Contact Improv Ann Arbor

Jams Back On!

2012-01-12T15:57:00.000-05:00

After a long weekend of inspiring crescent rolls, spiraling up from the midspace, and trapeze fun, the jam's back on for January, Sundays 1-3PM at the Phoenix Center.

New Year Jam!

2011-12-30T17:13:00.001-05:00

Hi Dancers!
We had decided to cancel the jam on New Year Day, but several of us really want it to happen, so we're going to do it! We'll meet at the usual time, 1-3PM, at the usual place, the Phoenix Center. Hope to see you there!

Dancing in December!

2011-11-30T21:21:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone!
Wow, the jam really took off in November. From new people trying out Contact for the first time to lots of focused dancing from the more experienced dancers, it's been great. Hope you can make it in December. We'll meet at the Phoenix Center from 1-3 like usual on the first three Sundays, 12-4, 12-11, and 12-18. Note that we will not have a jam on 12-25-2011 or 1-1-2012. Check back for spontaneous jam postings for around the rest of the holidays.

Phoenix Center for November

2011-11-02T15:53:00.001-04:00

Hi Dancers,
We've been having a blast at the jam--lots of great newcomers, and lots of high-flying dancing for everyone. This week, 11-6, we'll be in the smaller room at the Phoenix Center, but the rest of the month, including the Sunday after Thanksgiving, we'll be in the larger room with new windows and less dust.

If you're new to Contact, some of the links below are great, including one from the LA jam on how the social aspects work. Check it out.

At Phoenix Center starting in October

2011-10-13T13:00:00.002-04:00

Hi Dancers,
We'll meet to dance at the Phoenix Center for all of October. Some of the days we'll be in the smaller room, but most of the time in the larger room, which should have windows soon! We're still looking for the perfect (wheelchair accessible, large, cheap, clean, downtown) place, so if anyone has any ideas in that regard, please let us know.
Dance with you soon!

Alternating Schedule for September

2011-09-03T13:09:00.000-04:00

We're going to transition back to meeting at the Phoenix Center this Fall, as we continue our search for the perfect location (accessible, available, downtown, not too expensive, clean floor, big enough) because a new class is starting at Sun Moon. We do have some desire to keep meeting there this month, so it'll be a bit of alternation, but we'll be at Sun Moon tomorrow 9-4 and Sunday 9-18, then at Phoenix on 9-11 and 9-25. Then in October we'll be at Phoenix each Sunday.

To recap:

Sept 4 Sun Moon
Sept 11 Phoenix
Sept 18 Sun Moon
Sept 25 Phoenix

The Phoenix Center is at 220 S. Main St. (Above Elmo's) Ann Arbor, MI 48104.
see you soon!

Back at SunMoon

2011-07-25T17:22:00.001-04:00

Hi Dancers,
This Sunday and all of August we'll be at Sun-Moon Yoga for the Sunday jams, 1-3PM. We're looking for a new space for the Fall, so if anyone has any ideas, please let us know!
See you soon

Back at Sun-Moon for now

2011-07-24T12:31:00.003-04:00

Hi Dancers,
Today and all of August we'll be at Sun-Moon Yoga for the Sunday jams, 1-3PM. We're looking for a new space for the Fall, so if anyone has any ideas, please let us know!
See you soon

This Sunday's jam is in Detroit!

2011-07-14T07:48:00.000-04:00

Why?
So we can enjoy the fabulous Concert of Colors afterwards--we'll meet at our regular time from 1 to 3 pm.

Where?

Let's meet in the grassy courtyard to the left of the MAX M. FISHER center across Parsons street. See map provided on Concert of Colors website for details. http://www.concertofcolors.com/

Questions?

e-mail caragraninger@gmail.com or call me at 313 585 2598. I'll also pay attention to my phone till 1:30pm if you need help finding us, but it shouldn't be too hard at that time...

Come on out!

Cara

July Sunday Schedule

2011-07-03T08:08:00.002-04:00

Hi dancers,
Join us for fun summer jamming!

July 3 Sun Moon
July 10 Sun Moon
July 17 Phoenix Center
July 24 Sun Moon

June Schedule

2011-06-03T17:28:00.002-04:00

Hi Dancers!
We've been having a great time at jams. Below is June's schedule. Hope you can make it!

June 5 Phoenix Center
June 12 Sun Moon Yoga
June 19 Phoenix Center
June 26 Sun Moon Yoga

Jams back on!

2011-05-19T12:15:00.000-04:00

May 22 and 29 will be back at Sun Moon. Hope to see everyone there!

No jam this Sunday May 15th

2011-05-12T09:33:00.000-04:00

Since so many of us will be getting inspired, jazzed up, and connected at the Ontario Regional Jam this weekend, we won't have a local jam. That energy will be back with us at Sun Moon for the rest of the month, May 22nd and 29th. See you then!

May Schedule

2011-05-01T09:30:00.003-04:00

Hi Dancers,
May jams are at Sun Moon Yoga, except May 15th, which is when many of us will be at the Ontario Regional Jam. We'll discuss whether to have a local jam that day over the next two weeks, and let you know. Check back for details.
Dance forever!

Wednesdays Back On; April Schedule

2011-04-07T12:53:00.001-04:00

There were rumors that the Wednesday jams were going away, but they're back on, every 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 7-9 at SOMA.

Sunday jams are at Sun-Moon yoga for most of April, except Sunday the 17th, when we'll be at the Phoenix Center. All Sundays are from 1-3PM. See locations at right.

Every Tuesday in Detroit 6:30-8:30 has been a blast. Feel free to join us!

April

2011-04-03T22:14:00.000-04:00

Hi Dancers,
Sunday jams are at Sun-Moon yoga for most of April, except sunday the 17th, when we'll be at the Phoenix Center. All Sundays are from 1-3PM. See locations at right.

Every Tuesday in Detroit 6:30-8:30 has been a blast. Feel free to join us!

