Communication of the Body

the pathways to channel our dance

Contact Improvisation

Glastonbury Day Workshop

Taught by Richard Parker

Sunday 7th April 2024 | 10am - 5.30pm

Compton Dundon Village Hall, Ham Lane, Somerton (near Glastonbury) TA11 6PQ

Day tickets available

We are also selling CI specific kneepads that can be added to you booking.


About the Workshop

We invite you to be a part of our upcoming Contact Improvisation (CI) workshop, Communication of the Body, which is all about opening the channels and finding the pathways to communicate within our dance. With a focus on both the physical aspects and the relational subtleties, we will tune into the integral connections needed to foster the magical flow of continuous communication that makes Contact Improvisation feel so alive.

In this workshop we'll explore ways to tune into our true physical centre, moving and reaching from a place of physical integrity. By defining and sharing the physical integrity of our bodies, we create a strong foundation and channel for the transfer of presence, energy, creativity, and intentions of movement during our dance.

We'll also explore some of the various movement styles and pathways within CI that facilitate continuous and fluid communication through our bodies, helping us deeply connect and co-create with our dance partners. You don't need any experience – just an open mind and willingness to explore the language of the body.

Contact Improvisation is not just about dance – it's a journey of self-discovery, expression, and connection. By embracing this practice, we can unlock the potential within our bodies to communicate, express, and thrive through movement.

Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a curious beginner, this workshop is for you. You'll have the opportunity to learn from an experienced teacher, connect with like-minded individuals, and most importantly, have an amazing dance! So come join us on this journey of dance, self-discovery and connection through the beauty of Contact Improvisation. We can't wait to move with you!

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 body work, physical techniques, embodiment practices, and relational awareness, you'll learn in-depth fundamental principles of contact improvisation that you can apply to your dancing for years to come.

Spaces are limited, so we invite you to book your place soon.

Let's dance, thrive, and create together!


Tickets & Timings

  • Sunday 9th April: 10am - 5.30pm workshop

  • 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

Compton Dundon Village Hall, Ham Lane, Somerton (near Glastonbury) TA11 6PQ

Compton Dundon Village Hall is a 10-minute drive south of Glastonbury, with plenty of green spaces all around.

The hall is a good space for CI with a wooden floor, 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 if needed. 


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.

  • 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.”