A process-oriented journey into physical intelligence and connection.
Dive into the world of dance.
The Groundwork Study Group is a process-oriented, open-level program designed for both newcomers and those with prior experience. It explores the foundations of contemporary dance and contact improvisation, integrating athletic and somatic elements. At its core, the program cultivates body awareness, haptic intelligence, and a deep sense of trust in oneself. Participants will also gain insight into the socio-cultural aspects of contact improvisation, fostering confidence and a strong sense of orientation within this dynamic practice.
This year-long professional training is open to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. It is structured to support beginners in building a solid foundation while offering experienced movers the opportunity to deepen their practice.
The program develops physical intelligence and refines technical and expressive skills in contemporary dance and contact improvisation. Through a diverse range of teaching methodologies within the Movement Lab, participants will gain extensive experience in contemporary dance, movement-based exploration, partnering, and contact improvisation.
In addition to technical training, the program nurtures presence through touch and enhances non-verbal communication skills—building a strong foundation for future work in embodiment practices and touch-based healing modalities. It also supports participants in developing the skills and confidence necessary to engage meaningfully in open jams, both as improvisers and as sensitive, responsive partners within the broader contact improvisation community.
The program consists of two core modules and one optional module. The core modules are taught for 3 hours per week over a period of 31 weeks. They are structured as a gradual accumulation of knowledge and skills.
The optional module takes place weekly for 2.5 hours throughout the entire program and is guided by rotating guest teachers. Each participant is invited to attend as many sessions as they wish.
Together, the three modules form an in-depth, process-oriented learning experience.
For detailed information about each model Click here for the full curriculum.
October 2025 - June 2026
Mondays
17:30-19:00 - Contemporary Dance/Movement Research
19:15-20:45 - Contact Improvisation/Ensemble Work
1670€
The program fee includes all classes, free entry to the weekly jam, a 25% discount on our online courses, a Q&A session, and one individual feedback session.
Juli is a mover, movement educator, organiser and a therapist based in Vienna, Austria. She has studied different dance forms all around Europe over the last 25 years such as: contact improvisation (CI), improvisation, release technique, easy acrobatics, contemporary dance, and various social dance forms. Since 2007, she has been teaching CI internationally on a regular basis.
Christa Stöffelbauer is a dancer, performer, dance facilitator and produces dance performances in collaboration with artists from different disciplines. She studied contemporary stage dance, movement pedagogy and social work in Kassel and Vienna. As co-founder of several artistic collectives, she researches approaches in her work that seek the connections between the body, dance and socio-political issues.
Menno van der Woude has been dancing Contact Improvisation for over 15 years. Coming from a diverse background ranging from theater to programming to making music and sound, he is always finding out anew the meaning and relevance of dance and movement. Through this, he seeks to deal with doubt and uncertainty in the face of impermanence.
The application for this study group is currently closed.
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