Ongoing jams

2011-03-06T21:18:00.007-05:00

Hi Dancers,
Sunday jams are at Sun-Moon yoga for most of March, except the last Sunday, March 27th, when we'll be at the Phoenix Center. All Sundays are from 1-3PM. See locations at the right.

First and third Wednesdays at SOMA, 7-9PM and every Tuesday in Detroit 6:30-8:30 have been a blast. Feel free to join us!

Today's beginner class in Holly canceled

2011-02-26T09:31:00.002-05:00

We're hoping to reschedule for the Spring, but today's class in Holly is off.

The jams are back at Sun Moon yoga, and we'll be there every Sunday 1-3 until the last Sunday in March. Hope to see you there!

Sun Moon Jams, workshop this month

2011-02-19T09:01:00.004-05:00

Starting this week, we're back at Sun Moon yoga, and we'll be there every Sunday 1-3 until the last Sunday in March. Hope to see you there!

Also, Stefanie and Andy will be teaching a beginner class in Holly, MI on Saturday, February 26th from 3-6PM. It's at Ethos Yoga, http://www.ethosyoga.net/ Please let anyone you know from the Flint area or North know that they're welcome to join us. Just email contactimprovannarbor@gmail.com to sign up.

Lots of jamming!

2011-01-23T21:46:00.002-05:00

Wow, what an incredible visit from Dustin Haug, teaching energetic and deep classes in Detroit and Ann Arbor. Thank you Dustin!

Jams are still on for the winter, and lots of them: Sundays, Tuesdays, and first and third Wednesdays. See the column at the right for locations and times. Our first jam at Sun Moon Yoga was great, but it's busy for the next three weekends, so we'll meet back at the Phoenix Center for Jan 30th and Feb 6th and 13th.

See you soon!

Trying out a new location; superduper teacher coming soon!

2011-01-10T09:31:00.002-05:00

Hi Dancers,
This Sunday we're going to try meeting at SunMoon Yoga, at 404 West Huron, which is across the road from the Y, set way back. Click here for a map. The rest of this month will be back at the Phoenix Center, then we'll likely meet more at Sun Moon starting in February.

In other news, Dustin Haug, one of all of our favorite teachers, will be here later this month. He'll teach a 6:30-9PM class in Detroit at the usual place of the Detroit jam on Tuesday Jan 18th, then an 11-1 class before the Ann Arbor jam on Sunday Jan 23rd. He's super fun and energetic. Bio follows. Hope you all can make it!

Dustin Haug is a dance artist and educator currently living in Minneapolis, MN. He studied art, dance, and chemistry at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN and graduated magna cum luade in 2000 with a BA in Studio Art. That same fall, he moved to Seattle, WA and pursued a brief landscaping career before returning to school in Olympia, WA at The Evergreen State College in 2002, graduating in 2004 with a Master In Teaching degree. Also in 2002, he began working with KT Niehoff and her company, Lingo dancetheater. Dustin's first gig with Lingo took him to Jacob's Pillow to perform Attracted to Accidents for the Inside/Out festival. He then created and performed in three evening-length works with the company: Speak to Me (2003), Relatively Real (2005), and Inhabit (2007), touring to many different points on the map, including California, Florida, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington and internationally to Vancouver, Canada and Dusseldorf, Germany. In addition to his work with KT Niehoff and Lingo dancetheater, Dustin performed in the work of other Seattle-based artists such as Paige Barnes (Nothing Better, 2004), Pablo Cornejo (Piedra del Sol, 2002), Veronica Lee (Northwest New Works, 2002), and Amy O'Niel (The Bridge Project, 2002). From 2006 – 2007, Dustin created his own original performance work with the dance, music, and video collective, Paige Barnes and the Grizzlies. With this group, he organized a number of improvisational installations (Real Time Comic, 2006 – 2007) as well as two versions of the set work, Stenephobia: the fear of narrow spaces (2006 and 2007).

In the summer of 2007, Dustin moved back home to Minnesota and started performing and teaching dance with his partner, Tamin Totzke. VESSEL, their collaborative codename, produces set, improvised, and site-specific choreography and has since shown work locally in Minneapolis at such venues as the Bottling House Theater, Bryant Lake Bowl Theater, Patrick's Cabaret, The Ritz, Walker Art Center, and Zenon Dance School. VESSEL has also toured nationally to Berkeley, CA; Decorah, IA; Earthdance, MA; Seattle, WA; and Madison, WI. Dustin has also taught contact improvisation at such events as the Great Lakes Area Contact Improvisation Enthusiasts Retreat, Willard, WI (2008 - 2010), SEEDS Festival (2009) and Ground Research (2010) at Earthdance, MA, and West Coast Contact Improvisation Festival, Berkely, CA (2009 and 2010).

Dustin currently teaches Intermediate Modern at Zenon Dance School, organizes the weekly contact improvisation jam, and brings in guest teachers for weekend workshops. He has taught since September 2008 at St. Paul Convservatory for Performing Artists, a public charter school for grades 9 - 12 in St. Paul, MN. Dustin looks forward to continue teaching students of dance and chemistry during the 2010 – 2011 school year.

Winter Jams!

2011-01-02T12:36:00.002-05:00

We're on for winter jams, everyone. See the column to the right for info on the weekly Sunday Ann Arbor and Tuesday Detroit jams and the twice monthly Wednesday jams. Also, we may try out a new studio soon, so check back to see updates!

rolling with you soon...

Dancing at SOMA December 26th.

2010-12-25T11:05:00.002-05:00

The Sunday jam on 12-26 will be at SOMA, 218 N. Fourth Ave, the usual place of the Wednesday jams. See below and to the right for a map.
dance with you soon!

Upcoming weekend of improv classes; jams jammin'!

