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Oxford Contact Dance events in 2017

PREVIOUS EVENTS (2017): Tue 12 Dec, Contact Refresher! Sun 17 Dec, Library Dance Workshop & Tue 19 Dec, Library Dance

Each of these events take place at the University Club unless otherwise stated: Oxford University Club, 11 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ.

Tue 12 Dec, Contact Refresher!

Time: 7 - 9 pm

Cost: £10/£8 concs.

No booking required - just turn up

This two hour workshop is a refresher for those with little or no experience of contact improvisation. If you are interested in taking part in the Library Dance (see below) with little or no experience of contact improvisation then this is essential.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/2009812059263204/

Sun 17 Dec, Library Dance Workshop & Tue 19 Dec, Library Dance

Botticelli Mystic Nativity
Photo: Painting: Alessandro Botticelli, The Mystic Nativity, 1500 Photographer: Frans Vandewalle. License (CC BY 2.0).

Sun 17 Dec, Library Dance Workshop

Time: 1 - 4 pm

Cost: Free - donations appreciated! (But you must be an experienced dancer in Contact Improvisation or attend the Refresher - see above.)

This is a workshop to prepare for our library dance (below) and jam ideas for it. As it's a library dance then there's plenty of opportunity for using props: books, chairs, etc. Please bring a couple of books with which to practice!

Note: if you completed our Dance Intensive earlier this year or attend several of the classes this Autumn then you don't need to have attended the Refresher for Contact Improvisation, otherwise you'll need to attend the Refresher - see above.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/403415940079510/

Tue 19 Dec, Library Dance

Time: 5 - 6 pm

Where: Central Library, 41 Castle Quarter, Oxford. OX1 1AY.

Spectators also welcome! Dance with us in the Westgate Library, Oxford to celebrate its reopening which is the previous day. This will be a 15 minute dance using contact improvisation techniques, chairs, books and whatever you might like to dance with but mostly with other people! Please email us if you'd like to take part as you need to register for it. Email address at top of page. Thank-you.

PREVIOUS EVENTS: Tue 28 Nov Fundraising Jam! & Sun 3 Dec 'Dance Explorium : Dancing from the inside out'

Tuesday 28 November - Fundraising Jam!

Fundraising Jam!
Photo: Joerg Hassmann & Jenny Haack performing 'paarmitsessel' 2005 - shot from video

Location: Oxford University Club, 11 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ. (See map for location).

Time: 7 - 9 pm

Cost: £10/ £8 concessions.

This is a two hour dance session for contact improvisation (which is also known as a jam!) without a class where you can dance, practice dancing and learn from others. All welcome.

Please wear loose clothing in which you can move freely and bring a bottle of water. Note: We'll use the MPR (Multi-Purpose Room) on the lower floor of the Club.

We’re fundraising for dance training with Joerg Hassmann in Germany this coming January (2018), and we’re also crowdfunding too. For more details see: http://www.andrewdance.org/crowdfunder

Contact Improvisation is a dance which originated in the 1970s and which has now spread throughout the world. It's a dialogue in movement which has a fluid and dynamic form, and it's social dancing; not stage dancing.

Here's an example of Joerg Hassmann dancing: https://www.youtube.com/embed/XaEWRGmpg04?start=77

Sunday 3 December - Dance Explorium: dance from the inside out

Dance Explorium: dance from the inside out
Photo: Andy Solway & Naomi Morris dancing (by Andrew Wood)

Location: Oxford University Club, 11 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ. (See map for location).

Time: 11 - 4 pm (with lunch break 1-2 pm)

Cost: £20

Most dance learning involves taking instructions from a teacher or leader and trying to imitate their movements. But there are other approaches.

In release techniques, dancers focus on relaxation and on using images to influence how the body moves. Tai Chi also focuses on relaxation and the internal state of the body. In this workshop Andy Solway will use ideas from release and from Tai Chi to help participants improve the quality of their movement, enrich their movement ideas and give them confidence in improvising. We will then take these ideas into working in pairs and in contact.

Andy Solway has learned release technique with Mary Fulkerson, Alex Howard and Gaby Agis. He has studied Tai Chi with Phil Muil, Emma Westlake, Karel and Eva Koshkuba, Master Chen Ying Jun, Master Chen Bing and Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang. He has studied contact with Steve Paxton, Kirsty Simson, Nita Little and many others. Any queries about this workshop: Andy Solway (solway3@gmail.com)

Drinks and food are available at the club, nearby or bring your own.

No booking required - just turn up

PREVIOUS EVENTS: Tue 17 Oct - Tue 21 Nov - Weekly drop-in sessions - A short course for dancing contact improvisation

Learn to dance and jam contact improvisation with us
Photo: Pier Corona

Location: Oxford University Club, 11 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ. (See map for location).

