Human Animal

1. Forms - Know The Body:

This practice will enable us to better understand our structure and develop a vocabulary that will serve us as a compass for exploration of our structure. 

Somatic Practice: Developing better awareness and learning how to regulate our internal state through mindful movement.

Conditioning: Developing action capacities (strength, flexibility) to expand our potential for movement. This includes independent work as well as with tools and partners.  

2. Coordination: 

Coordination involves forming dynamic patterns in movement and behavior. Whole body coordination is key to efficient and adaptable movement. In this practice area, we will develop a deeper understanding of how the body organizes itself rhythmically in space and time. A well-coordinated structure is one that can respond, adapt, and maintain its integrity over the years. Coordination is the key to athletic and dextrous movement. 

3. Improvisation: 

Improvisation is where the old meets the new, where previously explored ideas give rise to fresh fantasies and novel ways of engaging with oneself and the world. Improvisation is not just for the dancer, it is for any movement practitioner who wants to learn how to bring more spontaneity and creativity in their movement. The intention is to learn how to create a space for exploration, to model unknown territories, and to enjoy the journey through them. In our practice we use improvisation to learn and discover - through exploration of structured tasks. 

4. Movement Scenarios and Games: 

We develop the ability to adapt to dynamic and changing environments by simulating scenarios that require us to move, react, and respond to information in our surroundings. By engaging in a variety of games we can bring our movement into a state where it can flexibility adapt to the dynamics of different contexts. Since the human animal does not evolve to move in a static and easily predictable environment, it is important for our overall development to engage in play with others and learn how to explore, manipulate, and abstract potential functions of various tools.

Additional Material: 

Recorded material from the workshop and practical maps for understanding and structuring the practice will be accessible to all participants for an additional two months after the intensive, allowing for further study.

If you’re interested in attending both of our 2025 intensives—Human Animal (June 23-27) and Soft Acrobatics & Improvisation (August 11-15)—contact [email protected] for a special offer.

The workshop will be taught by Stefan Crainic, an inspired by Fighting Monkey movement instructor and former capoeira practitioner and teacher, alongside Josephine Haas, a professional dancer with extensive experience in various dance companies and the creation of her own works.