Class w João + Jam (live music by STEPHEN KENT): Weds 4 1

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Due to our scheduled facilitator Nick be feeling unwell, tonight class will be led by João CLASS 7:15-8:15pm JAM 8:15-9:30pm (live music by STEPHEN KENT) -- START TIME -- Class starts promptly at 7:15pm, please arrive by 7pm to allow time for check-in. -- CLASS DESCRIPTION -- Crafts & Curiosities of Contact Improvisation Let's get together and listen: to our own bellies, brains and spines, then tune to each other'. We’ll tinker with attention, anatomy and impulse to shape how we move and choose in the moment. Small experiments, strange delights, continuous following what feels true and valuing what feels delightful. On the path, we’ll practice centering, grounding and boundaries so our somatic conversations stay earthen, honest and full of aliveness. -- CLASS FACILITATOR -- Nick Smith is a meditator, dancer and body worker focused on improvisation, somatics, touch and relational practices. Nick offers one-on-one movement, dance and embodiment coaching, body work sessions and hosts events in the Bay Area. https://www.grapes.dance/ --MUSICIAN-- Pioneering didgeridoo master Stephen Kent is one of the most established contemporary players in the world. Born in the UK and raised in East Africa he shifted radically from classical and art-rock to world music when, already a recognized professional musician in Europe, he moved to Melbourne in 1981, as musical director of Circus Oz, Australia’s national contemporary circus. Inspired by the land and indigenous Aboriginal culture he first composed and orchestrated music utilizing western brass instruments played with didgeridoo techniques. Then, visiting Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory, he asked for and was given permission to make contemporary music with the didgeridoo itself. He returned to Europe with a new musical direction. As well as his work with New Circus, as both a comic performer and music director He worked with numbers of contemporary dance companies, including 4 years in Barcelona and touring Europe with with La Dux and Maria Antonio Oliver. Arriving in the USA in 1991, based in the Bay Area, his scores for dance have also included work with Kim Epifano, Yolande Snaith, Knee Jerk Dance and Laurence Peck. In Europe, the United States, and all over the world, Stephen has carved out a stellar and influential career with over thirty album recordings of original genre-bending music featuring his didgeridoo playing, including eight solo works and multiple group projects. He has performed and toured to wide acclaim in five continents as a solo artist, with his various bands, and in many collaborations with world-class musicians, including Herbie Hancock & Wayne Shorter, R Carlos Nakai, Zakir Hussain, Airto Moreira, and many more, playing music in jazz, classical, world, dance, folk/rock genres. Over the past two decades he has worked interpreting the music of Australia’s Peter Sculthorpe, performing and recording with The Del Sol Quartet, and continuing to evolve more recently with Oregon’s Delgani Quartet and the BYU Philharmonic, Utah. He also works in radio and for 26 years was the host of “Music of the World” (Pacifica Radio’s KPFA fm.). StephenKentDidgeridoo.com YouTube.com/@StephenKentDidgeridoo -- LOCATION -- 282 S. High Street, Sebastopol, CA 95472 Entrance on the south side of the building (left when facing it, where the retaining wall is). There is lots of parking available. Arrive a little earlier if this is your first time at this location. -- ENTRANCE FEE -- $20 for the whole night, whether you go to the class and/or jam. -- FINANCIAL ACCESSIBILITY -- A discount of 50% is available for marginalized peoples, such as BIPOC and LGTBQIA+ folx and those who are experiencing financial hardship..... or pay what you can; NOTAFLOF. -- CLOTHING REQUEST -- * Bring 1 or 2 changes of clothes, if you are prone to sweating while dancing. * Wear clothing that will keep your butt, genitals and nipples covered while moving in non-linear and unpredictable ways. Actually, more skin coverage is better for C.I movements. * Do not wear strong fragrances. * Remove all jewelry (including belt buckles). -- SPACE ACCESSIBILITY -- * Anyone under age 18 is asked to attend with a guardian, and/or email us first to discuss. * This venue for March/April is accessible on flat ground, without stairs. The dance floor is smooth, old, and nicely-finished Oak. -- STAY IN TOUCH -- Email list: bit.ly/SebastopolContactImprov Facebook: Sebastopol Contact Improv (page, with event updates) And, help us spread the word - invite your friends! -- CONTACT US -- Email: [email protected] See you on the dance floor, Eric, João, Kandace, and Rose