Dance 377ci - Advanced Studies in History and Aesthetics-Contact Improvisation Practice and History
Adv Studies: Contact Improv
Fall
2024
01
4.00
Chris Aiken
M 1:30 PM - 2:55 PM; W 1:10 PM - 2:35 PM
Smith College
DAN-377ci-01-202501
Crew House
caiken@smith.edu
In this course students engage throughout the semester both in the practice of contact improvisation (CI) and the study of its history from 1972 till the present. The class studies how CI has become a world-wide phenomenon, how it has evolved on different continents and regions, and how its participants have navigated issues of power, sexuality, race, identity and culture. Students consider the ecosystems of CI classes, jams and performances; CI in academia; and CI in relationship to professional dance training, aesthetics, and performance. All levels. Enrollment limited to 20.