Brad Stoller

Brad Stoller is part of an early lineage in the form of Contact Improvisation (CI), Authentic Movement Practice (AMP) and Contemplative Dance Practice (CDP). He began his study in 1979 when these forms were in their incipient stages of growth. He has been teaching CI, AMP, and CDP sense 1983 all over the U.S., Canada, Europe and Africa. He has been teaching CI at UVa since 2013.

 

The Form of CI is very simple and pure in its principles based on the interaction of forces between two bodies with velocity and grace. The earth is and will always be our first partner and from understanding the dynamics of weight, density, flow and softness a dancer can inhabit a wide variety of creative shifts. CI has emerged from Aikido, the martial art form, and blended with western art into a unique expression of dance that is both meditative and theatrical, joyful and contemplative. Practice of this form often includes authentic movement styles and contemplative dance practices developed along side of performance where practitioners move sightlessly and freely while being witnessed and embraced in trust.  This form is open to all levels of experience and abilities.

 

Students learn the basic principles of weight sharing, independence of thought and action, where impulses come from and mutual respect.