Human Moves. Workshop. A day of playful practice & explorative inquiry of Contact Improvisation.

Class description | Listening to the Dance

We will take our time to slow down, and from this space tune in to the subtle nuances that allow for clearer & deeper communication within the dance. The gentle sliding of fascia that indicates direction of movement, tuning to a partners’ breath to ‘hear’ their intention, and waiting in stillness together to allow the dance to arise from your shared connection. These are a few of the ideas and principles we will explore in the sessions. Establishing a space of patience & allowing which gives trust to ourselves, our dancing partners and feeling more fully the nature of improvisation in connection. This can lead to more intensely physical dancing with a high level of attunement. 

 Human Moves Workshop | A day of playful practice & explorative inquiry of Contact Improvisation. 

My approach to movement practice is both technical and experiential - concentrating on building up a functional understanding of underlying physical principles and structures of Contact Improvisation, whilst also widening the trust to one's instincts, impulses and intuition.

The principal themes behind the work are organic, efficient and functional movement, tuning and sensitivity to listening through & with the body, deepening the awareness of the body in movement and in connection to other bodies.

The sessions develop slowly from inside to out. Often starting with individual floor-work, offering particular principles and tasks, and then gradually building up through the layers using the natural spirals of the body.  Material alternates between contact and solo tasks, and exercises that connect the group as a whole, creating an open, safe and exciting environment to explore. 
Within specific exercises we will  explore tools that are helpful to work in contact: sharing weight, center-to-center, leaning and supporting, rolling point of contact. 

Also using ideas around momentum, suspension, inertia & falling. To find effortless ways into weight transfers and lifting, leading and following, falling and spiraling…

Time will also be given to work with dance-scores, which allows participants to get into the flow of their own movement, giving time and space to integrate the learnt technique into their dance. 

About Hugh

Hugh is a movement educator and facilitator predominantly focused on C.I. Somatics & Floor work. He has been teaching and performing for over 20 years. He came to the practice of C.I. as a practitioner at a time when he was searching for a deeper sense of connection to dance and movement. Connection to himself, to others and to the passion for movement itself. Contact opened doors for curious exploration from a safe and nourishing environment, and it is this place that feels so much like home yet so exciting and continually evolving that Hugh loves to share in his workshops. 

Practicals

11am - 5.30pm

Harberton Parish Hall, 5 Tristford Road, Totnes TQ9 7SD

Bring a packed lunch and any snacks you wish to have with you. Please wear appropriate dance clothing, long sleeves may be preferable in meeting and sliding with the floor and others, if you use knee pads they can be helpful - we will also have some for sale if needed. 

Tickets £40
£5 discount for students of Hari's Open Movement School Friday group, Monday Feb/April & April/May (link sent in groups or individually if requested)

Any inquiries related to the content of the class you may ask Hugh, any practical inquiries please contact harrietroberts@outlook.com