2010-11-22T16:53:00.001-05:00

IMPROVISATION & IMAGE-MAKING Workshop with David Lakein

We are moving… here and now… creating material…

We are improvising… in time and space… making images…

How can we identify the constant impulses around~inside us? How can we include the abundance of stimuli confronting us in each moment, rather than be distracted or overwhelmed by them? How can the ever-present flow of information further reveal the timing and quality of our material, the narrative and resonance of our images?

We investigate compositional options available to us, especially when we aim to instill coherency as we improvise, and when we encounter unfamiliar territory as we image-make. We experiment with different aspects of our performance presence, including how to bridge so-called transitions and draw-deflect-redirect attention.

Open to movers, dancers, actors, etc -- folks from all disciplines and training backgrounds, “beginners” and professionals.

Date and time: Saturday, December 11^th 12 - 4:30pm

Location: The Yellow Barn, 416 West Huron St., Ann Arbor

Cost: sliding scale $50-$35 (includes free admission to evening performance event)

t h e J O Y

o f M A N I P U L A T I O N, Contact Improvisation Class

This class looks at how manipulating & and being manipulated by our partner(s) can be a tool for breaking long-entrenched movement habits and a source for increasing our creativity range.

As the “Giver” –

What are different approaches to guiding and directing my partner?

What are the dis/advantages in making my intentions transparent to my partner?

As the “Receiver” –

How can I give myself completely to the whims of my partner or actively resist and work against her impulses?

How can I shift back and forth between the two in different ways?

JOY MANIPULATION will enter different landscapes of harmonious struggle and discover new vistas of collaborative conflict, scratching the edges of our perceived physical and mental boundaries.

Class date and time: Sunday, December 12, 11am-1pm with contact jam to follow from 1-3pm

Location: The Phoenix Center, 220 Main St. (above Elmo's), Ann Arbor

Cost: sliding scale $20-10

*****Note: Discounted tuition for attending both classes -- $45 Also note that the class and workshop are in different spaces*****

Our weekly jams have been a blast, and continue through the Fall, Sundays 1-3PM!

Different location this week 11-14-10

2010-11-11T17:42:00.001-05:00

Hi Dancers,
This week November 14th we will dance at SOMA studio, which is at 218 Fourth Avenue, above the People's Food Coop. The door is just to the left of the Coop, and the studio is right at the top of the stairs. Click here for a map.

Fall Jams

2010-10-10T12:02:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone,

Some of us are back from GLACIER ready to share what we've learned and eager to dance with those who couldn't make it. We're back on to our usual time and place, 1-3PM Sundays at the Phoenix Center.

Dance on!

Different location and time this week

2010-09-27T05:54:00.004-04:00

Hi Dancers,

This week October 3rd we will dance from 10-12AM at SOMA studio, which is at 218 Fourth Avenue, above the People's Food Coop. The door is just to the left of the Coop, and the studio is right at the top of the stairs. Click here for a map.

Fall Jams begin

2010-09-11T16:45:00.002-04:00

We're on for the Fall! We've been having a great time at the jams, and would love to see you. Hope you can make it. We're also looking forward to GLACIER coming up October 1-5. It's a peaceful, lively five days of contact instruction and jam at a beautiful retreat center in northern Wisconsin. See the PDF at the bottom of the page glacierdancer.com for more info.

Summer jams happenin!

2010-07-24T08:14:00.003-04:00

Weekly jams are happening all summer. We've had some outdoor jams, some concert jams, and great times in our usual space at the Phoenix Center. Starting this week, we're back on every week at Phoenix for now, but be sure to check back to see what we're up to!

Concert of Colors Jam this Sunday, July 18th

2010-07-16T09:44:00.002-04:00

The jam will be at the usual time this Sunday, 1-3 PM, but will be in Detroit at the Concert of Colors. We've danced here before, and it's always been a blast. There's a great grassy area, sometimes with a tent for shade (so bring your sunscreen just in case), then tons of food, music, and standie-uppy dancing to follow. It's at 3711 Woodward Avenue, The Max.

Here's a map.

Beginner class this Saturday; jam back to regular time

2010-06-17T09:45:00.002-04:00

This Saturday June 19th, Richard will teach a beginner class at the Zen Buddhist Temple at 1214 Packard, 48104. Here's what he says:

It's a true introductory class, assuming no knowledge of contact improvisation and really going through the basics. If you've never done contact improvisation before, never taken formal classes, or feel like there may be gaps in your fundamentals, this is for you. I think I've managed to draw from a wide variety of sources for ideas as well as develop some novel approaches to certain topics.

Suggested donation is $35, all proceeds benefit the Temple.

Here are the topics I'll be covering and emphasizing:

* coming in and out of the floor
* weight-sharing (LOTS on this)
* rolling point of contact
* waiting, listening, and relaxing; being unintentional

And these will additionally be covered as time allows:

* setting boundaries
* falling
* floor work
* jam negotiation

However, I'll be adjusting the class if folks express an particular interest in exploring one area or another. If you have a fundamentals issue that you'd like covered, come and mention it or e-mail me, and I'll see if I can work it in.

Also, jams are back to the usual time on Sundays, from 1-3PM at the Phoenix Center.

Performance this weekend; early jam Sunday June 13; beginner class in one week

2010-05-24T17:10:00.005-04:00

Wow, dancers, lots going on! First, it's

LOVE AT VARIOUS ALTITUDES

A concert of improvised dance, music and video work

Three shows only!

Friday, June 11, evening show at 7:00 PM

Saturday and Sunday, June 12 and 13, matinees at 2:00PM

KEENE THEATER, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
701 E. UNIVERSITY
Ann Arbor, MI

Nationally acclaimed dance collective,

LAVA with musicians alvin hill and Katri Ervamaa

With special guests: Abby Alwin, Aidan Feldman, Cara Graninger, Kenneth Loud, Michael McIntyre, Andy Seiler, Robin Wilson and Colin Zyskowski

$15 General Admission
$10 Students and seniors
$8 Kids 14 and under

for reservations or information call Stefanie Cohen @ 734-474-1517

Founded in Chicago in 2001, LAVA includes Charles Campbell, Stefanie Cohen, Carl Grimm, Erica Hagen, Mark Koenig, and Luv Joy Seamon.