Time: 7 - 9 pm

Cost: £10/ £8 concs.** each session or £50 for six 2 hour sessions.

This is a course - available as drop-in sessions - for learning to dance contact improvisation - starting on Tuesday October 17 and every Tuesday evening 7-9pm for six sessions until Tuesday 17 November. You can attend on a drop-in basis or for the whole course. All welcome including those not at the University.

In each two hour session, we'll learn the fundamental skills for dancing contact improvisation including: body awareness/somatics; touch; sharing our centre; weight-giving and weightlessness; space and the kinesphere; floor skills including body surfing; lifts & suspension; bridges; and flying. We'll work in duets, trios and ensembles but most importantly we'll have fun!

Suitable for complete beginners and those who have attended our drop in classes or taster session on Tue 10 Oct.

Please bring a water bottle and wear loose clothing in which you can move freely.Note: We'll use the MPR (Multi-Purpose Room) on the lower floor of the Club.

** The concessionary price is only available to those receiving means-tested benefits.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/798851280297100/

PREVIOUS EVENT: Tue 10 Oct -Taster session for dancing contact improvisation

Learn to dance and jam contact improvisation with us
Photo: Pier Corona

Location: Oxford University Club, 11 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ. (See map for location).

Time: 7 - 9 pm

Cost: £8 each.

Try a new dance! In this two hour session, we'll quickly gain skills and dance contact improvisation. Suitable for complete beginners and those interested in our short introductory dance course, starting the following week (Tuesday evenings - see below!). All welcome including those not at the University.

Please bring a water bottle and wear loose clothing in which you can move freely.Note: We'll use the MPR (Multi-Purpose Room) on the lower floor of the Club.

Facebook event for the Taster: https://www.facebook.com/events/109664353117946/

PREVIOUS EVENT: Sat 9 September 2017: Birthday Celebrations!
Oxford Contact Dance 3rd Anniversary

Learn to dance and jam contact improvisation with us

On Saturday 9 September, we're celebrating three years of Oxford Contact Dance with two events at The Old Fire Station, George Street, Oxford. All monies collected from them will be donated the homeless charity Crisis. We're suggestion a £5 donation for each of the events which are otherwise free. Please be generous.

  1. Introduction to Contact Improvisation at the Old Fire Station (2 - 4 pm)

    This class is for people with little or no experience of dancing contact improvisation. After the class, you'll have the confidence to take part in a dance session for contact improvisation also known as 'a jam'. Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/260730324445930

  2. Birthday Jam! (dance session) at The Old Fire Station (4 - 6 pm)

    Join this dance session for dancing contact improvisation to celebrate 3 years of Oxford Contact Dance! Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1816865471937291/

Contact improvisation is a dance which originated in the 1970’s and which has now spread throughout the world. It’s often taught in university dance courses but it’s easy to learn and fun. It’s an improvised dance - a dialogue in movement - which has a fluid and dynamic form, and it’s social dancing; not stage dancing. Suitable for everyone, whatever your age, gender or dancing experience. Please bring a water bottle and wear loose clothing in which you can move freely.

Dancing inspiration Video of Elske Seidel & Joerg Hassmann Contact Improvisation Duet: https://vimeo.com/162251068

POSTER: Birthday class & jam poster (PDF)

PREVIOUS EVENT: Dance in the Park, 7pm on Wednesday evenings in August (2017)

Learn to dance and jam contact improvisation with us

Come and dance or learn to dance, contact improvisation/ contact tango with us in University Parks, Oxford. All welcome. We're meeting 7pm at Keble Gate, University Parks (not the main gate!) which is at the intersection of Keble Road & Parks Road, to find a spot in the park. There is an optional introductory session or simply come to dance. Note: no amplified music is allowed in the park but acoustic instruments welcome.

Contact improvisation is a dance which originated in the 1970’s and which has now spread throughout the world. It’s often taught in university dance courses but it’s easy to learn and fun. It’s an improvised dance - a dialogue in movement - which has a fluid and dynamic form, and it’s social dancing; not stage dancing. Suitable for everyone, whatever your age, gender or dancing experience.

Please bring a water bottle and wear loose clothing in which you can move freely.

Cost: Free!

Location: Meeting at Keble Gate, University Parks, Parks Road, Oxford. The gate is opposite the intersection of Keble Road & Parks Road. Keble Gate is shown on this map). You can also see a picture of Keble Gate on Google's Streetview too.

Time: 7-9 pm(or dusk - when the park closes!).

