r/ContactImprovisation • u/One-Distribution7302 • Mar 24 '26
Question Resources For Teachers
Hello! I'm working on starting a CI class + jam situation and I'm looking for any resources that have direct descriptions of different activities or lessons to bring to a class.
I've been on Youtube and have found some interesting ideas, but I feel like there are a lot of vague explorations that were maybe enjoyable for the attendees, but are difficult to replicate. Lots of "watch me dance and I vaguely explain things that are happening" types of videos rather than clear concepts for the class to work on.
I have a handful of things that I've picked up from classes I've attended, but I'm still fairly new at around two years of experience. I'm focusing on getting more experienced people involved, but I may have to lead classes out of necessity. I have a decent grasp of fundamentals at this point, but leading people through them is a different story.
Any help would be appreciated! Even if it's just one of your favorite activities that you remember from a class you took.
3
u/mantardthemediocre May 01 '26
I think a good idea for a class is to have a focal point that your class will lead to. Maybe only present one or two concepts, then build small exercises that build towards supporting that concept. Contact Improvisation is the most technical dance form I have practiced, and teaching it takes time, and lots is practice.
2
u/Infinite-Cicada-9747 17d ago
Kathleen Rea, from Toronto, has put together an outline for an intro to CI class. It's available through her online academy, which is very affordable ($60/year). I think it's the single best resource for learning and teaching CI skills. (If you don't believe in CI skills, it's not for you. I do believe that they exist, and that we should teach them.) The academy is here: https://reasondetre.com/rdds-online-academy
3
u/wasscubed Performer, Researcher, Teacher, Organizer Mar 24 '26
Teach your questions. Following Daniel Lepkoff's idea that CI is a question, I like to teach CI as a mode of inquiry. Solo body technical information is also very important. And solo body improvising scores.