Part-time adult education, evening classes: London: City Lit

Contact improvisation / movement improvisation: beginners

Learn using touch and contact as a starting point for improvisation. Discover physical confidence and explore movement from meditative to full bodied flow, working both on your own and with others. Suitable for complete beginners. Firness and flexibility required.

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Key course information

Dates
26/09/11 - 05/12/11

Day(s)
Mon

Duration
11 weeks

Time
18:35 - 20:05

Fees
Full fee: £123
Senior fee: £123
Concession: £61

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
FJF30

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
health@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2622

Course outline

What is the course about?

Contact Improvisation is a movement form in which the body's inherent principles such as gravity, momentum, balance, energy and flow are explored and applied in moving. A shared point of contact between two or more partners provides the starting point for a dance that involves constant attention to the present moment, encouraging spontaneity, playfulness and a non-judgemental open attitude in the mover. Practising different levels of touch increases sensitivity and responsiveness to the partners, resulting in direct communication in the dance. We will learn how to give and support each other's body weight as part of the improvisation. The experiences gained in the contact dance are also applied to moving on ones own and in relation to space. The improvisation can embrace both restful stillness and vigorous speed. Shortly, it is about developing ease and confidence at each moment of an ever-changing dance. Please note that Contact Improvisation is not a form of therapy although therapeutic effects may be experienced.

What topics will we cover?

Basic principles of Improvisation and Contact Improvisation:
- Use of weight, momentum and inertia
- Different levels of touch and body systems (bones, tissue, fluids, organs, etc.)
- Practice of grounding, rolling, rocking, sliding, gliding, falling, catching, yielding, extending, etc.
- Use of space (both general and internal)
- Timing
- Relationship through movement
- Imagery in moving.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- Move with greater freedom, flexibility and ease
- Use the floor as a place of release and support, both in stillness and moving
- Work with momentum and a variety of speed/timing
- Play with balance & off balance
- Use your centre of gravity effectively when moving
- Understand the principles of weight sharing in a duet
- Maintain a moving point of contact in a duet
- Follow a physical impulse with immediacy, both in relation to own and a partner's moving.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is suitable for beginners. However, practising Contact improvisation is in it's nature very physical and therefore requires a good level of fitness and flexibility. The course is also suitable for people who have practiced Contat Improvisation previously and want to refresh their skills. You will need to be able to follow & respond to instructions, possibly even when moving with eyes closed, therefore understanding of English is advisable.

PLEASE SEE THE PRE-EXERCISE CHECK LIST BELOW:

To assist us in providing a safe and healthy environment for you to exercise in please take a moment to consider the list below. If you have suffered from any of the conditions listed, please check with a medical practitioner whether it is suitable for you to undertake an exercise programme and bring a referral letter from your doctor to your tutor. If you have not checked, or if it is not suitable, please do not participate in an exercise or movement class.

- Do you ever have pains in your chest?
- Have you had any operations or injuries in the last year?
- Do you often feel faint or have spells of dizziness?
- Are you receiving medication for any condition?
- Do you have high blood pressure?
- Is there anything else we should know about your health?
- Do you have a bone or joint problem, such as Arthritis, Osteoporosis, back or knee problems?

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be offered specific instructions to work with and guided through a series of explorations, leading to improvisation with the material on an individual and intuitive level. Partner work will be a major source for physical investigation, offering mutual support and inspiration. We will be deepening our practice through both moving and watching others move. There will be plenty of opportunity for learning through sharing experiences and constructive feedback.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Just bring your body and good spirit along!
Please wear comfortable clothing. No shoes required.
Bring soft knee pads if you have a pair. They are not obligatory but are useful in some of the work and can be purchased for £10 from the tutor. Alternatively you can purchase them via the net from 'contact quarterly' or from http://www.auroradancewear.co.uk/acatalog/Massage_Stick_Miscellaneous_Items.html#aXM_2dKNE_2dP. (Purchasing them from the latter link will be about £15 incl. postage).

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Progression is made possible by dividing the course into three different levels over the course of the year.
Accordingly, you will be able to join ‘Contact Improvisation – Mixed Levels’ in term 2, and after that ‘Contact Improvisation – Intermediate Level’ in term 3. This will allow you to build on previously learned skills and delve deeper into the practice of the form.

- You can also join other movement classes run by the Health & Movement Studies department.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2622

health@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Tuesday 12.30 - 13.30 and 17.30 - 18.30 Thursday 12.30 - 13.30 and 17.30 - 18.30

Non term-time Tuesday 17.30 - 18.30 Wednesday 12.30 - 13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Health and movement studies