CI up in the Sky
journeying from the floor to flying
Contact Improvisation
Bristol Day Workshop
Taught by Richard Parker
Saturday 18th May 2024 | 10am - 5.30pm
St Michael’s Parish Hall, Park Lane, Bristol BS2 8BE
Day tickets available
We are also selling CI specific kneepads that can be added to you booking.
About the Workshop
This dynamic, playful, and certainly uplifting experience will take you through the various physical levels of the practice, from being on the floor to soaring high up in the sky.
In this workshop, you’ll be supported through any fears of flying with gentle, step-by-step guidance, learning the principles of flying safely on the ground and taking these principles upwards through the levels as you move towards the sky. We'll explore techniques to support you in falling, counterbalancing, and bringing your feet off the ground. You'll also learn the art of balancing on another body, how to take off, and most importantly, how to land both yourself and your partner safely.
The aim is to create a supportive and safe environment to explore this aspect of the practice. This workshop is designed for improver-level dancers who have been dancing CI long enough to feel well-practised and clear in the fundamental principles and feel ambitious to learn more advanced techniques. It's the perfect opportunity to conquer your fears, explore new heights, and connect with our (literally) uplifting community. If you are unsure whether you are at a suitable level for this workshop, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Richard Parker, an experienced Contact Improvisation teacher and founder of Emerging Hearts CI Camp, will guide you through a progressive series of CI experiences that promise to challenge and inspire you. With a focus on physical techniques, embodiment practices, and relational awareness, you'll learn the next level of in-depth fundamental principles of Contact Improvisation that you can apply to your dancing for years to come.
Spaces are limited, so don't miss out on this opportunity to join us on this upward journey in CI!
Let's spread our wings, embrace the unknown, and dance among the clouds!
Tickets & Timings
Saturday 18th May: 10am - 5.30pm workshop
As part of the community experience, we are also planning an optional community meal after the workshop on Saturday evening.
Full Day Ticket: £65
At Emerging Hearts we hope to make our events as accessible as possible. We understand that while we try to price our events reasonably, support may still be needed. If you are on a lower income, we offer the option of paying in instalments, or at a reduced cost if the price is truly out of your range. Please visit our inclusivity page and we will be happy to assist you. Please note that while we offer further support beyond instalments, only a certain amount of these spaces may be available.
Venue & Travel
St Michael’s Parish Hall, Park Lane, Bristol BS2 8BE
St Michael’s Parish Hall is near the University of Bristol and the city centre. It is a 20-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads Railway Station. There is also free parking at the venue. Upon booking you’ll be given access to a lift share document.
The hall is a good space for CI with plenty of heating and natural light, also with full access to a kitchen.
Food
Please bring your own food for lunches. There is a well-equipped kitchen as well as plenty of shops and cafes within walking distance.
Get In Touch
If you have any questions about the workshop details or in general about contact improvisation then please don't hesitate to get in touch via the contact page.
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Richard Parker
Richard Parker is passionate about the relational and deeply human experience that can be revealed through Contact Improvisation. His workshops are a refined balance of skills, creativity & free exploration, taking participants on a journey into the co-creative wonders of this practice, which always includes a healthy dose of safety and care for one another. With a grounded and easy-going approach, he loves sharing both his detailed and extensive understanding of the principle movement forms within Contact Improvisation alongside the subtle nuances, helping people to truly embody the fundamental aspects of the dance. Most importantly creating a sense of relational awareness and a sense of togetherness as we co-create within the dance space.
He has been developing his skills and knowledge as a Contact Improvisation (CI) dancer since 2006. Over the years he has extensively trained with many amazing international teachers within CI including Karen Nelson, Lisa Nelson, KJ Holmes, Nita Little, Andrew Harwood, Ray Chung, Martin Keogh & Joerg Hassmann. Since 2011 he has shared his teaching of CI within Professional, Educational, Festival & Community Organisations as well as organised his own CI Festivals, Retreats and Camps.
“A true love for the form and genuine investigation is at the heart of Richard's teaching. He plans and delivers material in a thoughtful, reflective and thorough way, each exercise leading on to the next fluidly. His gentle, clear and encouraging manner gives students the confidence to push their practice further and his commitment to staying true to the form ensures that others can continue to discover and enjoy the beauty of the dance.”