The Origins and Main Directions of Contact Improvisation

Contact Improvisation, unlike many dances, is not a native form. The founder of Contact Improvisation is American Steve Paxton, a New York dancer. He taught modern dance but wanted to create something new, seeing modern as contemporary ballet. That's how the idea of Contact Improvisation was born.

Contact Improvisation includes many different directions, and given that the dance happens spontaneously, each time it turns out different, with its own character. Contact Improvisation became so diverse because Paxton studied yoga, aikido, release technique, gymnastics, acrobatics, Pilates, meditation, and stretching, elements of which became part of CI.

CI combines acrobatics, martial arts, meditation, partner or even group dance. Depending on the partners' skills and focus, the dance can resemble a fight, gymnastics, meditation, or tango. Interestingly, CI is performed without music.

Sometimes it's used when CI becomes a partner tango or waltz, but usually the dance happens in silence. This is necessary so dancers can better feel each other, determine the right movements, and create a unique sequence.

Although it may seem that only well-trained athletes can do CI, in fact, that's not so. In this dance, what matters is courage and a small set of learned moves to fall correctly, catch your partner when they fall, and maintain the right distance for wide movements.

If you want to learn to express yourself in various directions, train your body, move together on the floor or standing, or just don't like music, then CI is perfect for you.

Usually, partners are assumed to be a man and a woman. In CI, this is not required. Often partners in dance are two women, and real couples form when lifts or complex pyramids are needed.

Two men can also be partners, and then the dance often involves strikes, sharp tumbles, and collisions.

The first group that Paxton created were football players; of course, they already had a common interest and certain combinations of movements, so moving in a group was easy and clear for them.

However, today small groups are also formed; their movements look exciting, but only professionals can learn to improvise with a large number of people in a way that looks harmonious.

Usually, a class starts with a brief check-in. Everyone shares their thoughts on the weather, the new floor covering, or someone's clothing. This helps you choose a partner and start.

In main classes, basic moves needed for the dance are practiced, and partners can and should be changed. Stretching and gymnastics are mandatory to improve dance skills. And of course, time is given under the guidance of a mentor to try improvising yourself.

For advanced students, longer classes are held with discussions and more complex technique based on trust. Instead of basic moves, much time is devoted to creating your own movements and practice.

If you like this direction, feel free to join a group and try it. In dance, you'll find peace, your body will improve, and you'll gain lightness and self-confidence.