Module #1 – Contemporary Dance & Movement Research

This module deepens contemporary dance technique while fostering a research-based, investigative approach to movement. The technical work focuses on complex movement phrases, floorwork, dynamic alignment, and coordination. Improvisation serves as a tool for enhancing creativity, precision, and expressive range.

Students will engage with the Technical Parameters Tool Kit—a system of self-analysis designed to identify and correct movement inefficiencies. Through technical scores and guided explorations, dancers will sharpen spatial awareness, rhythm, and movement quality, building confidence and autonomy in their physical expression.

Detailed breakdown:
– Unit 1 (6 hours): Floor Technique
– Unit 2 (6 hours): Spirals and Vertical Traveling
– Unit 3 (6 hours): Spinal Mechanics
– Unit 4 (6 hours): Limbs Coordination
– Unit 5 (6 hours): Turns and Spins
– Unit 6 (6 hours): Falling Techniques
– Unit 7 (6 hours): Rhythm and Musicality
– Unit 8 (6 hours): Movement Qualities

Module #2 –  Contact Improvisation & Ensemble Practice

This module focuses on advanced partner techniques and the development of nuanced group improvisation skills. Through technical improvisations and repeatable forms, participants will explore falling techniques, inversions, lifts, and martial arts-inspired partnering. These solo and duet practices support trust, timing, and physical clarity.

The ensemble component expands these skills into group constellations, exploring how individual movement choices interact with collective flow. Structured scores and movement tasks foster group intelligence, attunement, and a grounded sense of presence in group improvisation—without a focus on performance or staging.

Detailed breakdown:
Advanced Partner Technique
– Unit 1 (10 hours): Backspace
– Unit 2 (10 hours): Inversions
– Unit 3 (10 hours): Shoulder Lifts
– Unit 4 (10 hours): Dynamic Jumps
– Unit 5 (10 hours): Martial Arts-Inspired Techniques

Ensemble Practice
– Unit 6 (6 hours): Trio Scores
– Unit 7 (6 hours): Solo and Group Awareness
– Unit 8 (6 hours): Group Compositions

Module #3 – Labs & Focused Jams

This module offers a structured-yet-open space for student-led exploration and collective experimentation. Participants are invited to pursue individual or group research threads, guided by their own interests and curiosities. Teachers will facilitate the space, offering feedback and support to encourage independence and depth in both personal and collaborative processes.

In addition, focused jamming sessions will provide a context to apply technical and improvisational skills in real time, emphasizing responsiveness, risk-taking, and flow. Dedicated Q&A sessions allow reflection on artistic, pedagogical, or somatic questions that arise throughout the process.

Detailed breakdown:
– Unit 1 (15 hours): Individual / Couple Research
– Unit 2 (15 hours): Group Scores
– Unit 3 (15 hours): Focused Jamming
– Unit 4 (3 hours): Q&A Sessions

Module #4 - Open Jam

(Optional Module)

This optional module serves as a bridge between guided instruction and independent exploration. Its aim is to support participants in developing autonomy and confidence in engaging with the material of the program.

The module is intentionally designed with a fluid structure, allowing each participant to choose their own level of intensity and engagement according to their personal pace and stage of development.

Each session begins with a 30-minute guided warm-up or instruction led by rotating guest teachers. This is followed by a 2.5-hour open jam, providing a space for individual or collaborative research into the themes of the program within a supportive and inspiring environment.

Registration process:

Acceptance to the program is conditioned by a personal interview with Matan Levkowich.

A sense of commitment to the program and the group process will be evaluated and considered as the main factor for acceptance/rejection of an applicant.

Certification

To receive the Movement Lab Study Group certificate you need to:

1. Attendance of at least 85% for modules 1+2 and 12 hours of module 3
2. Send 2 videos for each module, documenting the materials you have learnt (solo and partner videos).
3. Form a peer group and spend a minimum of 6 hours of practice together on the material of the program.
4. Submit a final report on your experience in the program detailing what you have learnt and benefited from the program personally.

Certification outcome

The Study Group certificate would support you in the following (in accordance with your own responsibility and self engagements):

1. To integrate your body knowledge into your professional engagement in other fields of embodied work.
2. To hold group sessions and teach private classes in the fields of contact improvisation and partner work.