LAVA has performed throughout the United States, on their own and in collaboration with a wide range of movement, sound, textual, and vocal artists. Watching an improvisational dance performance by LAVA offers an opportunity to witness the human creative process spontaneously unfold. LAVA dancers deftly and joyfully explore the many possibilities within the grassroots, postmodern dance form of Contact Improvisation Dance.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=127216160626435

Download Event Poster.

Second, our jam starts early this week, from 11-1, at the usual place in the Phoenix Center. Hope to see you there!

Also, Richard will teach a beginner/fundamentals class on Saturday June 19th as a fundraiser for the Zen Temple, from 1-5PM. It's at 1214 Packard Street, 48104. Please invite anyone you know who may be interested in checking us out.

Contact Improvisation Workshop with Mark Koenig, June 5

2010-05-24T16:54:00.005-04:00

Flight Lessons

Saturday, June 5, 2010, 2- 6pm

The Phoenix Center
220 Main Street, second floor (Above Elmo's)
Ann Arbor, MI

Returning to an Aikido principle of redirecting energy, and using our partners’ weight and momentum to facilitate that redirection, we will explore flight, take-offs, weightlessness, descents, safe landings, balance and support.

We never get BEYOND the fundamentals. We can only aspire to master them.

Information/Registration: call Stefanie Cohen 734-474-1517

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121077647914319

open Contact Improv Jam, Sat, May 15, 7:30pm, Concourse Hall

2010-05-14T00:08:00.003-04:00

Please join us for an evening Contact Improv Jam, Saturday, May 15, 7:30pm till late.

This is in place of our usual Sunday afternoon Jam and is open to everyone.

A big jam crew is expected from the ongoing Mini-GLACIER weekend workshop. Join the fun!

Location:
4531 Concourse Road, Ann Arbor, MI

Contribution: $5-10

No regular jam this weekend at Phoenix Center since we will all be at the Weekend Event at Concourse Hall.

http://www.facebook.com/a2detroit.ci

Contact Improv Weekend Workshop & Jam, May 14-16

2010-03-12T16:09:00.020-05:00

We are pleased to share that Yves Candau will be joining our dance weekend festival as facilitator & teacher on May 14-16, 2010

It would be great to know that *you* are joining us too!

No regular jam this weekend at Phoenix Center since we will all be at the Weekend Event at Concourse Hall.

BIO: "Yves Candau was doing a PhD in Cognitive Sciences when he discovered dance. Gradually his interest shifted from the abstract to a more embodied research, which he has been passionately pursuing ever since. Yves has taught Contact Improvisation since 2001, giving classes and workshops in France, Italy, Germany and Canada. His teaching has also been influenced by his study of Aikido and the Alexander Technique."

More info on our Facebook page...

Also, here's a great video about contact improv. I think it really captures the essence for anyone, new or old
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzb9Hnjnd5g

Jam this Sunday

2010-03-10T13:55:00.001-05:00

We're still meeting every Sunday from 1-3PM at the Shaut Cabaret. Hope to see you there!

Jam tomorrow

2010-02-20T23:26:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone,

I haven't been able to get to posting much lately, but we have been having excellent jams every Sunday. There will definitely be a post here if we're not jamming, so please come on over to the jam unless you see news here otherwise. Hope to dance with you soon!

Jam Sunday the 17th

2010-01-16T15:55:00.001-05:00

Hi Dancers,
After a week off, we're all ready to share energy picked up in Mazomanie last weekend. We'll meet at the usual time and place, 1-3PM at the Shaut Cabaret. See you there!

No jam this Sunday :-(

2010-01-08T11:16:00.001-05:00

Unfortunately, many of us are out of town this weekend, so we won't be having a jam. We'll be learning about teaching, improv movement theater, and of course contact, so we'll be looking forward to dancing with you all next week (the 17th).
hugs,
A.

No jam this Sunday

2009-12-24T09:34:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone is having a bright winter so far! We decided at the last jam that we won't meet this Sunday, the 27th. We're definitely back on for the 3rd of January.

hugs!

May 14-16, 2010 Mini-GLACIER, Save the Date

2009-12-20T17:46:00.001-05:00

Mark your calendars for May 14-16, 2010, it's:

Mini-GLACIER* in Ann Arbor-Detroit!

We have crew gathering to produce a fabulous event for you and will be sculpting more details to share in the next couple months.

* GLACIER = Great Lakes Area Contact Improvisation Enthusiasts Retreat

1-3PM, Mazopalooza

2009-12-18T14:43:00.004-05:00

This Sunday the 20th, we'll be back to the usual time, 1-3PM, at the Shaut Cabaret. Also, there's much discussion about as many as six of us going to Mazopalooza, an always-fun event just outside of Madison WI Jan 7-10. If you'd like to join us, see
http://www.mazomac.com/Mpalooz09.pdf

Connect with us on FaceBook

2009-12-15T00:34:00.001-05:00

Help us promote the Ann Arbor Contact Improv Jam by becoming a fan on FaceBook,

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Contact-Improv-Ann-Arbor/202718551492

Reminder: 12:30 start this week

2009-12-12T06:49:00.002-05:00

This week, we're back at the Shaut Cabaret, and we'll dance from 12:30-2:30 to allow the Blackbird Theater to present their matinee performance of If Only In My Dreams at 3:00. Hope to see you there!

Back at Lotus this week only

2009-12-04T12:00:00.002-05:00

Hi Dancers,
This week, we'll meet back at the Lotus Center, at 2711 Carpenter Road, 48108. We'll dance at the usual time, from 1-3PM. Here's a map

Next week, we'll be back at the Shaut Cabaret, only at a slightly earlier time than usual, from 12:30-2:30PM, so that they can host the Blackbird Theater's matinee at 3:00.

