Contact Improvisation Class with Mark Koenig on 1/11/2023

Peer class with Mark is Wednesday 1/11 at 6:30pm at Studio Sway. For now, class sizes are limited for COVID-19 safety, so please register the Monday before class through the link in the event on the Peer Class Page.

CONTACT IMPROVISATION - The Basics of Following the Point

Being present to the here-and-now, there is a moment in the dancing where it becomes obvious that we are not leading the dance, and neither is our partner. The pathway and destiny of the dance are being given by its source -- its voice is almost that of a third partner -- the shared Point of Contact. What dance is possible when we listen fully and respond committedly not to the thoughts and feelings of self or other, but to the bridge of the here-and-now?

Mark Koenig has a background in gymnastics, martial arts, ballet, and modern dance, and has been teaching and performing Contact Improvisation dance throughout the United States since 1995. He co-founded LeyZokiParl and LAVA, improvisational music and dance performance collectives, and GLACIER, the annual Great Lakes Area Contact Improvisation Enthusiasts Retreat. He continues to teach and perform and deepen his inquiry into the form in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, NM.

Mark is also passionate about making a positive difference with the Environment and Climate Change. Mark asserts that what's missing in the conversations about Climate Change is the voice of our Environment. How often do we ask what our Environment has to say on the issue of the Environment? How often do we listen for a response? What could make a difference is to bring the fundamentals of Contact Improvisation to the conversation - to be in a dance with our Environment, listening for what's needed and wanted, responding, and building trust.