For a performer, this is the most exquisite way of becoming present and learning to adapt creatively to any situation.
“I hope to make people (educators) re-consider or experience and understand what contact-improvisation is and can lead to i.e. conscious composing,” says Snell. The event is sponsored by the UCT Visiting Scholars Fund, Illinois University, Stellenbosch University and the Danish Arts Council and classes are open to all levels of participants.
“Meeting Kirstie in 2005 took me on a profound and inspiring journey of opening to the inherent joy of moving that lies within. Contact improvisation asks for an open-minded and sensitive approach to reconnect with our body's natural understanding of the fundamental laws of gravity, flow and momentum. From this place of authenticity, we dance and express ourselves. It addresses a wonderful, intuitive readiness in our body,” says Snell.
“Both Kirstie and Bo transmit this experience on a cellular level, and we immediately pick it up. Having them as teachers at our first SAIM will be an exceptional opportunity to learn, dance, play and be inspired without even thinking about it. It will just happen!”
Snell is a freelance physical performing-artist and dancer. With a background in physical theatre, dance, martial arts, mime and butoh-related work, she has worked intensively with Odin Teatret, Denmark, Panthéâtre & Roy Hart Theatre in France and the Danish States Ensemble for Children's Theatre Corona la Balance. Since relocating to Cape Town, she has started regular open contact-improvisation classes at UCT School of Dance hoping to establish a vibrant contact improvisation community here, with strong links to their international counterparts. She will be hosting workshops together with Simson, Madvig and Nicky Visser.
Simson is an associate professor at the University of Illinois. She has dedicated her life to the evolution of improvisation in dance. Her eternal subject is freedom, as she dares to go beyond the boundaries of form and structure to create movement out of the rhythm of life itself.
Madvig studied physical theatre and performance art at SNDO (School voor Nieuwe Dans Ontwikkeling), Hogeschool voor de Kunsten in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, before exploring physical theatre, installation art, group theatre, butoh, noh, Stanislavsky, post modern/new dance as well as video-making.
Visser, former founder and artistic director of Remix Dance Company which is involved in disability arts, trained at the Laban Centre in London and now works independently.
Snell advises dancers to try not to censor themselves continuously or to fall into the trap of having to be “successful” in either method. “As a dancer you are always part of a bigger picture; you always dance in a certain kind of landscape. Let yourself be moved by that landscape, so that you are in it, and it starts creating you, rather than you being the protagonist always.”
Participants are encouraged to bring an open heart and mind and wear clothing that allows free movement, like loose pants and T-shirts. Space is limited so contact Snell regarding schedules and fees on 076 020 5772 or email .