Can't wait to dance with you all!

Check out Cara's class!

2009-11-29T17:58:00.002-05:00

A new class, in addition to our regular jam, is starting in Detroit this Tuesday, December 1st. Here's what Cara has to say about it:

Living Arts/Southwest Dance announces:

Starting Tuesday December 1, Cara Graninger will be leading a contact improvisation learning lab for beginning through intermediate contact improvisers in the Messiah Church gymnasium in Southwest Detroit, as part of Living Arts' Southwest Dance program. Cara is a dancer and dance educator as well as co-director of Living Arts, and she is celebrating 8 years of contact improvisation practice. She has studied contact with superb teachers including Martin Keogh, Ray Chung, Nancy Stark Smith, Nita Little, Gretchen Spiro and Keith Henessy. She also trained with Alito Alessi to teach DanceAbility, which is dance improvisation for people with and without disAbilities, and with Nina Martin and Lower Left to integrate their "Ensemble Thinking" improvisation/performance tools into her dance. Come have a joyous workout while you practice partnering and improvisation skills and help build a contact improvisation community in Detroit.

Class Details:

CONTACT IMPROVISATION LAB BEGINS DECEMBER 1
WHEN: TUESDAYS (except school holidays) FROM 6:30 TO 8:30 PM
WHERE: MESSIAH CHURCH GYMNASIUM, ON WEST GRAND BOULEVARD IN SW DETROIT (CROSS STREET IS TOLEDO) for internet mapping: 3816 Toledo Avenue, Detroit MI 48209
COST: $3--$12 sliding scale fee per session, OR $10-$45 sliding scale fee per month.
DROP-INS ARE WELCOME

Contact Cara for more information and to register. If you can't make Tuesdays but are interested in other opportunities, let me know!

313 841 4765 W
313 585 2598 cell
cara@livingartsdetroit.org

Thanksgiving Sunday Jam

2009-11-26T09:18:00.002-05:00

The jam will be at the Shaut Cabaret at the usual time, 1-3PM. It's at 315 Braun Court, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Here's a map.

Please do check back, because we'll meet in a different place and/or time for Dec 6th and 13th, and we'll post it here.

Nov 29, 2009 Jam at SH\'aut\ Cabaret, 1-3pm

2009-11-24T22:30:00.004-05:00

Open Contact Improv Jam on Nov 29, 2009 at SH\'aut\ Cabaret.

315 Braun Court, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Hosted by Michael & Milagros.

734-213-5995

Jam Tonight: Nov 24

2009-11-24T00:17:00.002-05:00

We are Jamming tonight, Nov 24, 7pm at the Anthroposophical Society building,
1923 Geddes Ave Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

Call 734-904-0137 if questions.

New Location!

2009-11-11T13:55:00.002-05:00

Hi Dancers,
This week we're checking out a new spot that's downtown (Kerrytown), fully accessible, has a new floor, and is a bit larger than our present space. It's at 315 Braun Ct, 48104 (map), and we'll be there from 1-3PM.

Jam at Lotus this Sunday, then new location next week

2009-11-05T19:41:00.005-05:00

This Sunday's jam will be at the Lotus Center, 2711 Carpenter Road, 48108 (map) at our usual time, from 1-3PM. The next week, November 15th, we'll be trying out a new location, the Shaut Cabaret, at 315 Braun Ct, 48104 (map), also from 1-3PM. Note the central location, right across the courtyard from the Aut Bar. Hope this makes it easier for everyone to get to!
A.

Beginner class this Sunday

2009-10-29T06:14:00.000-04:00

This Sunday, November 1st, I'll teach a beginner class from 1-2, then we'll have the jam extended a bit, until 3:30. I hope to include elements of sensation, giving and receiving support, and falling. We're going to meet again at the Lotus Center, 2711 Carpenter Road, 48108, at the corner of Central blvd (map link below). Please let anyone who you think might be interested in contact know that this would be a great time to join us!
Andy

PS don't forget to fall your clocks back!

Cozy jams for October

2009-10-09T21:04:00.005-04:00

We have a lead on a new, larger location that we may be able to try out in November, but we're so glad to be able to have the beautiful, cozy space at the Lotus Center (see map below) for the rest of October. We'll meet weekly this month, the usual time, Sundays from 1-3 PM.

2009-10-02T18:57:00.000-04:00

Hey Dancers, We're meeting at the Lotus Center again this week. It was so peaceful last week. Hope to see you here: map. 1-3PM. hugs, A.

Trying out a new location

2009-09-24T11:37:00.002-04:00

This Sunday, Sept 27th, we'll dance at the Lotus Center, which is at 2711 Carpenter Road, 48108. It's at the corner of Central Blvd. right between Washtenaw and Packard. Dancing will be at the usual time, from 1-3PM. Hope to see you there!

Special Jam at Om Studio this Sunday Sept. 20th

2009-09-16T14:06:00.003-04:00

Hi all,

We're back at Om Studio this Sunday for a special jam beginning at 1 pm as usual. (See directions to Om Studio below.)

WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? We'll dance as long as we like--at least till 3 pm as usual and maybe till 4ish--then go out for an early dinner.

If you can't participate in the whole shebang but would like to join us for dinner, give my cell phone a call by 3pm and I'll give you a call back after dancing to let you know where we're going (probably around 4ish.)

I'm at 313 585 2598

Sincerely,
Cara

Arb jam Sunday

2009-09-11T13:07:00.003-04:00

Hello Dancers,
We're in the process of finding a new jam space, but since some details couldn't quite be finalized for this week, and because it's supposed to be such a gorgeous weekend, we're having a jam at Nichols Arboretum this Sunday. Let's meet near the peony garden at 1:00 because that's easy to find, but just beyond that is a flatter and more shaded space to dance, near Fairy Grove, so we'll probably be there for most of the time. Here's a map:
map
There's parking in a lot across from Mary Markley on Washington Heights.
see you there!

