Classes in one of the dance world’s best kept secrets have returned to Nelson. Contact Improv is a fun, edge pushing dance form that combines authentic movement, improvisation, and points of contact between two or more people. It has been a few years since Nelson has had a regular contact class, despite an ongoing, weekly jam.
Jams are unstructured gatherings where dancers come together in a casual setting, moving in and out of dances, with or without music. Nelson’s contact jam has happened steadily for a number of years, however, new people are often reluctant to join in the unfamiliar territory.

“I want to see Nelson’s contact community grow,” said Michael Sheely, a contact teacher, recently from Victoria, who is now offering classes in town. “I see contact as a metaphor for life. The more harmony, connection, and flow we find on the dance floor, the more we bring into our greater lives.”

Sheely acknowledges one of the greatest obstacles for people new to contact is the level of intimacy it involves. “In our culture, body connections are so often sexualized. Contact Improv is intimate, non-sexual connection without choreography, without rules. It is open, free, and liberating. But that level of openness can also be intimidating.”

The classes that Sheely is offering are designed to help people to navigate through this unfamiliar territory, and to learn tools and techniques that help to create safety and fun.

“I like to teach in a way that offers something for everyone. Whether you are new to contact or have been doing it for years. There is always another layer of depth that we can find in how we relate to the dance and to our lives.”

Contact Improv classes are being held on Thursday evenings from 7:30-9:00 at the Yoga Loft’s temporary location at 502 Baker St. The cost is $10-15 and drop-ins are welcome. For more information call Michael at (250)415-1259 or email solegate@hotmail.com.