Immersive Workshops
Our immersive workshop series, led by Richard Parker—the founder and organiser of the Emerging Hearts Contact Improvisation Camp—offers a unique opportunity to delve deeply into the practice of Contact Improvisation.
These sessions were born out of my wish to share the values we live by at our large summer camp—accessibility, inclusion, and a true sense of belonging—with a wider audience. They are also for those who are curious about our camp but unsure if it’s for them. For many, CI events can feel focused on learning the form without always feeling part of the community until you can “really dance” CI. At Emerging Hearts, we do things differently—our events are designed so you feel included and welcomed into the community from the very first moment, no matter your experience level.
Through guided explorations and shared experiences, these workshops create an inclusive and supportive atmosphere that welcomes both newcomers and seasoned practitioners alike. They also give our existing community a way to stay connected beyond the camp and keep the spirit of Emerging Hearts alive throughout the year. Each session is thoughtfully designed to cultivate self-discovery, self-expression, and genuine human interaction, making this series more than just a dance workshop.
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These workshops will focus on learning CI in a clear, safe, and accessible way while fostering an inclusive and co-creative community experience. Each workshop is crafted around a distinct theme within the world of Contact Improvisation, interwoven with opportunities for personal inquiry and collaborative exploration. Whether you are new to the practice or seeking to deepen your understanding, our program is structured to support your individual learning while nurturing the collective experience that makes our community so vibrant.
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Facilitated Contact Improvisation Workshops: Engage in explorations that expand your understanding of CI movement, presence, and connection.
Integration Jam: Experience the joy of integrating what you’ve learned through open dance and spontaneous creativity.
Interactive Q&A: Dive deeper into the nuances of the form through rich discussions, enquiry and real-time feedback.
Individual and Group Check-ins: Share insights, intentions, and experiences as we cultivate a sense of shared journey.
Rest and Reflection Space: Take time to process, rejuvenate, or simply rest.
Community-Building Opportunities: Enjoy an optional food sharing, volunteer roles, and post-event socials to strengthen connections beyond the dance floor.
Join us for a day of movement, exploration, and meaningful connection—a space where the practice of Contact Improvisation becomes a gateway to personal growth and a deeper sense of community.
Events
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.”
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 our contact page.