LABOR DAY Sunday Jam 9/6/09

2009-09-03T17:00:00.004-04:00

Hi, everyone!

We're back at OmStudio, 218 Fourth Avenue, above the People's Food Coop from 1-3, this Sunday. Call 734-474-1517 with any questions. And Click here for a map.

We look forward to dancing with you, then!

Also, watch this space for news of new studios we will "audition" for our next, weekly jam space.

Take good care.

Stefanie

Jam 8/30

2009-08-29T16:49:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone,

We'll be jamming again tomorrow, (8/30), from 1-3pm at Om Studio, 218 N. Fourth Avenue, at the top of the stairs. The entrance is just to the left of the Coop. Click here for a map.

Feel free to call with questions or for directions. 734-474-1517

See you then!

Stefanie

Arb Jam

2009-08-14T21:53:00.001-04:00

Hey dancers

Let's jam in the arb this Sunday! It's supposed to be warm, but no rain forecast for days, so an outside jam should be great. Let's meet by the peony garden at 1, then find a shady spot until 3.
Here's a map.

Hope to see you there.

Chelsea jam with swimming!

2009-08-07T13:00:00.002-04:00

This Sunday's jam will be from 1-3PM at 139 E. Summit St. in Chelsea. It's a yellow Victorian with a wrap-around porch, right next to Immanuel Bible Church. After, we're heading just five minutes over to Friends Lake for swimming. Map
see you there!

Jam this Sunday 8-2-09

2009-07-31T17:33:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone,
We're back on jamming at Om Studio, 218 N. Fourth Avenue, at the top of the stairs. The entrance is just to the left of the Coop. Click here for a map.

We'll be there from 1-3. Hope to see you there!
A.

UPDATE today's jam, July 26th

2009-07-26T12:02:00.002-04:00

Hi, all.

Due to the unpredictability of the weather forecast (sunny/cloudy now but with thunderstorms predicted) we are opting to meet at Sunward Co-housing instead of the Arboretum, today. You will find us at 424 Little Lake Drive and can call 734-474-1517 (stefanie) or 734-213-5995 (michael) for further directions.

Please do join us for dancing, today!

Stefanie

July 26 Jam @ Fairy Hollow in Nichols Arboretum

2009-07-22T18:21:00.005-04:00

Outdoor Jam on Sunday, July 26, 1pm

Fairy Hollow just beyond the Peony Garden of Nichols Arboretum seems a good spot to revisit. The street entrance is here,

http://tinyurl.com/peony-ci

Call if weather is foreboding or you need more directions:

734-213-5995

313-585-2598

Swimming in the river is a good post-jam option. :)

DETROIT JAM THIS SUNDAY JULY 19

2009-07-17T11:35:00.002-04:00

OKAY!

We're confirmed for this weekend's Detroit contact improvisation jam time and location!

We will meet at 1:30 pm on Sunday OUTSIDE by Orchestra Hall's Max M. Fisher Center. Gather by the outdoor stage adjacent to the Center.

The Max is located at 3711 Woodward Avenue at Parsons Street, between Mack and Warren. Detroit, MI 48201

COME ONE, COME ALL!

I'll pay attention to my cell phone till 2pm if you need some guidance.
Cara 313 585 2598
www.concertofcolors.com

Outdoor Jam on Sunday, July 12, 1pm

2009-07-07T20:08:00.005-04:00

We'll dance outdoors, meeting at the Peony Garden of Nichols Arboretum, here,

http://tinyurl.com/peony-ci

at 1pm and then wander into the Arb.

If the weather is bad, we'll meet at Om Studio over the People's Food Co-op.

Let us know if you plan to join us: 734-213-5995

Jam this Sunday 6-28-09

2009-06-25T22:29:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone, We are having a jam this Sunday at Om Studio, which again is over the People's Food Coop. The address is 218 N. Fourth Avenue, at the top of the stairs, and the entrance is just to the left of the Coop. We'll meet at the usual time, 1-3PM. Hope to see you there!

Sunday June 28 Jam at OM STUDIO, Ann Arbor

2009-06-24T13:48:00.003-04:00

Hi all,

This Sunday we will gather from 1 to 3 pm at Om Studio in Ann Arbor. Located one door to the left of the People's Food Coop on Fourth street.

All are welcome! $5-$10 contribution towards studio rental.

See you then.
Cara

Sunday Jam June 21st?

2009-06-19T23:01:00.001-04:00

Hi all,

Only two definites for the jam this Sunday so far so we'll probably skip renting the studio. Call Cara at 313 585 2598 if you'd like to dance outside Sunday afternoon--maybe Belle Isle?

June 21st jam in DETROIT!

2009-06-14T22:27:00.002-04:00

Hi everybody. 2 things. First: we're having the jam in Detroit this week because Om Studio is unavailable and we think it makes economic sense to continue our summer hiatus from the Dakota Building. Same time: 1-3 pm. Location: studio at 8701 W. Vernor, Detroit, 48209. The cross-street is Lawndale, and that's where the entrance to the studio is too. Hope to see some Detroiters there who avoid the commute to Ann Arbor, and that Ann Arbor-ites don't mind trekking to Detroit if you're available. Call me if you need more specific directions.

Speaking of the Dakota Building. Andy and I and possibly Michael are going to perform some contact there Thursday night around 8, 8:30 pm after the social/potluck time between 7 and 8. It's part of their showcase of the different dance that happens there. I think they're charging something, but not too much, if you're interested in going. Call me if you want more info--I'll ask the organizer about cost when I tell her our potluck dishes. Good blogging to you all, Cara 313 585 2598

Jam this Sunday 6-14

2009-06-12T17:55:00.002-04:00

Let's meet at Om Studio to dance this Sunday. There's some vote for starting early at 12:15, so please call Cara if you can make it then at 313-585-2598. Otherwise, people will be there from 1-3 like usual.
hope to see you soon!

