LESSON ONE
What is
Contact Improvisation?
Contact improvisation is a physical
theatre technique in which points of physical contact provide the starting
point for exploration through movement improvisation. Contact Improvisation is
a form of dance improvisation and is one of the best-known and most
characteristic forms of postmodern dance.
Who
invented it and why?
Contact Improvisation was inspired by a dance performance
created by Steve Paxton in January 1972. The central characteristic of Contact Improvisation is
a focus on bodily awareness and physical reflexes rather than consciously
controlled movements. It was invented to get people to realise they don’t need
to move in the socially accepted way.
What
qualities do you need to be successful at Contact Impro?
You need to be able to trust
your partner and let your body adapt to whatever your partner is going to throw
at you. You need to be able to let your body become flexible and easy moving.
You also need to feel comfortable with your partner.
Describe the process
of conducting the Ball of Energy exercise.
With the ball of energy
exercise you need to focus all your body and mind on wherever the ball of
energy is. You need to make sure all your movements are revolved around the
ball of energy and you can pass it on to your partner through whatever body
part you want.
Evaluate
the benefits of the Ball of Energy exercise. What is your opinion to it?
These exercises are useful in
developing an awareness of energy in your body and skill in working with that
energy. I feel like it helped me to concentrate on how I’m using the energy in
my body and how to move it to different parts.
Why
is it important for you do be able to listen and be honest during contact
improvisation work?
It’s extremely important to
listen during contact improvising work because if you’re unable to listen to
your partner and be in tune with them you won’t communicate as well and it will
affect your performance. If you are being honest in your performance you are
not pretending you can do things beyond your ability, which if attempted may look
worse.
