Let’s Dance Ian!! Let’s Dance Ian!!
The best way to read this message is using the Newsletter Web Version that is updated mid-week. Click on your favourite events in the Table of Contents. – Ian! D. Allen
Local News:
Ottawa Public Health says be W.I.S.E.:
W – Wear a mask or face covering when you are in indoor public spaces and when you cannot maintain a physical distance of two metres (six feet).
I – Isolate yourself from others when you are sick (and get tested promptly if you have COVID-like symptoms).
S – Stay two metres (six feet) apart from those outside your household.
E – Exercise proper hand hygiene; wash your hands regularly or use sanitizer especially before touching your face.
The links to images on the facebook may be broken in this newsletter. They must have changed their policy on access, so at some point I’ll have to go through the newsletter and delete all the facebook references. Event organizers: please ensure you have a non-facebook web site with images to which I can link for your event.
CI Dancers at the Ottawa CI dance jam: Ken, Kia, Isabelle, Barbara, AnneMarie, Ian, Marcia
Dancers who pursue graceful movement must practice being aware of their bodies and being aware of wordless communication. These skills are particularly important today, when we spend so much time sitting and in virtual realities. Our way of life has taken us further from our own physical experiences and the understanding of the wordless emotional messages of others. For example, contact improvisation makes the dancers listen attentively to the body of their partner. Touch is known to reduce pain, fear and anxiety. – Hanna Poikonen
Events in the local Ottawa/Gatineau/Wakefield/Lanark/CarletonPlace Region
Events that recur weekly or monthly show only the nearest upcoming event or two. Follow the link for future events.
Explore the joy and creativity of improvised movement in a weekly online (Zoom) drop-in class in Movement Improvisation on Monday evenings.
All adults welcome (drop-in); no registration or experience required. Led by Lola Ryan.
We invite you to attend online and have fun on your way to learning new skills and enhancing your dancing and movement.
Contact Lola Ryan 613-237-0790 for more information.
Movement and Meeting in Strathcona Park
Some movers and dancers gather weekly on the grass field toward the north end of Strathcona Park in Sandy Hill. We move, we play, we might do a few exercises (some borrowed from Authentic Relating Games), and we might even dance. All welcome. This is a physical distance event for those not in the same social bubble.
Since sometimes we lie down on the grass and sometimes we wade in the shallow part of the Rideau River, come prepared for whatever you might like to do.
What we do depends on who shows up and wants to facilitate. Bring a group exercise that works with physical distancing and we’ll all play together.
Strathcona Park is in Sandy Hill, east of Range Road, south of Laurier. The grass field is at the very north end of the park (the end near Laurier), between the “ruins” stone play structure and the trees going up the hill to Laurier Avenue. We might even move south in the park and visit the Rideau river and wade if the weather is hot. (If you can’t find us in the north field; look around, and check in the shallow part of the Rideau river south of the pedestrian bridge with the silver globes.)
We might not dance if it rains a lot. Stay updated via the Contact Improvisation Dance Ottawa/Gatineau page on facebook.
We will be dancing in Strathcona Park on Fridays at 6:30pm - 8:00pm (weather permitting). All dancing will include physical distancing of six feet (2m) between dancers. Anybody who would like to facilitate can make an offering at the beginning of opening circle.
Note: We ask that you please refrain from coming to class and respect the 14 day self-isolation period if you meet any of the following criteria set out by Ottawa Public Health regarding COVID-19:
- Returned from travel outside Canada
- Been diagnosed with COVID-19, or are waiting to hear the results of a lab test for COVID-19
- Are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild
- Been in contact with a suspected, probable or confirmed case of COVID-19
Dancing in person at Mooney’s Bay has resumed, with guidelines for COVID-19 safety.
No rules, steps or choreography, only your own unique dance creation.
Exprimez, créez et libérez votre danse de l’intérieur!
Click on the link above or contact Alana O’Donnell for more information.
Rebecca says:
I will be live streaming events from my Rebecca White Raven facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccawhiteraven/ Please find me there if you’d like to join.
The annual Blue Skies Music Festival, online edition.
It’s just a matter of days now ‘til the 47^th Blue Skies festival bursts forth from our screens in all it’s virtual glory. Different this year? Sure. Still the Blue Skies that feeds our souls year after year? You bet!