This is our maxim: All life a dance; everyone a dancer; every moment a dance

PREVIOUS EVENT: Dance in the Park, 7.30pm on Wednesday evenings in July (2017)

Learn to dance and jam contact improvisation with us

Come and dance or learn to dance, contact improvisation/ contact tango with us in University Parks, Oxford. All welcome. We're meeting 7.30pm at Keble Gate, University Parks (not the main gate!) which is at the intersection of Keble Road & Parks Road, to find a spot in the park. There is an optional introductory session or simply come to dance. Note: no amplified music is allowed in the park but acoustic instruments welcome.

Contact improvisation is a dance which originated in the 1970’s and which has now spread throughout the world. It’s often taught in university dance courses but it’s easy to learn and fun. It’s an improvised dance - a dialogue in movement - which has a fluid and dynamic form, and it’s social dancing; not stage dancing. Suitable for everyone, whatever your age, gender or dancing experience.

Please bring a water bottle and wear loose clothing in which you can move freely.

Cost: Free!

Location: Meeting at Keble Gate, University Parks, Parks Road, Oxford. The gate is opposite the intersection of Keble Road & Parks Road. Keble Gate is shown on this map). You can also see a picture of Keble Gate on Google's Streetview too.

Time: 7.30 - 9.30 pm(or dusk - when the park closes!).

Poster/flyer with map: Please print-out and display this poster (PDF)

This is our maxim: All life a dance; everyone a dancer; every moment a dance

PREVIOUS EVENT: June Jam! - Wednesday 28 June

Learn to dance and jam contact improvisation with us
Photo: Pier Corona

Location: Oxford University Club, 11 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ. (See map for location).

Time: 7.30 - 9.30 pm

Cost: £5 each.

This is a two hour dance session for contact improvisation (which is also known as a jam!) without a class where you can dance, learn from others and practice dancing. All welcome. Please wear loose clothing in which you can move freely and bring a bottle of water. Note: We'll use the MPR (Multi-Purpose Room) on the lower floor of the Club.

Contact Improvisation is a dance which originated in the 1970s and which has now spread throughout the world. It's a dialogue in movement which has a fluid and dynamic form, and it's social dancing; not stage dancing.

PREVIOUS EVENTS: Dance Sundays - 18 June, 21 May, 23 April

Learn to dance and jam contact improvisation with us

Location: Richard Benson Hall, 276 Cowley Road, OX4 1UR. Map

Time: 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm.

Cost: £10 per session.

Sunday 23 April: Leading, Following, Listening. In most social partner dances, one person leads and the other follows. In Contact it’s more complicated. Who is leading? Who is following? It’s best not to ask! Just keep listening.

Sunday 21 May: Learning to Fly. In this session we will explore lifting using minimal effort, how to make ourselves light when being lifted, and finding natural places of connection on our bodies for ease of flow. Together we’ll create a safe lifting experience for all while letting our curiosity lead the dance.

Sunday 18 June: Landscape and water. The body as landscape; movement as water. We will investigate weight-sharing and focus on floor work.

In our Sunday sessions we start by learning skills, to get warmed up, then we spend time just dancing together. Please wear loose clothing in which you can move freely and bring a water bottle too. Suitable for beginners and more experienced dancers.

Contact improvisation is a dance form that originated in the 1970s and has spread throughout the world. It’s easy to get started with, and great fun to do!

Dance Sundays poster (PDF) for display

PREVIOUS EVENT: Jam! - Tuesday 23 May

Learn to dance and jam contact improvisation with us
Photo: Michelle Azdajic

Location: Oxford University Club, 11 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ. (See map for location).

Time: 8 - 10 pm

Cost: £5 each.

This is a two hour dance session for contact improvisation (which is also known as a jam!) without a class where you can dance and practice dancing. All welcome. Please wear loose clothing in which you can move freely and bring a bottle of water. Note: We'll use the MPR (Multi-Purpose Room) on the lower floor of the Club.

Contact Improvisation is a dance which originated in the 1970s and which has now spread throughout the world. It's a dialogue in movement which has a fluid and dynamic form, and it's social dancing; not stage dancing.

PREVIOUS EVENT: Dance Intensive - A short course in dancing contact improvisation (starts Tue. 4 April)

Learn to dance and jam contact improvisation with us
Photo credit: Pier Corona. December 2016 at Oxford Contact Dance

Date: Tuesday 4 April 2017

Time: 8 - 10 pm

Join the Dance Intensive and extend your dancing with a short course (6 sessions) in Contact Improvisation.

Starting Tuesday 4th April, 8 -10pm, weekly for six sessions, in Oxford.

Registration essential (email: contact@contactdance.org)

Contact improvisation offers dance techniques for partner dancing in social and improvised dances like 5 Rhythms, Tango and others; as well as Contemporary Dance. This course is particularly suited to those with some dance experience.

