object is to stay in the present, listen to your body, listen to other dancers’ bodies, and be open to playful movement exploration, or authentic movement.
Are there any rules?
There are certain techniques and movements that dancers can use within a Contact Improvisation jam. The general ‘technique’ is to maintain a soft, yet supportive body to help distribute weight, which is the key. Movements are kept soft and supple to allow elements of ‘surprise’ within the body, within the space, and with your partner(s). ‘The floor is your friend’, they say! Therefore maintaining a sense of being grounded helps the dancer find balance and necessary feedback to create the next movement.
Discover more –
History of Contact Improvisation
Basic Movements of Contact Improvisation
Contact Improv Worldwide Directory
Steve Paxton Talking Dance
Enjoy!
The Movement Blog is Back! Here’s What We’ve Been Up To + What’s Coming Up Next
Hi Movers! We are back from our hiatus and are winding down in Lisbon, Portugal for a different change of pace. I’m excited to announce that I will begin teaching the GYROKINESIS® method at the ever-so charming Little Yoga Space in Baixa-Chiado from October 2017. Stay tuned for more details. However, if you’re looking for GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® classes …
Brief Hiatus – Be Back Soon!
Hello my favorite movers, As I gather and organize all of the oh-so-inspiring information from my travels in Southeast Asia and South America, I thought it would be a good time to say, “Be right back!” while I take a break from being glued to the computer screen. We would like to ensure the next upcoming …
The Importance of Breathing & the GYROTONIC® Method by Lucia Vergnano (GUEST POST)
Lucia Vergnano is a Dancer with Aterballetto Dance Company, a Mother, and a GYROTONIC® Trainer based in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Vergnano now contributes to an blog called Mamma, Mi Racconti (Italian for Mom, Tell Me). In this post, Vergnano shares her thoughts on breathing, the importance of oxygen, and how the GYROTONIC® Method helped her further understand this necessity. BREATHING AGAIN by Lucia Vergnano [Translated by …
The Movement Blog Turns 2 Years Old!
Happy Birthday to The Movement Blog 
Our blog baby is officially 2 years old! In the beginning of April in 2015, I wrote my first post on what this blog would be about and some basic points on the GYROTONIC® Method. Come April 15th, The Movement Blog received over 4,000 + visits in one day …
5 Reasons Dancers Should Take the GYROKINESIS® Method
I’ve only been teaching the GYROKINESIS® Method for the past year, however I’ve been using this method in conjunction with my dance training for nearly 10 years now. Here are my top 5 reasons why you should take the Gyrokinesis Method too. The Gyrokinesis Method has been one of the only methods (along with the Gyrotonic Method) to truly address my tightness and weaknesses, which …