What is contact improv? Basically, it is letting the point of contact between you and another person be the impetus for your dance/ movement, as opposed to the music being the impetus or an externally imposed set of structured movements. It can be highly physical or very gentle, fast or slow, depending on what you and your partner choose to do or the game you are playing. It involves a lot of respect for yourself and others. It involves physically listening and communicating. It involves touching! It is freeing for your mind, your body, and your spirit. – Sophia Roberts
Contact Improvisation is a growing dance movement that is not only conducted in a studio, performances are also hitting the road at events such as City of Nite (this weekend). Then there is The Jam, which is held every Sunday of Every Month @ Wasteland Studios on 700 Main St. (6th floor) – 5pm to 8pm. “Though it is performed and has had a pronounced influence on the Western culture of movement performances,” said dancer Scott Slocum. “Contact-Improvisation is, perhaps like Tai-Chi or Yoga, generally something people get together to do rather than watch. There exists in Buffalo a community of people who find space and time to do this. Some events are open, some are by invitation only. The Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam is open to the public, and begins with a class to outline the basic principles for beginners.”
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Photo: Lucy Schultz Photography