Blue Skies folks are working like crazy to give us all a real Blue Skies experience. There’ll be main stage performances, workshops, open-stage gigs, and even campfire songs.
Your Info Booth for this festival will be the Program, which you can find at Blue Skies 2020 Virtual Program. It’ll let you know what’s going on, when it’s going on, and how to get there. It will be growing and changing as we get closer to the festival as schedules firm up and more details flow in. Keep checking so you don’t miss anything!
It’s been decided to POSTPONE, Discovering the Art of Presence workshop with Erik Iversen (October 2-4, 2020), until further notice.
In the meantime, 5Rhythms Online is a click away, with 100s of offerings. You can also connect with the Ottawa region dance and movement community. The best ways to keep on top of regional offerings are through Ian’s Dance EMail List and/or through the Creative Dance and Movement Ottawa/Gatineau Facebook Page.
From my heart to yours, stay healthy and keep shining your light, Melissa
The events in this section happen next year.
The Global Underscore long-form Contact Improv Dance Jam takes place for four hours simultaneously, world-wide in June in 2021. (Contact the organizers for the date.) Follow the link for a location near you. We have no Underscore practice in Ottawa, alas, but we might have a regular dance jam on Saturday and you can find events in other communities on the facebook Global Underscore page.
The Underscore is a long-form dance improvisation structure developed by Nancy Stark Smith. It has been evolving since 1990 and is practiced all over the globe.
The Underscore is a vehicle for incorporating Contact Improvisation into a broader arena of improvisational dance practice; for developing greater ease dancing in spherical space—alone and with others; and for integrating kinesthetic and compositional concerns while improvising. It allows for a full spectrum of energetic and physical expressions, embodying a range of forms and changing states. Its practice is familiar yet unpredictable.
The practice—usually 3 to 4 hours in length—progresses through a broad range of dynamic states, including long periods of very small, private, and quiet internal activity and other times of higher energy and interactive dancing.
Events outside the local Ottawa/Gatineau/Wakefield/Lanark/CarletonPlace Region
Ayrlie had to cancel Big Heart Dance Camp for 2020. Some Big Heart alumni may gather at Unicamp in September. Contact Big Heart Dance Camp for details.
“For the safety of the community, the DNE Board has decided to cancel physical camp for 2020. We will be having a Virtual Dance Camp event in mid August.”
The Dance New England annual Summer Dance Camp is online this year. Follow the link.
The Burlington VT International Contact Improv Dance Jam is cancelled for 2020.
Consult the organizers for the date of the 2021 Burlington CI dance jam.
I don’t know if this event is cancelled or not. Contact the organizer.
Autumn’s vibrancy of colors, shapes, and forms enters our bodies as we play with a range of approaches to Contact Improvisation and community. Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships available to support those who self-identify as being under-represented in CI. Sweetness embodied - dance, play and connect against a backdrop of cool nights and warm, golden days. As with our other jams, those who show up employ improvisation to design a yummy, full weekend of classes, performances and open jam times. If you’re new to Earthdance or an old friend, please come join us. All levels of experience welcome. Follow the above link for details.
(This location is partially wheelchair accessible.)
Learn More & Register: http://www.earthdance.net/
Contact Ian! Allen about car pooling from Ottawa/Gatineau.
I don’t know if this event is cancelled or not. Contact the organizer.
The 38th Annual Montréal International Contact Improv Jam will take place some time in late 2020. Nearly 200 dancers participate from across Canada and the USA.
Contact the organizers for the exact date of the CI dance jam.
The ACI’s most prized event: Montréal’s Annual Contact Improvisation Dance Jam. This annual dance jam usually takes place in November, and is jam-packed with great warm-ups and a beginner class, lots of open jamming, great food, a show and dance. Don’t miss it!!
Please bring your own re-usable mug, cutlery, and dishes, if possible.
I don’t know if this event is cancelled or not. Contact the organizer.
God, Sex and the Body – A 5Rhythms Workshop with Alex Mackay
In the dancing path of the 5Rhythms, God, Sex & the Body is an initiation into being an embodied soul. It is a deeply personal journey, a celebration like no other, a ritual for the hot and holy you.
It’s a call to stretch our imaginations, move through a spectrum of feminine and masculine archetypes, to dress them up, get inside them and give them expression. No one can embody your soul, project your magic or have your specific curiosity. Part artist, part lover, part god – we were born to rock the world and feel our way into each other’s hearts. This workshop liberates and inspires us to emerge a bit more fascinated with each other and the mystery of it all.
