TGJ January Newsletter 'To Be The Apple'

‘TO BE THE APPLE’

‘When an apple fell on his head, Isaac Newton was inspired to describe his three laws of motion. These became the foundation of our ideas about physics. Being essentially objective, Newton ignored what it feels like to be the apple.’

These are the opening lines by Steve Paxton in the film Fall after Newton which we watched together this month. It was great to be reminded about the original curiosity behind the development of Contact Improvisation. It was also very inspiring to watch the birth and development of this form, mainly through the bodies of Nancy Stark Smith and Steve Paxton.

So January is already behind us… the first jam of the year with Monika and a great two day workshop with Nerea and Zoe are also already in the past. Beautiful work, great discoveries and fun…. Thanks girls ;-)   We are moving on towards the light…

We have more exciting opportunities coming up. Here is what’s waiting for you in the next two months:

4 February

Special Jam in Tramway 

This is going to be a real treat, jammers! We will have a class and jam warm-up led by Aya Kobayashi, who will be joined by fantastic musician Nicolette Corcoran Mcleod, and it will take place in Tramway.

18 February

JAM and Film Screening at CCA

We will meet for our regular jam at CCA. This time Nina Enemark will lead us to jamming. And after dancing and sweating we will screen:

FORCE OF NATURE an amazing documentary produced by Goat, an independent, international, award-winning production company based in Scotland.

A documentary featuring the renowned improvising dance artist Kirstie Simson. Over five years, Katrina filmed Kirstie Simson performing and teaching across Europe, culminating in a one-off performance with Michael Schumacher, Kenzo Kusuda and Dai Jian at the Universal Hall in July 2010. Force of Nature combines specially filmed performance, documentary footage and in-depth interviews with Kirstie, in which she talks about her life-long practice, and her passionate belief in the power of dance to bring people together and transform lives. 

The screening is free and the popcorn is on us ;-)  

11 March

Afternoon JAM at CCA

This is a late afternoon jam, unlike our regular Sunday jam, so make sure you have the time right. Led by Monika Smekot It will start at 16.00. It will take place after a Butoh workshop by Paul Michael Henry. If you are brave enough you could do both! ;)

24/25 March

“The Hips Don’t Lie” workshop and JAM with Tony Mills at CCA

This will be a fantastic opportunity to dive deeper into the work. If you are serious about Contact Improvisation then you must join this workshop. The space is small and we have limited places available so make sure to book your place (by emailing us). Places available on a first come first served basis.

Please see details of the workshop in the attached flyer.  

* This workshop may not be suitable for complete beginners to Contact Improvisation. If you are in doubt about whether this is the right opportunity for you please get in touch and we can help you to decide.

Hope to see you soon

Monika and Nina