Enter Return: A Live Music & Contact Improvisation Jam

Join us this last Friday evening of March (27 March), for a Music and Contact Improvisation jam at Erskineville Anglican Church Hall, with a shared focus. Co-facilitated by myself and CI dancer, Angi Bowles, we will start with a music and movement warmup for 40 minutes leading into the circle formation jam. Enter / Return: In this jam, we will work with the simple frame of a circle formation. Musicians and dancers begin around the outer edge of the circle. As the musicians begin to play, dancers who feel moved to do so may enter the centre of the space. While the music plays, those in the centre explore movement as others witness from the circle. When the music comes to a close, the dancers return to the outer circle and the space opens again. As new music begins, another dancer or group may enter. In this way the dance unfolds through a simple rhythm of entering, dancing, and returning. Dancers are called to attend not only to their own dance, but also to the shared field of the circle: the presence of others, the witnessing periphery, and the music itself. The periphery remains an active part of the experience, holding attention, awareness, and support for the dancers in the centre. Musicians are invited into the same practice of listening and response. Rather than accompanying the dance from the outside, the music participates in shaping the moment — sensing the movement in the centre, the atmosphere of the room, and the energy of the circle. Each musical offering creates a container for the dance, and its ending signals the moment for dancers to return to the circle’s edge and for the space to open again. The evening will close with a short collective reflection. What to bring: Please dress comfortably; long sleeve shirts and pants are ideal for when there is sliding on the floor. Musicians, BYO instruments and come early to set up if needed. There is an upright piano available in the space. This event is for CI dancers and musicians who feel comfortable to dance/ play independently without supported instruction. For dancers, this means you’ll have needed to attend at least one contact class prior. Please get in touch if you have any questions. Book ticket via link: https://events.humanitix.com/contact-improv-dance-fundamentals-community-class-yab55t6t/tickets ~This event is a part of Contact Culture’s weekly Friday evening class in Erskineville ~ Coming together to support the sharing, learning and delight of Contact Improvisation Dance, a team of local teachers and organisers offer this beginner-friendly event to encourage the uptake of this amazing dance form. Contact Improv (CI) is a study in relationship to others, and the dance is a chance to hone that with skill, movement and touch. With no set steps and no set leader, participants have the challenge and opportunity of practising the widest possible range of dance moves, and to develop skills around presence, leading, following, fitness and flexibility. It's an utterly joyous practice, and if you'd like to have a fun experience which sparks great changes in your life, come along. This is a ticketed event. Payment via Humanitix or cash. Cost General: $30 Supported: $10 The 'supported' option is available for anyone who believes they require some extra help in coming along. If further assistance is required please get in touch.