Heels Contact Improvisation & Ensemble Awareness with Gwen Ritche

Contact Improvisation & Ensemble Awareness

This workshop focuses on balancing inner and outer impulses while learning to co-create as an ensemble. We will develop our palette of skills as solo improvisors, foster deep listening and responsiveness as partners in contact while also exploring the possibility of connection and communication with more than one. We will practice ways to read the space, notice what’s emerging as a group, and respond in ways that are supportive and/or generative. All levels are welcome, although some experience in contact improvisation is recommended.

Concepts that will be explored:

• True presence and adaptability to respond to unpredictable stimuli.

• Being intentional in how we design the space with our bodies. 

• Develop awareness and notice proclivities around leading and following. How to telescope between deep personal connection with our dances to a birds eye view of the space and ensemble.

About Gwen

Gwen Ritchie is a dance artist specializing in contact improvisation, ensemble improvisation, and interdisciplinary collaboration based out of Boulder, Colorado. She has danced and toured internationally in several contemporary dance companies including: Lower Left Dance, Malashock Dance, Liz Lerman and the Dance Exchange, Kevin Wynn & Dancers, Dance Alloy and her own company LABCO dance. She has had the privilege of teaching at Slippery Rock University, Chatham University, CU Boulder, and Naropa University.

Movement studies over the last thirty years have spanned contact improvisation, contemporary dance, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, yoga, alexander technique, body mind centering, pilates, and recently movement studies at ApeCo (formerly boulder movement collective). Gwen directs an improvisational performance ensemble, Lost and Found Dance and also teaches in a variety of settings both in and outside of her community.

The cultivation of awareness, presence, and finding freedom in the unknown while co-creating keeps her fascinated and passionate about her research in contact improvisation. Gwen looks forward to continuing to find ways to share that inquiry with others.     

Wednesday, July 8

7PM-9PM

$30

Third Street Center - Suite 20

520 S. 3rd Street Carbondale, CO 81623