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What is contact improv (CI)?

CI is the extemporaneous interaction between one or more people, which can include contact in both the physical and emotional sense.  CI explores the connection of the mind and soul to the body as well as its relationship to others and the surrounding space.  Awareness of one’s self and others in the space, the sharing of weight (both giving and accepting), counterbalance, and imagination are among the many varied elements of CI.

Origins of Contact Improv

Steve Paxton is generally considered the innovator behind CI.  Paxton danced with Cunningham, a post-modern choreographer who used chance as a design element in his choreographic work.  In the early 70’s, Paxton broke away from the traditional strata system of dance where the choreographer occupies the highest level of the process and moved to a more equitable system where each performer had equal responsibility in the development of the piece.  Traditional dance vocabulary was significantly augmented with more pedestrian, everyday movement, and a freer, more experimental atmosphere ensued.

Kristina's Contact

There is a strong CI community at Boston University.   Both Ramelle Adams and Micki Taylor-Pinney are instructors of Contact Improv and each semmester they offer classes to anyone in the University community.  Throughout my years in Boston, I danced with this amazing group of people.  Photos from some of our dancing will be inserted soon.

Currently, I am dancing with two great people, Amber Ortega-Perez and Laura Vriend.  We performed "A Night of Contact Improv" on July 31, 2002 for a special WIP concert.  Live accompaniment was provided by Rudi Harst.  Click here for a review of the performance.    It is stimulating to work with new people and make new dance discoveries.  The photos at the top of the page, taken by Lisa Hooker, are of our trio.

CI Resources