Human Animal

1. Forms - Know The Body - Know Yourself:

This practice will enable us to better understand the landscape of our structure, how to navigate it, and promote the development of behaviors that enhance our creativity in areas such as perceptual refinement, structural interconnectedness, physical preparedness  and mind-body connection.  

2. Coordination: 

Coordination involves forming dynamic patterns in movement and behavior. Multi-plane, multi-joint coordinations are key to efficient and adaptable movement. In this practice area, we will develop a deeper understanding of how the body organizes itself 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. In our approach to improvisation, we intermingle ideas from various fields. Improvisation is not just for the dancer, it is how the human animal operates on a daily basis, it is for all. The intention is to learn how to create a space for exploration, to model unknown territories, and to enjoy the journey through them.

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. Through a playful approach, we can enhance our capacity to engage in communication with others and the environment, allowing the body to learn how to move and creatively respond to various contexts. Since the human animal does not evolve to move in a static and easily predictable environment, separated from peers, 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.

The workshop will be taught by Stefan Crainic, a 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.