This workshop invites participants of all experience levels to delve into the principles of movement and connection through the lens of Contact Improvisation (CI) and the Japanese martial art Aikido. Together, we will explore how our bodies connect and interact, creating a dialogue of movement that emphasises balance, support, and playfulness.

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Workshop Focus
Drawing inspiration from Aikido, we will investigate how to establish meaningful connections through movement. How can we interact with a partner while maintaining connection with the shared center? How do we respond to given directions, blending with the flow and redirecting movements to challenge and explore balance? Participants will engage in exercises designed to:

• Ground themselves and expand their body awareness.

• Explore the interplay of pressure and extension.

• Provide and receive support in movement.

 

The workshop encourages both physical exploration and mindful awareness, allowing us to challenge and care for our partners while staying attuned to our own balance and limits.

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Aikido Rolling Techniques
A key component of the workshop includes learning foundational rolling techniques from Aikido. Starting from the ground and progressing to standing, participants will practice forward and backward rolls, cultivating ease and flow in their movements. These techniques will integrate into partnered movements, enabling participants to guide and be guided into, connected rolls.

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Performative Exploration
As the workshop progresses, we will translate our discoveries into brief performance exchanges. These performances will serve as a space for inspiration and experimentation, encouraging participants to reflect on their experiences and share their creative movement expressions.

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These interactions will allow participants to deepen their understanding of movement as a shared experience, fostering creativity and connection within the group.