Wise Moves with Lucia Walker & Simonetta Alessandri

A Contact Improvisation workshop for older dancers & those who want to dance until and while they are old! Simonetta and Lucia have each been dancing for around 40 years and continue to be involved in the changing world of Contact Improvisation as well as teaching Feldenkrais and Alexander Technique both of which underlie and integrate with our teaching and movement directions. We are interested in how we adapt our movement and presence practises to support the changes that come with age and in supporting others to continue dancing and Contact Improvisation as they navigate their personal movement journey. Feldenkrais and AT are both approaches which centre around attention, awareness, and self-care. They support the dance by refining awareness, allowing us to move safely beyond habitual patterns towards greater ease, effortlessness and pleasure. The underlying principles have deeply influenced our approach to dancing and to Contact Improvisation Through Feldenkrais, we will explore differentiation and integration—refining our ability to perceive subtle distinctions in movement, weight, tone and direction, while sensing how each part participates in the organisation of the whole. With AT we increase discernment in self noticing and and appreciation of our sense of movement, proprioception and vision. We practise our ability to pause, choose and respond authentically in each moment. We will also learn to notice and support the flow of choices and co-incidences that allow us to enjoy and influence the dance. In this workshop we will explore our individual capacity for movement and allow dances to emerge from meetings with others and from the interplay of physical forces; momentum, pressure, structure, and gravity. The workshop will include quiet and subtle work as well as energetic and playful movement. Each participant is invited to participate according to their own ability and energy. It will be suited to those new to Contact Improvisation as well to experienced dancers who wish to deepen their practise.The frame will hold a safe space for older dancers but all ages and abilities are welcome to come explore and play. For more info please contact [email protected]