Contact Improvisation Intermediate

In solo and collaborative exploration with one or more partners, we will use contact improvisation to sense the current situation and explore its physical and creative possibilities and limitations. In contact improvisation, we will explore proven movement patterns and concepts while cultivating an interest in not knowing, in letting things happen and emerge.

Here, all participants can practice based on their own level and well-being, learn with the questions that are currently relevant to them and thus actively experience, apply and increasingly internalize the principles of Contact Improvisation.

Contact Impro Intermediate | Thursday | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Contact Improvisation takes place in series lasting several weeks with changing instructors and different focuses. If you’re new to Contact Improvisation or want to get back into it after a long break, we recommend the Contact Impro Basic Series, Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Spring Series with Elske Seidel | March 27 – June 26, 2025 | 12 Thursdays | Fixed group | No drop-in

What does Contact Improvisation (CI or Contact Impro for short) mean?

Contact Improv is a form of improvisational dance. In preparation for the dance, we explore (alone or in partnership) how our bodies can organize themselves effortlessly and organically in contact with the floor. Through communication in contact, a very subtle and precise play with weight emerges, which can guide us through all levels (in the floor and in the air) and dimensions (back and overhead). Contact Improv was initiated in 1972 by Steve Paxton (US).

What does a Contact Improv practice involve?

In CI, proven movement patterns and concepts are explored, as well as cultivating an interest in not knowing, in letting things happen and emerge. All participants can practice based on their own level and well-being, learning with the questions that are currently relevant to them, and thus actively experience, apply, and increasingly internalize the principles of Contact Improvisation. The following topics are addressed within Contact Improvisation:

• Orientation and communication through touch
• Connection, permeability and independence in one’s own body
• Becoming physically and mentally present, receptive and active in every moment
• Entrust your own weight to the ground and your partner, and thus fall and land safely
• Taking the weight of the partner in the movement, supporting it and passing it on
• Become familiar with disorientation and feel more confident in it

When does Contact Impro take place in Berlin at the Somatic Academy?

Contact Impro is suitable for people with and without a movement background and is open to all ages. The focus is on the body and its potential. Experience Contact Impro in Berlin Kreuzberg at the Somatic Academy every Thursday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m..