What is...
Even if you have been dancing and engaging with the practice of contact improvisation for a while you might still wonder what it is. While there is no one definition, we did our best to give some insight and quotes, and other relevant information for the practice on the island.
What is a Jam?
A "Jam" is an informal space in which dancers practice contact improvisation, developing physical abilities in communication with partners. This is the time to deepen your experience, “listen” and discover your own interpretation of dance.
It is a space of freedom and choice, but also responsibility and independence. You can start or stop the dance at any time, or decide to participate as an observer. Sometimes the space of the jam is filled with music that supports dancing, sometimes the practice is accompanied by sounds of one’s own movement, other people and space.
Performance Labs
Workshops and labs exploring the performative dimension of CI. Intended for people with more established dance practice, interested in ensemble creative work and relation with the audience.
You will share the project outcome at the festival.
Underscore
A practice of mindful jam, developed by Nancy Stark Smith, one of the founders and global educators of CI. The Underscore structure allows for a full spectrum of energetic and physical expression, embodying various forms and changing states.
Jam Guidelines
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Take time to arrive physically and energetically in the space.
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Base your practice in listening - to yourself, to your partners, and to the space. Move at the speed of your attention.
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Wear clothes that offer a lot of skin coverage - long pants & shirts, this avoids discomfort caused by friction from the floor. And bring extra clothes to change during the jam or after.
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Remove anything at risk of catching on another partner like jewellery.
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Keep the floor open for dancing, resting and observing can be done from the side.
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By taking part in Contact Improvisation jam you are aware that CI can be physically dangerous and agree to take care of your own safety. Interact within the parameters of your own skills, focus and comfort.
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Take responsibility to understand how your dance, energy and sense of personal boundaries impact dance partners and space around you. If you’re not sure, ask your partners what your impact is.
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It is totally ok to express a “no” physically or verbally, without having to explain it.
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It is also ok to receive a “no” and act accordingly without judgement of self or the other.
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Practice listening to non-verbal cues and get verbal feedback if there is any confusion or ambiguity.
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Holding any of your partners “landing gear” - arms & legs can restrict your partners ability to take care of themselves and cause accidents/injuries to occur.
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Despite its focus on touch and proximity, Contact Improvisation is not about sexuality. Predatory behaviour, sexual advances, sensual touch is not acceptable in the space.
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In case you are uncomfortable with any situation or person within the jam, talk with the partner, facilitator or another experienced dancer you trust.
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There are different ways to be present in space. Observing from the side is a great way to learn, supports the collective focus and feeds the dancing.
Community Agreements
In participating in Koh Phangan Contact Improvisation events, we agree to the following.
These agreements are part of our effort to create a safer space where community awareness and care are foremost.
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Contact Improvisation is a consent-based practice. Built on mutual agreements and includes non-sexual physical contact.
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People vary in their capacity to establish mutual consent. I do not assume that what feels OK or safe for me, will feel the same for someone else.
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I am expected to express my own boundaries clearly using nonverbal and verbal expressions of “yes” and “no'' to convey my response. And to respect the boundaries of my dance partners by listening and complying with any nonverbal or verbal expressions of “no” I receive from them.
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Sexuality or romance is not inherently part of Contact Improvisation practice and not the focus of dancing in this space, even if it is consensual.
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I agree to take responsibility for my actions and individual safety to the best of my ability. And I accept that I participate at my own risk.
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I’m aware this is drug free space. I will not participate under the influence of intoxicants. If I suspect another participant of being intoxicated I will inform the facilitator, who may ask them to leave.
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If I need support or help in resolving issues of safety or boundaries, I will communicate this to the session facilitator or the event organisers.
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I agree to ask the organisers for clarification of any of these agreements if they are unclear to me. And to verbally check in about any physical or emotional issues in sharing circles and with dance partners.