Chapter 1
Introduction
- Welcome!
Full Contact Fundamentals
Learn the fundamental principles of Contact Improvisation with our comprehensive online course and discover the joy of flowing with a partner.
Photo by Sarah Sea
Every journey begins with the first step...
Whether you have already dipped your toes into Contact Improvisation (CI) or are a newcomer eager to embark on this journey, our foundation course is meticulously crafted to equip you with a robust understanding of CI foundations. Step by step, we'll empower you to enhance your physical skills and cultivate a profound embodiment of CI principles.
Are you an adept CI practitioner aiming to venture into teaching? Look no further! Our course provides a bird’s eye view of structuring CI content tailored for beginners and newcomers that will support and elevate your teaching practice!
Inside Look: What You’ll Find in This Course
“Full Contact Fundamentals” includes 58 videos with a total playing time of over 2 hours.
Discover our contents and catch a glimpse with this preview!
Chapter 2
Principles
- #1 - Meta principles of partner work
- #2 - The three types of body awareness
- #3 - The cross system
- #4 - The alignment principle
- #5 - The kinetic compass
Chapter 3
Warmup
- #1 - Bodywork
- #2 - Palm Weight Sharing
- #3 - Leading from the Palms
Chapter 4
Horizontal Weight Sharing
- #1 - Spine arches wall drill
- #2 - Anchoring weight
- #3 - Stability test drill
- #4 - Base rotation into falling
- #5 - Falls and role changes
- #6 - Torso/Center counterweight sharing static drill
- #7 - Torso/Center dynamic weight sharing drill
- #8 - Horizontal counter weight improvisation
- #9 - From the palms to the centre drill
- #10 - Palms to palms improvisation
- #11 - Horizontal situations open dance
Chapter 5
Vertical Weight Sharing
- #1 - Floor spiral drill
- #2 - Rotation to extension wall drill
- #3 - Understanding the table position
- #4 - Rotating on top of the table
- #5 - Table exit flyer's legs
- #6 - Table exit base's legs
- #7 - Table entry L-sit to kneeling
- #8 - Table entry kneeling to kneeling
- #9 - Table entry table to table
- #10 - Forward roll solo drill
- #11 - Table exit forward roll
- #12 - Body surfing exits
- #13 - Body surfing entry L-sit
- #14 - Body surfing entry far side leg
- #15 - Body surfing entry near side leg
- #16 - Body surfing entry far side arm
- #17 - Continues body surfing
- #18 - L-sit opposite side body surfing entry
- #19 - L-sit same side body surfing entry
- #20 - Table to body surfing forward roll entry
- #21 - Body surfing to table
- #22 - Low improve open dance
Chapter 6
Standing Lifts
- #1 - Understanding the hip lift position
- #2 - Preparation drill for the flyer
- #3 - Hip lift perpendicular entry
- #4 - Hip lift back to back entry
- #5 - Hip lift side entry opposing fronts
- #6 - Hip lift side entry same fronts
- #7 - Hip lift exit towards the legs
- #8 - Hip lift exit towards the arms
Chapter 7
Level Changes
- #1 - Level changes solo exploration
- #2 - Neutral back drill
- #3 - Tree sliding
- #4 - Tree sliding into weight sharing
- #5 - Back to back level change
- #6 - Arms tension level change
- #7 - Arms tension into floor spiral
Chapter 8
Summary
- #1 - Open dancing
Become more present and mindful
Enhance your balance, agility, and spatial awareness
Develop trust and communication skills
Reduce physical tension and learn to move with ease.
This is what our students say
”Studying with the Movement Lab has been kind of like a reset for me. Besides training various dance techniques, it challenges you to think for yourself. During this program I've discovered the dancer in me in a new way and I am grateful for that.”
- Elina Lautamäki -
”I have learnt to pay more attention to the small and seemingly simple movements that form the bigger picture and to be patient with my body when trying out new, more complicated things.”
- Sophia Rubarth -
”Studying with the Movement Lab taught me the connection between movement, dance and communication. The principles behind the teaching allow me to experience a wider range of possibilities and to step into the unknown with curiosity.”
- Lukas Teml -
FAQs
What exactly is contact improvisation?
Contact improvisation is a dance form that involves spontaneous movement, exploration of weight, touch, and shared momentum between dancers. It emphasizes improvisation, communication, and connection with one's partner(s) through physical contact and movement.
Do I need any special equipment or space for the course?
No special equipment is required for the course. However, it's helpful to have a clear, unobstructed space with enough room to move freely. Some participants may choose to use mats or padded surfaces to ensure comfort and safety during some ofd the exercises. Knee pads are also optional.
Do I need a partner to practice the materials offered in the course?
Yes, a partner is required for the majority of the exercises of the course course. While we do offer some limited solo exercises to help you develop foundational skills and body awareness, the essence of contact improvisation revolves around interaction and connection with a partner. Partnering allows for the exploration of weight, touch, and shared movement experiences that are central to the practice of contact improvisation.
How can I ensure safety during physical contact exercises?
Safety is paramount in contact improvisation. Our course emphasise the importance of clear communication, respect for boundaries, and developing body awareness to prevent injury. We provide clear instructions and demonstrations to help you practice safely and responsibly.
How often should I practice to see progress?
Consistency is key! We recommend practicing for at least 20-30 minutes, 2-3 times a week, to see noticeable progress. However, you can adjust the frequency and duration of your practice sessions based on your schedule and personal goals.
Can I download the course for offline usage?
No, our courses cannot be downloaded and requite internet connection for proper viewing. As part of our policy to assist individuals with limited access to fast internet, if you encounter internet accessibility issues, please contact us after your purchase, and we can provide you with a temporary link to download the videos.
Is the course a one-time purchase or are there any subscription fees involved?
All our courses are available for a one-time purchase, granting you access to all the content and materials included your desirable course. There are no subscription fees or recurring charges associated with the purchase. Once you buy a course, you have unlimited access to it without any additional costs.
I cannot afford the course. Do you have any scholarship options?
Yes, we offer scholarship options specifically designed to provide financial assistance to individuals facing economic hardship. For more information and application, visit our scholarships page.
Ready to begin the process?
Select your preferred package option (single course or bundle) and proceed to the payment process.
Upon completion, you will gain immediate access to all the course(s) content.
Full Contact Fundamentals
Single course includes:
- 3.5 hours of content
- Life-time access
- Watch on desktop or mobile
- Suitable for beginners
€289
Fundamentals Bundle
Bundle includes:
- Full Contact fundamentals course
- How to fall safely fundamentals course
- 4.5h of content
- Life-time access
- Watch on desktop or mobile
- Suitable for beginners
€349
Photo by Laurent Ziegler