Jam Sunday 5-30-09

2009-05-29T17:21:00.003-04:00

We will have a jam this Sunday at the usual time 1-3PM, but at a different place. This is where we're likely to meet most of the Summer. It's the Om Studio, which is upstairs from the People's Food Coop. The address is 218 N. Fourth Avenue, at the top of the stairs, and the entrance is just to the left of the Coop. Click here for a map. Also, keep on the lookout for outside jamming in public places this Summer!

Last-minute, outside, morning jam!

2009-05-23T19:07:00.004-04:00

Hey everyone,

We're meeting tomorrow, Sunday the 24th, but early, at 10AM, in the arb near the peony garden. Jamming outside is great fun. Be sure to wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty! Here are a map and directions: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/mbg/plan/hours.asp

Jam this Sunday

2009-05-15T13:51:00.001-04:00

This Sunday the 17th we'll have a special guest from Chicago. Please join us for great dancing! This may be the last regular jam until Fall. Stay tuned for updates on when we're meeting over the Summer.

Beginner class this Sunday

2009-05-01T10:29:00.002-04:00

Hi Dancers! This Sunday, Andy will teach a brief beginner class, then we'll have jamming until 3PM. We sometimes have the space until 3:30 on the first Sunday, but someone else needed to use it at 3 this month. It's been soooo juicy the last few weeks, I hope you can make it to join in!

2009-04-10T17:33:00.001-04:00

Hi Everyone,
There won't be a Contact Improv jam this Sunday. Too many people are out of town. We'll be back on next week, the 19th of April!

2009-04-02T22:28:00.001-04:00

Andy's teaching the beginner class this Sunday, the first Sunday of April. It'll be on rolling and falling. Please let anyone you know who might be interested in finding out more that it's happening.

Hope to see you there!

5 Rhythms : True Spirit Workshop with Sara Pagano

2009-03-23T17:23:00.003-04:00

An alternative to our usual programming: 5 Rhythms : True Spirit Workshop with Sara Pagano.

April 3-5, 2009 at Woldumar Nature Center in Lansing, MI

The 5 Rhythms are a simple, powerful moving meditation
practice open to anyone – regardless of age, size, or physical ability.
There are no steps to follow, no way to do it wrong. The only
requirement is a body that is breathing, a heart that is beating, and
mind that is curious! Join us in dancing the rhythms of flowing,
staccato, chaos, lyrical and stillness, freeing our minds, hearts and
souls and connecting to our limitless possibilities.

Registration: 317.408.3430, noralindsey [at] gmail.com

Dress Up & Dance to Live Music !

2009-03-18T11:39:00.002-04:00

Our March 22, 2009 Jam will be honored with the live improv music of Laurel Premo (cittern) and Richard Kim (viola). Wild & Crazy Dress-Up will also be our theme for this Jam, however you interpret such. So shake your closets and costume collections for some fun threads, masks, hats, etc. and join us in the bliss of the dance.

Daylight Saving Time

2009-03-03T13:25:00.002-05:00

Don't forget to Spring forward this Saturday night. Unfortunately we'll lose an hour of sleep, but it'd be much more of a tragedy if we missed an hour of jamming! Dance on!

No beginner class for March

2009-02-26T15:29:00.003-05:00

Unfortunately, it looks like we won't have a beginner class this Sunday, but we will have the jam, and, as always, we're really good at folding newcomers in and showing them some basics one-on-one, so it's still great to come. Thanks door-opening volunteers! I hope to see you all again soon.

Jams back home

2009-02-22T10:52:00.002-05:00

Last weekend's performance and jam were really great, and today we're back to celebrate at our usual location at the Academe. Next week we'll have the beginner class, right on March first. Hope to see you soon.

A very different jam this weekend!

2009-02-10T20:00:00.003-05:00

This Sunday several of our dancers will be performing at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit. There is an event from 12-4 on Repetition and Art. The performance is at 1:15, immediately followed by an intergenerational improvisation workshop. Since so many of us will be there, we will meet there *instead* of our regular jam time and place. There may be a more focused contact improv jam in Southwest Detroit starting at 6PM--please call Cara at 313-585-2598 to RSVP for that. Otherwise we'll see you at MOCAD!

See also http://www.mocadetroit.org/upcomingevents.html for more info.

Dressup Jam to be another day

2009-01-26T08:41:00.003-05:00

Hi Dancers,
This Sunday, February 1st, we'll have a beginner class from 1-2, then jam from 2-3:30. We discussed having everyone dress up in fancy clothes or costumes, but it isn't the best week for that to happen, so we'll just talk about it again in the future and decide a better day. Of course, anyone can wear anything they want anytime, but just know you might be out there on your own this week!

Dressup jam

2009-01-21T11:56:00.003-05:00

Jams for the new year are off to a great start. The regular jam will be this week, then in two weeks, Feb 1st, we're planning to come dressed up! It could be costume, fancy clothes, or whatever you like. It may take some creativity to dance contact, but we'll figure it out, I'm sure. Hope to see you there!

Holiday Jams

2008-12-17T21:28:00.000-05:00

We've decided to hold two jams over the next three weeks. We'll have jams this Sunday the 21st and two Sundays later, the 4th of January, but no jam the 28th of December. We'll hold these two holiday jams at a different location, Om Studio, which is at 218 N. 4th Avenue, suite 204, Ann Arbor, 48104. It's right next to and above the People's Food Coop--if you're looking at the Coop door, the entrance is to the left. We'll meet at the usual time, from 1-3PM. We may have a beginner jam on the 4th, but we haven't decided that yet. As always, beginners are welcome to any jam.

In summary:
December 21st, jam 1-3PM, Om Studio
December 28th, no jam
January 4th, jam 1-3PM, Om Studio

Hope to see you there!

