JAM GUIDELINES - Please note!
Our Contact Improvisation (CI) Jams are leaderless practice environments where people with experience in CI come together & practice the dance form with anyone who gathers - friends or strangers, old, young, experienced, beginners.

We therefore ask complete beginners to learn the basics in one or more workshops before participating in a jam!

There might or might not be an Intro to the jam, wich will provide an attunement but no class.

JAM GUIDELINES:

● Take time to arrive physically and energetically in space.

● Base your practice in listening - to yourself, to your partners, and to the space. Move at the speed of your attention.

● Wear clothes that offer a lot of skin coverage - long pants & shirts, this avoids discomfort caused by friction from the floor. And bring extra clothes to change during the jam or after. 

• Soft knee pads (especially those designed for dancing) or several layers are recommended. (Some may be available at site)

● Remove anything at risk of catching on another partner like jewellery.

● Keep the floor open for dancing, resting and observing can be done from the side.

● By taking part in Contact Improvisation jam you are aware that CI can be physically dangerous and agree to take care of your own safety. Interact within the parameters of your own skills, focus and comfort.

● Take responsibility to understand how your dance, energy and sense of personal boundaries impact dance partners and space around you. If you’re not sure, ask your partners what your impact is.

● It is totally ok to express a “no” physically or verbally, without having to explain. It is also ok to receive a “no” and act accordingly without judgement of self or the other.

● Practice listening to non-verbal cues and get verbal feedback if there is any confusion or ambiguity.

● Holding any of your partners “landing gear” - arms & legs can restrict your partners ability to take care of themselves and cause accidents/injuries to occur.

● Despite its focus on touch and proximity, Contact Improvisation is not about sexuality. Predatory behaviour, sexual advances, sensual touch is not acceptable in the space.

● In case you are uncomfortable with any situation or person within the jam, talk with the partner, facilitator or another experienced dancer you trust.

There are different ways to be present in space. Observing from the side is a great way to learn, supports the collective focus and feeds the dancing.