Presenting the 18th Annual
West Coast Contact Improvisation Festival!
June 29-July 4, 2006
Berkeley, California USA
Welcome to the official web site for the West Coast Contact Improvisation Festival. A unique 5-day social event presented annually by a collective of Contact Improvisation teachers who are dedicated to practicing and teaching this unique form of improvisational dance/movement. In support of our West Coast community, most of the WCCIF teachers are from the Western USA with the exception of a few selected teachers from other regions throughout the world.
The teachers and organizers of the 2006 West Coast Contact Improvisation Festival extend you a warm welcome.
Whether your just beginning Contact Improvisation or you've been at
it for some time, this festival is a wonderful opportunity to immerse
yourself in the form, fun and feeling of CI. Although you will find here
all levels of CI skills, there is a special emphasis placed on encouraging
beginning students to participate fully. Many of our current teachers
were also new students at festivals in the past.
If you have come to this Web site knowing very little or nothing at all about
this form of movement called Contact Improvisation, you might want to try some
of the Other
CI Links to other CI sites to
learn more.
Then, be sure and come back and register for the festival! It's going to be another
great one.
Special Jam Day, July 2
Back by popular demand, Jam Day is Sunday, July 2. Once again, the entire day
will be dedicated to open jams and special jam related activities. Highlights
include: group warm-up, special scores, time for beginners to dance with experienced
contact improvisers, and much more. See the Schedule for
more info and be sure to check for announcements at the festival.
Intensives
There are two 3-day intensives and one 4-day beginner's intensive open to students
who are attending the entire festival. As well, this year WCCIF is featuring
a vertical Performance Intensive to encourage CI practitioners to take their
dancing to the next level, and give them the skills to do so.
Intensives offered this year include:
- 4-day for beginners with Tracy Vogel & Aaron Jessup
- 3-day mixed ability with Tara Brandel & Eric Ferguson
- 3-day open to all levels with Patrick Gracewood & Carolyn Stuart
- 2-day performance with John LeFan
Upon arrival at the festival, if space is available, you may be able to attend both your first and second choice intensive, as indicated on your registration form. (extra fee may apply) Taught by one or two teachers, each intensive will focus on a particular area of interest. See the Classes page for details. Each intensive falls into a 2 hour class slot on each day, leaving you lots of time to take other classes and enjoy other activities as well.
Classes
There are twenty-six 2-hour classes divided into four main levels: beginner,
intermediate, advanced and open to all. Also, some classes specifically welcome
people with mixed abilities. Classes are first come, first served. Since many
classes will tend to fill up quickly, we recommend arriving early for classes
you really want to attend.
One of the best things about the WCCIF is the variety and quality of its teachers.
Each one has at least 3 years teaching experience and is currently active teaching
CI in her/his area. (Some are veteran teachers with 25+ years of Contact Improv
to draw from.) There is a real smorgasbord of offerings to educate, stimulate
and challenge you at whatever level of CI you feel you are. Check out the Teachers
and Classes section to learn more about the instructors and their
offerings.
Performances
This year, WCCIF is highlighting both community and curated performances. The
festival opens with a Faculty Performance, where participants have the opportunity
to see their teachers in action, while getting to preview the selection of styles
offered over the next four days. Then it's the students' turn: with two nights
of Student Performances to demonstrate what you've been learning. The festival
closes with a curated formal evening performance of improvised and choreographed
pieces by some of the strongest Contact Improvisers on the West Coast and beyond.
Faculty performances
An evening Performance of work presented by WCCIF teachers.
Two evenings of student performances
These nites will feature the fresh work of the students
participating in the 
Performance Intesnsive with John LeFan.
Performace Gala
This years gala performance nite features a formal curated performance
to end the last night of the festival with a bang. Stay tuned for more
information about who will be featured for this event.
One-On-Ones
Enjoy a minimum of 20 minutes with a teacher of your choice in a private session.
Focus on a skill that is eluding you or just take the opportunity to dance with
a Contactor you admire! This is a wonderful chance to get specific feedback
and some expert advice. Be sure to sign up for a slot at the festival.
Skills Labs
Groups of teachers focus on specific skill development with students.
These labs offer a wonderful opportunity to hone in on specific skills.
Labs and Discussions
Special periods created for intimate exploration. Teachers facilitate
discussions on various topics throughout the festival. (Re)formulate
ideas,
bounce them off your peers, and experience the broad spectrum of viewpoints
that people bring to Contact Improvisation. For a list of topics, go
to July 2nd (sunday 2, mid days & afternoon areas) in the section.
Jams
Evening Jams occur nightly from 8 o'clock to 11 o'clock. A Contact Jam is the
essential forum for practicing Contact Improvisation. Like Contact Improvisation
itself, there are no strict rules at a jam. That said, be aware of your presence
in the space, as it is intended for focused dancing (if you are not dancing,
do not occupy the middle of the floor). Remember that you have the ultimate
responsibility for your own well-being and enjoyment. If you don't want to dance
with someone, you don't have to. Investigate and enjoy the dancing! Jam locations
vary; see the daily schedule in the foyer for details.
More ActivitiesTBA
Remember, this is an improvisation festival. Spontaneity and impulse prevail.
So be prepared for fun and surprises because we'll be working on bringing you
even more things to do. And, don't hesitate to bring your own ideas and suggestions,
your input is always welcome. We can't wait to see you at the 2006 West Coast
Contact Improvisation Festival!