First early-registration deadline is October 1 2020.
I don’t know if this event is cancelled or not. Contact the organizer.
Earthdance annual Gratitude Contact Improvisation Dance Jam and Workshop Celebration
The Gratitude Jam & Workshop Celebration is an annual USA Thanksgiving weekend gathering at Earthdance for sharing CI dances, fall harvest food, and the Earthdance land. We gather in the spirit of generosity and thanks to remember all who came before us and all who may come after.
(This location is partially wheelchair accessible.)
Learn More & Register: http://www.earthdance.net/
Contact Ian! Allen about car pooling from Ottawa/Gatineau.
I don’t know if this event is cancelled or not. Contact the organizer.
Formerly known as “The Earthdance New Year Jam”.
Earthdance annual Winter Contact Improvisation Dance Jam
As winter swirls outside, we come together on the dance floor to find new connections through Contact Improvisation, co-creating five days of magic, intimacy, warmth, and dancing celebration. Workshops, performances, bonfires, and nonstop jamming ring in the New Year with utter joy at our biggest Contact Improvisation Dance Jam of the year.
Earthdance’s annual Winter Jam centers around the theme of darkness and light. One of Earthdance’s biggest events of the year, the Winter Jam averages 180–200 people and fills every nook and cranny of Earthdance’s rooms and studios, bringing an intimacy and warmth to the sharing of Contact Improvisation (CI). With long patches of morning sun, luxurious warm-ups, lounging, packed saunas, fun in the snow, bonfires, and performances, the Winter Jam is particularly geared toward anyone looking to connect deeply with self and other through the extremes of Winter.
(This location is partially wheelchair accessible.)
Learn More & Register: http://www.earthdance.net/
Contact Ian! Allen about car pooling from Ottawa/Gatineau.
Recurring Events outside the local Ottawa/Gatineau/Wakefield/Lanark/CarletonPlace Region
I don’t know if these events are now happening online. Contact the organizers.
Groove Tonic PEC hosts a weekly barefoot, free-form movement and dance event in Picton.
We meet every Wednesday evening from 7–9:00 pm for barefoot, free-form movement and and dance. All are welcome! Wear comfortable clothing, bring water to keep hydrated and a $5 donation to cover the cost of the space. Groove Tonic happens at the Picton Town Hall, 2nd floor above the old firehall (2 Ross St, at King St).
Contact Arsalan Ahmad for details on what’s happening around Contact Improvisation Dance in Peterborough, Ontario. (For wheelchair and washroom accessibility information, contact Arsalan.)
For other Peterborough dance events, e.g. Ecstatic Dance, see Dance Your Bones
DYB’s purpose is to offer an Ecstatic Dance movement practice in an accessible, respectful and safe environment.
Each Thursday evening, we dance together in a beautiful church hall for 90 minutes without interruption. The music varies weekly depending on the dj. We try to use an interesting blend of world music, pop, blues and even classical.
Dance and celebrate – Danser, se rassembler, célébrer, s’émerveiller …
Classes in Biodanza and Authentic Movement in and near Montréal with Catherine Fabiola Lessard
Dance and celebrate – Danser, se rassembler, célébrer, s’émerveiller …
Classes in Biodanza and Authentic Movement in and near Montréal with Catherine Fabiola Lessard
Freeing the Creative Spirit Teaching people to experience the pulsating sensual energy inside them and awakening their connection to flowing breath, rooted feet and a centered alive pelvis – reach up, root down, live in the heart center. Visit http://www.erik.iversen.ca/ or http://www.5rhythms.com/teachers/Erik+Iversen or contact Erik Iversen for more information. (For wheelchair and washroom accessibility information, contact Erik.)
Dance a weekly Thursday night 5Rhythms class with Lynne Adams in Montréal. (For wheelchair and washroom accessibility information, contact Lynne.)
Contact Improvisation de la ville de Québec
Bienvenue à tous. Les jams de Contact improvisation seront annoncés dans le groupe par le biais d’évènements. Consultez la publication épinglée pour plus d’information.
Classes are facilitated in French (with possible English translation on request): Biodanza Sherbrooke: français and Sherbrook Biodanza: English
Ian! D. Allen via idallen@idallen.ca
Contact Improv Dance Jam at Earthdance – Ian! and Eva, photo by John Barrett
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