LESSON ONE

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.