The Mind In Motion
Born in a sea of touch, formed from the inside out

„Born in a sea of touch, contact improvisation is a dance that was formed from the inside out.- from sensation that could be translated as information and become waves of movement … and flesh that could become like eyes with penetrating sight … and interpretive skills that could enable a dancer to read the floor beneath his partner's feet while surfing on her shoulders! Underlying the fluid action of CI are principles that govern the movement, the relationship of moving bodies, and the physical and mental states of the dancers. From its inception, the investigators into the movement form looked to discover these essentials rather than to determine specific actions, pathways or defined "steps". Like deep secrets, these principles represent the core wisdom of Contact Improvisation, and ease with them reveals mastery of the form and entrance into the joys of liquid freedom.“

This class is an opportunity to learn CI skills through integration with these principles from one of the original pioneers of this form. This class is encouraged for dancers of all skill levels, beginners as well as those wishing to deepen and clarify their study of CI.


Contact Improvisation
a process of letting go and arriving at the same time

„Being "in touch" is a state of mind and a state of body. A pseudonym for being grounded, aware, connected, and awake, "in touch" is both the core and the ideal of our work. It is a paradox because it is both a process of letting go and arriving at the same time. Both an internal and an external practice, it calls forth the fundamentals of physical grace and a willingness to change and be changed. Our goal is to be so "in touch" that we can fully fly, both physically and creatively. Our practice will take us from grounded flight to and through aerial soaring. We will look into the nature of emerging moments and find dances that reach deep into our sense of play.

I base my technical focus on the principals underlying all actions. I consistently work physical development through improvisational tools giving the dancers the skills to be responsible for finding the principals of action present within their own physical choices and with the skills to apply them.“


Nita Little
For the past 30 years Nita Little has been performing, choreographing and teaching improvisational dance. In 1972 she joined steve paxtion and others to break new ground (or: pave the way) for contact improvisation. For 8 years she has worked exclusively on the development of contact improvisation, significantly influencing and being influenced by it. She is considered a master teacher of contact improvisation and other improvisational forms.