Special Topics in Acting (370-0-20)

Topic

Contact Improvisation for Performance

Instructors

Chrissy Martin

Meeting Info

Wirtz 201 Performnce Black Box: Tues, Thurs 3:00PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

Contact improvisation is a dance form involving two or more bodies utilizing physical touch as a vehicle for spontaneous communication. The result of this dance is a discernible embodied relationship that is attentive, adaptable, and resilient. In this class, we will practice rolling, falling, dynamic weight sharing, inversions, and developing sophisticated internal and external awareness that will move us through space with one another. This class will create an environment for students to hone mutual embodied and verbal communication skills around consent, as well as introduce a very serious sense of play and joy in movement.

This course utilizes focused warm-ups designed to cultivate various physical/mental states and movement qualities, technical skill development, and extended periods of dancing wherein you will integrate the course material into an open-ended improvisational practice. You will be challenged to develop mental/emotional skills such as mind/body integration, sensory awareness, kinesthetic empathy, internal awareness, and an understanding of consent culture through the lens of social dance. You will often work in groups of two or three, dancing with your classmates in a variety of situations, as well as exploring solo and ensemble improvisations.

Registration Requirements

Email Prof Chrissy Martain chrissy.martin@northwestern.edu to request a permission. Please include your previous movement and/or dance experience. No freshmen.

Class Materials (Required)

Dance kneepads $1-25

Class Notes

Theatre 370 Contact Improv can serve as one of the two required sections of Theatre 375 to partcipate in NU Faces.