Body is a garden
Contact Improvisation, Somatics and Social Resistance 

A week of Contact Improvisation, somatic movement and voice embodiment dedicated to the cultivation of connectedness, community and positive change

The Body and the Political
The weight of the world today – the rise of fascism, brutal wars and genocide, a climate crisis in full swing - can feel shattering; fear and a common sense of powerlessness can make many people (feel) immobile, and retreat into individualism, suppression, and distraction. At the same time as technologization shapes our lives, perceptual experience is increasingly dominated by the visual sense and its instant dopamine gratifications.

In this landscape, immediacy—being fully present in the moment—becomes ever more precious and equally threatened. Coming together, interbeing, and reconnecting to sensing—the self, the other, nature, while acknowledging how power structures are inscribed onto the body in different ways —become crucial. The simplicity of communion, experiencing support and care, and recognizing the power of being a moving creature remind us that we have the ability to create, to transform, and to also bring forward transformation in the world

Let’s gather
This workshop is an invitation to gather in openness, and curiosity for the wonders of the living body and its surroundings, its creative potential; to find moments of beauty in the smallest, most mundane things and to foster deeper connection. Through principles of Contact Improvisation (CI), somatics and community-making we will explore questions like: how can embodiment practices foster resilience and what does it feel like? How can somatic movement and CI support us in challenging times? How can we support each other? How can we stay in—and step into—action from a place of centredness and connection?

Our practice will draw inspiration from Body-Mind Centering©, Continuum, contemplative practices (both in the studio and in nature), Contact Improvisation, voice embodiment and plasticizing with clay. The schedule will intentionally include spaciousness for personal research, rest, time in nature, and deep listening. The facilitation will be shared among Heidi Käfer and Lucia Oiro.

Who is this for?
This one-week residential workshop is open to anyone interested in the intersection of social change and embodiment, to reconnect, move and create together. It welcomes those curious about collaboration in a sharing-based environment.

Both beginners and advanced practitioners of Contact Improvisation are welcome, though a bit of prior experience with at least one CI class is recommended. In case of doubt, please reach out. The most important precondition is curiosity.

Although we try our best to open a trauma and power sensitive space, we are learning as well and the intention of this residency is not “healing”. We encourage everyone to stay open to making mistakes, learning and staying soft with oneself and the other.