Shoulder Lifts

An afternoon contact improvisation workshop with Karl Frost

12:00-4:o0PM, Sunday, May 22nd

On the grass in a park in Berkeley, California

Bring a picnic to share for after.

This is a straightforward workshop about the techniques for doing and integrating shoulder lifts, jumps and catches in the context of an improvised contact dance.

We’ll be working on

static and dynamic alignment
channeling momentum
Organizing oneself into structure to be more easily lifted
Catching and lifting at the peak of an arc of motion
Balance of intention to something specific but readiness for the unpredictable thing that actually happens
falling out of lifts and use of off-balance and spiral structures for lifts that transport the duet dynamically through space
Some classic and not-so-classic shoulder lifts and catches with assistance to get oriented in the territory of lifts higher off the ground
Integrating shoulder lifts into an open improvisation: being ready, finding and creating the entrance points, telegraphing dynamic moves in the midst of a flow of motion
Varying and messing up lifts on purpose to feel the improvisation within the lifts and to be able to have fun with what is actually happening, rather than trying to force things into a narrow range of specific moves.

Everyone should come out of the workshop with a few more shoulder moves in their comfortable vocabulary range and an ability to work them into a dance, expanding the vertical (and horizontal) range of the dancing.

Prerequisites: All participants should have some introduction to contact improvisation and be comfortable with a few basic pelvis/back lifts and supports

We’ll be working on grass, so bring some clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit grubby. Also, be prepared for windy and a bit chilly or sunny and hot weather in case the weather shifts or we shift activity levels. Sunscreen might be a good idea.

Logistics

Where: in a park in the east bay (TBA on Saturday)

When: Sunday May 22^nd , 12:00pm – 4:00pm

Fees and Registration:

$40 – $80 sliding scale, pay what you can

$30 if you have you pay before May 15

To register, use the paypal button. for info, write to info@bodyresearch.org