Contact Improv - Brisbane
Contents
About
There is a Contact Improv community in Brisbane... and it's got some lovely people.
In the wider Brisbane area, I think there are a few gatherings, but the main one in Brisbane is "Contact Improv Dance Brisbane" with weekly events every Thursday evening (~6:30pm - 8:30pm) at West End Uniting Church in West End (map). It is typically run by Gabriel Reese, although since mid-2024 others will sometimes lead jams - often my amazing friends Mike Lin and Josh Mclean - which is really exciting! Most weeks is an approx one hour lesson leading into a jam, but some are just jams. Schedules can change, so check the Facebook site or, better yet, ask to be added to the Facebook chat group, for the latest timetable before attending.
What is Contact Improv
Contact Improvisation is a form of dance characterised by fluid movement and spontaneous physical interaction between partners, where touch serves as the primary means of communication. Originating in the early 1970s, it drew inspiration from martial arts, modern dance, and physical therapy practices. In Contact Improvisation, dancers explore the physics of their bodies in motion—gravity, momentum, and inertia—allowing for an organic, evolving dance that can range from stillness to highly dynamic exchanges. There's no set choreography; instead, participants respond in the moment to the movements of their partners, leading to unique and unpredictable dances. This form emphasises awareness, responsiveness, and the physical dialogue between dancers, making it a deeply personal and communal experience.
What's Special About This Event and Venue
Depending on the night, you'll probably have (5-12) people. Intimate, yet the room can feel full and *during* the workshop itself, and they like to promote a safe space where the contact/touch is kept non-sexual. Energy movement is okay, but it's kept pretty lovely. Remember that you are at choice and listen to your body and limits/injuries before you try any new moves. While there is a lot of experience in the room, I've also hurt my knee and seen some minor incidents when I or others have gotten a little too rambunctious. That said, I've learned a lot, including when to slow it down (when my body is tired or not warmed up), and I go pretty often!
Gabriel tends to play soft music in the background. Purists would argue that contact improv should be in total silence, but I like subtle music because it adds another layer and level of unpredictability to each dance you share with another. Everyone here is (usually) down to dance with each other, but that also can be intimidating to newcomers or people not confident in setting boundaries. The floors are wooden, which is the "proper" way for contact improv, but also means that knee pads are recommended. The fun special thing about this event/community is that so many contact improv people - especially Mike Lin are in the Thai Shiatsu Massage and mad keen about giving massages - which are amazing! So sometimes a little massage happens at the end, sometimes tiny cuddle puddles, but they try not to let massage or cuddles take over the whole dance event! Just don't be surprised if you see it happen, and feel free to ask to be included if that calls to you.
Sincerely,
Andrew Noske
Consent
If you've never done contact improv before, it can be pretty full-on. It's full contact, but it's critical to realise that you can choose to dance by yourself the whole night or sit out an exercise. There is this concept of silent attunement as you dance, but it's recommended to verbally announce to people or the whole group when you have an injury or when you don't want to be touched or lifted, etc. If it's your first time, you might just want to be an observer; that's okay. Just because everyone else is in full contact doesn't mean you have to be! Start slow, your first time is great advice. :)
See Also
- Contact Improv... more info about this style of dance meditation.
Links
- Brisbane Contact Improv Australia... honestly, it's pretty hard to lock them down to one Facebook Group... you are better off getting someone to add you to the Facebook "Brisbane CI community" chat group.
| Acknowledgements: Big gratitude to the incredible Mike for introducing me to this dance event, to Gabe for running it (for many years now!). |
