Immersing in Movement: The 12th Water & Land Contact Festival in Thailand
Introduction
From March 10 to 20, 2025, Thailand will host the 12th annual Water & Land Contact Festival, a unique event that brings together enthusiasts of Contact Improvisation (CI) from around the globe. Set against the serene backdrop of a tropical island, this festival offers participants an opportunity to delve deep into the art of movement, both on land and in water.
What is Contact Improvisation?
Contact Improvisation is a dance form that emphasizes spontaneous movement and physical connection between participants. Dancers engage in a fluid exchange of weight, balance, and momentum, fostering a non-verbal dialogue through touch and motion. The incorporation of water into CI adds a new dimension, allowing for buoyancy and resistance to influence the dance dynamics.
Festival Program Overview
The festival's program is thoughtfully divided into three segments, guiding participants from initial arrival to deep immersion in dance and creative exploration.
Introduction (March 10-12):
- Intro-Intensives: Designed for all levels, these sessions introduce participants to CI on land and in water.
- Advanced Labs: Tailored for seasoned water dancers to refine their skills.
- Jams: Open sessions encouraging free-form dance and improvisation.
Deep Dive (March 13-16):
- Parallel Intensives in Water: Focused workshops delving deeper into water-based CI techniques.
- CI Classes on Land: Continued exploration of land-based practices.
- Jams: Ongoing opportunities for spontaneous dance interactions.
Creative Mix (March 17-20):
- Classes and Labs: Diverse sessions fostering creativity and personal expression.
- Morning and Night Jams: Daily opportunities to engage in improvisational dance.
- Sunset Rituals: Special events uniting the community in collective movement experiences.
Throughout the festival, participants are encouraged to propose their own activities during siesta times, such as labs, art sessions, and private lessons.
Post-Festival Opportunities
For those seeking to extend their experience, the festival offers additional programs:
- Somatic Workshop with Annie Brook (March 22-25): A deep dive into somatic practices aimed at enhancing well-being.
- Somatic Freediving Sailing (March 29 – April 5): An adventurous blend of freediving and sailing, integrating somatic principles.
Why Attend?
The Water & Land Contact Festival provides a unique platform for dancers, movers, and somatic practitioners to:
- Deepen Practice: Engage in intensive workshops led by experienced instructors.
- Community Building: Connect with a global network of like-minded individuals.
- Creative Exploration: Discover new facets of movement in diverse environments.
Conclusion
The 12th Water & Land Contact Festival in Thailand promises a transformative journey into the world of Contact Improvisation. Whether you're new to CI or a seasoned practitioner, this festival offers a rich tapestry of experiences that blend movement, connection, and creativity in a breathtaking setting.