First Sunday Intro Class

2008-12-05T23:34:00.000-05:00

This Sunday we'll have our monthly first Sunday intro class. I'll teach a class on "cradling"--the essence of supporting another person so well that they feel cradled. It'll happen from 1-2 Sunday, with open jam to follow from 2-3:30 at the usual place, 1785 W. Stadium Blvd. 48103. Dance forever!

Thanksgiving Jam

2008-11-26T22:38:00.002-05:00

Just in case you were wondering, we definitely will have a jam the Sunday after Thanksgiving, the 30th of November, at the usual time and place (see sidebar). Hope you have a great Thanksgiving, and hope to roll around with you soon!

2008-11-12T13:05:00.006-05:00

Our weekly jams continue, and a local contacter, Cara, will be performing some solo work soon. Hope you can make it:

The STORY OWNERS COLLECTIVE invites you to

THE RED THREAD:
Interwoven Performance Portraits

By: Cara Graninger, Peter Putnam,
Julie Rosier & Ce'Ann Yates

WHEN: November 20 and 22, 2008

TIMES: Thursday and Saturday @ 7:30PM

THEATER: Marlene Boll Theatre, inside the Boll Family YMCA

LOCATION: 1401 Broadway, Downtown Detroit map

Both showings are open to the public and
FREE of charge

The Story Owners Collective announces a brand new form of personal story-telling theater. THE RED THREAD provides a rare intimate look into the heart and minds of four Detroit artists. The play uses personal narrative to honor individual journeys while revealing social interconnectedness. An ancient Chinese proverb speaks of an invisible red thread of destiny, which connects all humans to each other. It is said that this magical cord may tangle or stretch but will never break.

Read more about the process at the Boggs Center Blog
Help spread the word about grassroots theater in Detroit by finding us on Facebook, forwarding this invitation, or distributing/ posting attached fliers and postcards.

Beginner class this Sunday

2008-10-31T11:57:00.001-04:00

This Sunday our jam will be back at the regular place, the Mind Body Spirit Academe, and I will teach a beginner class for the first hour or so entitled "The Bone Dance" as taught to me by Tamin Totzke. It's a great exploration of how the body moves, and it led to some really fun dances at this year's GLACIER in Wisconsin in September. If you know anyone interested in getting started, please send them our way!

Different Location This Sunday

2008-10-22T17:35:00.005-04:00

This Sunday the 26th, we'll meet at the same time as usual, 1-3PM, but, for just this week, we will meet at the gorgeous new A2 Yoga space at 2030 Commerce, 48103. It's just down the road from the usual location. Take Stadium to Federal, which is near the post office. Go left, pass the post office, up the hill past a large, unmarked parking lot, to the building at the top of the hill. It's a brand-new space, so there's no sign yet, and you can't see the address until you're right near it, but if you get to the SelectRide/Yellow Cab office, you've gone one driveway too far. There is parking right in front and to the right of the building.

Here's a map to the location: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2030+Commerce,+48103&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=38.365962,67.324219&ie=UTF8&ll=42.270116,-83.776932&spn=0.008765,0.016437&z=16&g=2030+Commerce,+48103&iwloc=addr

Here's A2's website: http://www.a2yoga.com/location.html.

Hope to see you there!

Beginner class this Sunday

2008-10-02T13:28:00.003-04:00

We'll try to have a monthly beginner class again this year. It seemed to work well last year to help people feel more welcome (hi to those it worked for--you know who you are!). Richard will teach this Sunday, October 5th from 1-2 ish, then we have the space an extra half-hour, until 3:30, to get enough jam time in. Hope to see you soon!

Back on for Fall!

2008-08-18T17:22:00.002-04:00

Hi Dancers! After a Summer of travels, performances, and impromptu jams, we're starting our weekly Jam again in the Fall. We'll meet every Sunday from 1-3 at the Mind-Body-Spirit Academe, with a beginner class the first Sunday of each month beginning in October. Hope to see you there!

New jam location this weekend!

2008-07-15T17:27:00.004-04:00

This weekend's jam has been changed to another great event in Detroit. We'll meet at the Concert of Colors, an amazing weekend of music from around the world. We'll plan to dance from 12-2. See http://concertofcolors.com/ for more details.

Summer Schedule

2008-05-28T17:44:00.005-04:00

We've decided to have a more limited schedule for the summer since so many people will be out of town. There'll be one jam per month for June, July, and August. The next jam will be at the Detroit Festival of the Arts on the lawn of the DIA at 11AM on June 8. See http://www.detroitfestival.com/08/ for more info on the other great things going on at the festival.

The next jam will be in Ann Arbor on Sunday July 20th at the usual time, 1-3PM. We'll let you know the location as soon as we know. For August, we're still deciding on a date, but we'll let you know that soon as well. Hope to dance with you soon!

2008-05-17T12:23:00.003-04:00

Jam this Sunday, 18th of May! Stay tuned for info for the summer--we'll be scheduling monthly jams on specific days when we know at least a minimum number of us will be in town. See you soon!

2008-04-30T12:18:00.003-04:00

This Sunday, the 4th of May, we'll have our first Sunday of the month class, taught by Eva. It'll be her first soirée into teaching Contact Improv, but she has been dancing for a long time and is a *teacher* by profession, so it should be a great class. Hope to see you there!

Jam Sunday April 27th

2008-04-24T16:46:00.001-04:00

This Sunday we'll jam from 1-3 as usual. We're still figuring out who will teach on the first Sunday in May, but we hope to have a beginner class that day. I'll let you know. See you soon!

2008-04-14T21:14:00.003-04:00

Hopefully, all the information people need to find us is here. I think the blog format will show up on searches more easily than the old website, which will be redirected here soon. Also, here multiple people can post with news or info without having to have access to the old website's password or knowing html. I'll try to post every week with the status of the next week's jam. If anyone has any comments or would like to be invited as a poster, please let me know.

On Sunday the 20th, we'll have the jam as usual. Hope you can make it!