Stroud Contact Improvisation Class & Jam

Movement, Creativity and Connection through Dance

with Richard Parker

A facilitated dance class for learning about Contact Improvisation. Suitable for anyone curious about embodied relational dance through close physical contact and improvisation. Perfect for introducing newcomers as well as helping more experienced dancers develop their practice.

  • Learn about the possibilities of movement within your body

  • Explore a co-creative dance practice

  • Feel an embodied human connection

  • Contact Improvisation in Nature

    This Friday, the 22nd May session will be outside on the heavens by the oak trees (a familiar and beautiful spot where many of you have danced before)

    Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm

    Followed by a community food share at 8pm

    Cost: £5

    We’ll begin with a gentle warm-up, followed by a guided jam. There will also be space to bring questions about your practice, or to explore specific elements of CI together if you’d like some support or technical input. Otherwise, it will simply be a held space to dance, meet, and move together.

    The theme is inspired by a line from a community song I really like:

    “Each tree is bound to the earth, yet aching for the distant sky.”

    We’ll be working with ideas of rooting down and reaching up, and how these qualities support and shape our movement, balance, and connection in the dance.

    Please bring food to share afterwards.

    Note: These sessions are intended for people with some prior experience of Contact Improvisation, or who already feel familiar and comfortable with the dynamic movement aspect of the practice.

    Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tJnH94ESQ3R69WtN7

    The easiest parking is at Topps Tiles and then it is a short walk up to the place.

    Please read my Health & Fitness Guidelines before coming for your first time.

  • Contact Improv Class & Jam

    with Richard Parker

    Fridays: 7pm - 9.30pm

    Venue: Maypole Hall - Venue Details

    The structure for these sessions is a 1.5-hour class followed by a facilitated jam.

    The class includes guided movement and body coordination training, along with relational, embodied listening and fundamental techniques of Contact Improvisation. It offers a clear and supportive learning process that helps develop confidence, awareness, and ease in the practice.  Ending with a short jam, offering time to play with and integrate what has been explored.

    My remaining classes in May are designed for people wanting to deepen their Contact Improvisation practice. Some prior experience of CI, and a level of physical ease with standing and floor work is recommended. If you’ve attended a few sessions already and feel connected to the practice, you’re very welcome to join.

    Sessions will begin again in September

    Cost: £15 (£12 concs)

    Pay cash or card at the door (card payments include a small processing fee)

    Kneepads available: £15 (S,M & L)

    Please read my Health & Fitness Guidelines before coming for your first time.

Venue Details

Venue: Maypole Hall, Stratford Road, Paganhill, Stroud GL5 4AN Google Maps Link

Facilities: Wooden dance floor, good heating, natural and ambient lighting, toilets and changing facilities, as well as access to a kitchen.

Easy Free Parking: Outside hall and on surrounding roads

Lift Share: Please get in touch if you need a lift, and I can link you to our community WhatsApp group to help you make these arrangements.


We also have a WhatsApp group for updates, sharing lifts and staying connected, get in touch if you wish to join.

About Richard

Richard Parker is passionate about the relational and deep human experience that can be revealed through this profound practice. His workshops are a refined balance of skills, creativity & free exploration, taking participants on a journey into the co-creative wonders of Contact Improvisation, 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 principal 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, Scott Wells, Benno Voorham & 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."