Contact improvisation is a dance form which originated in the 1970’s and which has now spread throughout the world. It’s often taught in university dance courses but it’s easy to learn and fun. It’s an improvised dance - a dialogue in movement - which has a fluid and dynamic form.

This introductory course also has the option of participating in a performance - it includes compositional elements too. Please wear loose clothing in which you can move freely and bring a water bottle too.

Afterwards, hot and cold beverages are available.

Price: £50 for six 2-hour sessions

Location: Oxford University Club, 11 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ. (See map for location). Note: We'll use the MPR (Multi Purpose Room) on the lower floor of the Club.

Poster (PDF) for display

This is our maxim: All life a dance; everyone a dancer; every moment a dance.

Previous event: Dance to Cello - Sunday 19 March

Learn to dance and jam contact improvisation with us
Photo credit: Young Toymaker, 2007. Creative Commons License: Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)

Date: Sunday 19 March 2017

Time: 2 - 4 pm

Dance to Cello. This is a dance session ('jam') for contact improvisation with an introductory class and musical accompaniment by cellist Josie Webber. All are welcome including those not at Oxford University and beginners.

Contact improvisation is a dance which originated in the 1970’s and which has now spread throughout the world. It’s often taught in university dance courses but it’s easy to learn and fun. It’s an improvised dance - a dialogue in movement - which has a fluid and dynamic form, and it’s social dancing; not stage dancing. Suitable for everyone, whatever your age, gender or dancing experience.

Please wear loose clothing in which you can move freely and bring a water bottle. Note that the session is in the Multi-Purpose Room on the lower floor of the Club. Ask at the reception if necessary.

Afterwards, hot and cold beverages are available.

Price: £10

Location: Oxford University Club, 11 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ. (See map for location). Note: We'll use the MPR (Multi Purpose Room) on the lower floor of the Club.

Poster (PDF) for display

This is our maxim: All life a dance; everyone a dancer; every moment a dance.

Previous event - Dreamscape: From Contact to Contiguity - 19 Feb 2017

Learn to dance and jam contact improvisation with us
Oxford Contact Dance session December 2016. Photo credit: Pier Corona

Date: Sunday 19 February 2017

Time: 2 - 4 pm

Dreamscape: From Contact to Contiguity. This is a dance session for contact improvisation. Warm up led by Michelle Azdajic followed with a contact improv dance session ('jam'). Live musical accompaniment by Malcolm Atkins. Explore the landscape of dreams and its common imagery as catalyst for the flow of contact, movement and communication with others. All are welcome including those not at Oxford University and beginners. No previous experience needed.

Contact improvisation is a dance which originated in the 1970’s and which has now spread throughout the world. It’s often taught in university dance courses but it’s easy to learn and fun. It’s an improvised dance - a dialogue in movement - which has a fluid and dynamic form, and it’s social dancing; not stage dancing. Suitable for everyone, whatever your age, gender or dancing experience.

Please wear loose clothing in which you can move freely and bring a water bottle. Note that the session is in the Multi-Purpose Room on the lower floor of the Club. Please ask at the reception if necessary.

Afterwards, hot and cold refreshments are available.

Price: £10

Location: Oxford University Club, 11 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ. (See map for location). Note: We'll use the MPR (Multi Purpose Room) on the lower floor of the Club.

Poster (PDF) for display

This is our maxim: All life a dance; everyone a dancer; every moment a dance.

Previous event: Dance to Cello - Contact Improvisation sessions 2017

Learn to dance and jam contact improvisation with us
Photo credit: Young Toymaker, 2007. Creative Commons License: Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)

Date: Sunday 15 January 2017

Time: 2 - 4 pm

Dance to Cello. This is a dance session ('jam') for contact improvisation with an introduction /warm-up and musical accompaniment by cello. Josie Webber will play cello. All are welcome including those not at Oxford University and beginners.

Contact improvisation is a dance which originated in the 1970’s and which has now spread throughout the world. It’s often taught in university dance courses but it’s easy to learn and fun. It’s an improvised dance - a dialogue in movement - which has a fluid and dynamic form, and it’s social dancing; not stage dancing. Suitable for everyone, whatever your age, gender or dancing experience.

Please wear loose clothing in which you can move freely and bring a water bottle. Note that the session is in the Multi-Purpose Room on the lower floor of the Club. Please ask at the reception if necessary.

Afterwards, we'll go for afternoon tea and cake.

Price: £10

Location: Oxford University Club, 11 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ. (See map for location). Note: We'll use the MPR (Multi Purpose Room) on the lower floor of the Club.

Poster (PDF) for display

This is our maxim: All life a dance; everyone a dancer; every moment a dance.