Musicality in Contact Improvisation

Tuesdays 5:15 - 7:15 PM Intermediate Level The intermediate series is for those who have a strong embodiment of the foundational principles and who want to expand their range of creative choices. Prerequisites: permission from instructor and a solid embodied understanding of contact improvisation principles

Themes we will explore include flow, rhythm, contrast and timing. We will also bring conscious awareness to breath and how it can support our moving musicality.

Dance and music have been inextricably linked throughout history. Contact improvisation initially was practiced without music and then fairly early on there was experimentation of CI with live improvised music. Today some people practice entirely without music, some with recorded music and some collaborate with musicians who are co-creating in the improvisation. In this class we will play with different kinds of recorded music as well as internal music that can elicit different rhythms, emotional qualities and possibilities in our contact improvisation research.

January 13 - 27, 2026 Boulder Circus Center $90 for 3-week series pd by January 2 $95 for 3-week series pd after January 2 $35 drop-in

Winter 2025 CI Classes

Principles into Practice

Wednesdays 5:00 - 7:00 PM Foundational Level The beginner series is for those new to the form and for those who prefer moving at a slower place to deepen their embodiment of the fundamentals.

The Wednesday class will focus on exploring foundational principles of the form. We will nurture physical, perceptual and communication skills so new possibilities of creative connection and expression can emerge through CI.

Specific principles we will put into practice:

  • Listening: to self, other and the environment and the co-creativity that emerges  

    Grounding: knowing where the earth is at all times, through our own and partner’s body

  • Rebounding: experiencing levity and spacial support and with that expanding choice

  • Improvising: not planning and saying yes to the moment that is unfolding

  • Integrating: Developing whole body awareness so our bodies’ intelligence is available moment to moment

  • Communicating: honoring our yes’s and no’s as a way to authentically open to the flow of the improvisation 

January 14 - 28, 2026 Boulder Circus Center Open to All $90 or 3-week series pd by January. 2 $95 for 3-week series pd after January 2 $35 drop-in

Sign up for both Tuesday & Wednesday class series: $170 by January 2 $180 after January 2

Venmo: Alicia-grayson aliciaggrayson@gmail.com 303 653 3969