Kontaktimprovisation

Kontaktimprovisation, German for contact improvisation, is a form of improvised contemporary dance in which two or more dancers sustain movement through physical contact. The practice emphasizes unplanned, on-the-spot collaboration, attentive listening to a partner's weight and momentum, and the continuous exploration of balance and release. Movement arises from the contact points between bodies and from the dancers' shared weight, gravity, and inertia, rather than from predetermined choreography.

Origins: Developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s in the United States by Steve Paxton and colleagues at the Judson Church scene. The term "contact improvisation" came to describe sessions where improvisation unfolds through touch and shared momentum; early practitioners helped shape its evolving vocabulary.

Practice: Common settings include duets, though larger groups can participate. Dancers experiment with positions of contact such as holds, pushes, lifts, and rolls; movement may be initiated by one dancer's impulse or by counterbalance; improvisation is guided by listening rather than plan. Safety, consent, and clear communication are emphasized, and sessions often include warm-ups, floor work, and exploratory rests.

Performance and pedagogy: In contemporary dance and performance art, kontaktimprovisation has influenced choreographers and educators; many studios offer training; there are festivals and networks across Europe and North America. The approach fosters collaborative practice, inclusivity, and risk-aware teaching.

Terminology: The term Kontaktimprovisation is the German rendering of the practice; in English-speaking contexts the term Contact Improvisation is used, and in German contexts the term is widely taught in studios and universities as part of contemporary dance education.