Shamanic Improvised Presence
Improvisation and performance as potential shamanic action

A weekend experiment to investigate the relationship between improvised dance, performance and shamanism. Exercises and experiences in presence, transformation, breath, altered states of being, trance, awareness, ritual, and performance.
I have been studying ritual, both ancient and contemporary, for over 20 years. I recognize the many continuations and disruptions between religious practice and the Western concert stage. Shamanism, in a general usage, refers to the ritual/spiritual practices of working with unseen forces, of energy, of transforming space and time, of shifting meaning and perspective. Performance often engages the same intentions.
Throughout the weekend we will, in action and conversation, question the concept of Presence. What is it? How do we experience it? Can it be choreographed? What can we learn about presence through improvisation?



Keith Hennessy
Keith Hennessy is a performer, choreographer, teacher and organiser. He was born in Canada, lives in San Francisco and tours internationally. His interdisciplinary research engages improvisation, ritual and public action as tools for investigating political realities. Recent awards include a NY Bessie (2009), two Isadora Duncan Awards (2009), the SF Bay Guardian’s Goldie (2007) the Alpert/MacDowell Fellowship in Dance (2005). Hennessy directs ZERO PERFORMANCE, and was a member of the collaborative performance companies: Contraband (85-94), CORE (95-98), and Cahin-caha, cirque bâtard (98-02). Recent works include "Auf den Tisch!" with Meg Stuart, "Delinquent", a work with young adults investigating juvenile crime and punishment, commissioned by Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and "Crotch", a solo performance developed at L’Arsenic in Lausanne, and presented internationally. Keith's recent teaching includes University of California (Davis), University of Dance & Circus (Stockholm), ImPulsTanz (Vienna), Touch & Play Festival (Berlin), Ponderosa (Stolzenhagen), Tanzfabrik (Berlin) and American Dance Festival (Durham). Hennessy is a PhD candidate in Performance Studies at UC Davis.
www.circozero.org