Contact Improv Workshop in Sydney

German artist Joerg Hassmann will lead a contact improvisation workshop in Sydney entitled Suspension: The Art of Waiting at the choreographic research and development centre Critical Path on November 23 and 24. The workshop, offered through Ausdance NSW, will be Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (with one 75-90 minute break) and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with one 60-75 minute break.)

On the workshop, Hassmann said, “I like the idea of suspension and waiting on a technical level as well as for the improvisational side of [contact improvisation.]”

During the workshop, participants will work on subtle inner stretches, connecting to the fascia system of the body and noticing how pre-tension is built up in the body before the actual movement follows. With this, “a sense of inner connectedness and three-dimensionality” will occur, based on a deep inner-listening as the base for dynamic movements, Hassmann explained.

Hassmann, who has been practicing contact improv since 1992, offers up years of experience. Currently the artistic director of the annual Contact Festival in Germany, his main focus is anatomy-based movement explorations that coordinate with contemporary dance practices. He believes in the necessity of play and the joy that comes from discovery, and seeks to impart both to his students.

Hassmann will come to Sydney after first visiting Perth and Adelaide. Following Sydney’s workshop he will visit Melbourne. For information on his Sydney workshop, visit www.ausdancensw.com.au. To follow his national tour, visit proximity.slightly.net.

The Sydney workshop will be at Critical Path, located at The Drill Hall, 1c New Beach Road, Rushcutters Bay. To book or enquire, email katry77@yahoo.com. The full workshop costs $180.

Photo: Joerg Hassmann and Daniel Werner. Photo courtesy of Ausdance NSW.