We dedicate the 9th edition of Kontaktland to Steve Paxton. Steve was an American dancer, choreographer, and farmer who originated Contact Improvisation in 1972 and sadly left his physical body in February 2024.
As we wonder whether you still feel gravity where you are now, Steve, we honor your lifelong research and the international community of dancers who continue to gather to practice and explore this unique and transformative dance form.
We invite teachers who have worked closely with Steve in performing, researching, and deepening this practice.
July 14th-18th
Learning while Touching
Intensives with Kirstie Simson (UK) and Ray Chung (US)
On August 8, 1998, at the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, they danced together in a piece titled Improvisation Project, narrated by Steve Paxton.
When the three of us talked to prepare for the festival, they tried to remember the last time they met — it must have been around 25 years ago.
During those intensives, Kirstie and Ray will share and offer their life research.
July 19th-23th
Reunion – CI Jam gathering
with Kirstie Simson (UK), Ray Chung (US), K.J. Holmes (US), Andrew Harwood (CA), Eszter Gál (HU) and Eva Karczag (online) (HU)
Every teacher will facilitate a 3 hours class leading into a score jam.
We will have a round table facilitated by Eszter Gál, videos and talks about Contact Improvisation and personal experiences with Steve.
Eva Karczag will join us online.
July 24th-28th
CI and its performative forms
Intensives with K.J. Holmes (US) and Andrew Harwood (CA)
They have known each other and crossed paths throughout their long history with Contact Improvisation, and we are happy to welcome both of them to teach the performative forms of CI.