Immersive Workshop Days
Our immersive workshop day series, led by Richard Parker—the founder and organiser of the Emerging Hearts Contact Improvisation Camp—offers a unique opportunity to delve deeply into the practice of Contact Improvisation. These sessions are not just about learning the technique; they are an invitation to step into a dynamic space where movement, curiosity, and community intertwine.
Through guided explorations and shared experiences, these workshops create an inclusive and supportive atmosphere that welcomes both newcomers and seasoned practitioners alike. Each session is thoughtfully designed to cultivate a sense of self-discovery, self-expression, and genuine human interaction, making this series more than just a dance workshop.
Our Approach:
These workshops will focus on learning CI in a clear, safe, and accessible way while fostering an inclusive and co-creative community experience. Each workshop day is crafted around a distinct theme within the world of Contact Improvisation, interwoven with opportunities for personal inquiry and collaborative exploration. Whether you are new to the practice or seeking to deepen your understanding, our program is structured to support your individual learning while nurturing the collective experience that makes our community so vibrant.
What to Expect:
Facilitated Contact Improvisation Workshops: Engage in explorations that expand your understanding of CI movement, presence, and connection.
Participant-Led Inquiry: Bring your curiosities to the forefront as we shape the sessions around your unique interests and learning needs.
Interactive Q&A: Dive deeper into the nuances of the form through rich discussions and real-time feedback.
Integration Jam (with Live Music): Experience the joy of integrating what you’ve learned through open dance and spontaneous creativity.
Individual and Group Check-ins: Share insights, intentions, and experiences as we cultivate a sense of shared journey.
Rest and Reflection Space: Take time to process, rejuvenate, or simply rest.
Community-Building Opportunities: Enjoy an optional shared lunch, volunteer roles, and post-event socials to strengthen connections beyond the dance floor.
Join us for a day of movement, exploration, and meaningful connection—a space where the practice of Contact Improvisation becomes a gateway to personal growth and a deeper sense of community.
More dates coming soon for 2025 in Cornwall, Glastonbury and Bristol
Richard Parker
Richard Parker is passionate about the relational and deeply human experience that can be revealed through Contact Improvisation. His workshops are a refined balance of skills, creativity & free exploration, taking participants on a journey into the co-creative wonders of this practice, which always includes a healthy dose of safety and care for one another. With a grounded and easy-going approach, he loves sharing both his detailed and extensive understanding of the principle movement forms within Contact Improvisation alongside the subtle nuances, helping people to truly embody the fundamental aspects of the dance. Most importantly creating a sense of relational awareness and a sense of togetherness as we co-create within the dance space.
He has been developing his skills and knowledge as a Contact Improvisation (CI) dancer since 2006. Over the years he has extensively trained with many amazing international teachers within CI including Karen Nelson, Lisa Nelson, KJ Holmes, Nita Little, Andrew Harwood, Ray Chung, Martin Keogh & Joerg Hassmann. Since 2011 he has shared his teaching of CI within Professional, Educational, Festival & Community Organisations as well as organised his own CI Festivals, Retreats and Camps.
“A true love for the form and genuine investigation is at the heart of Richard's teaching. He plans and delivers material in a thoughtful, reflective and thorough way, each exercise leading on to the next fluidly. His gentle, clear and encouraging manner gives students the confidence to push their practice further and his commitment to staying true to the form ensures that others can continue to discover and enjoy the beauty of the dance.”
Inclusivity:
At Emerging Hearts we hope to make our events as accessible as possible. We understand that while we try to price our events reasonably, support may still be needed. If you are on a lower income, we offer the option of paying in instalments, or at a reduced cost if the price is truly out of your range. Please visit our inclusivity page and we will be happy to assist you. Please note that while we offer further support beyond instalments, only a certain amount of these spaces may be available.
Get In Touch:
If you have any questions about the workshop details or in general about contact improvisation then please don't hesitate to get in touch via our contact page.