All things Contact Improvisation - Festivals, Workshops, Classes, & Retreats. I'm based in Southampton so look out for weekly classes in the events section.
Contact Improvisation (CI) is very hard to describe in words as it draws from many inspiring practices, has a wide scope of movement possibilities and is used in many different contexts from social jams to performance. Even though it has its own unique style and is often practiced as a socially interactive dance by people from all walks of life, it is very much left to the individual to interpret
its possibilities and context. Formally it is described as a dance practice in which points of physical contact combined with a sharing of weight between two or more people provide the starting point for an exploration in movement improvisation, however there are many more subtleties that one may also explore and experience. For me its all about connectivity, co-creation, trust, awareness, presence and committing to the moment and how through this practice we can embody these principles into our lives. It can be playful, sensitive, quiet or energetic, where giving and taking weight, rolling, suspending, flying and falling are all possible ingredients within the spontaneity of the dance. Here is a short video to show you what it looks like: https://youtu.be/mptyZmxaYvE and below are some words from members of our local community who have written about their experiences. I hope these words inspire you to come along and join us whenever you feel ready.
“CI leads me into the present moment very directly. When I’m dancing with another and if I’m really in-tune and fully there, then there is no space for thoughts and analysis. This is freedom - expansive, open and timeless. And because there is another whom I’m in contact with, it is a shared experience where connection flows and infuses the dance. And because its dance, my whole body listens and responds and moves and is moved - fully embodied.”
“I love the intuitive, responsive, intimate nature of this dance, and the way it inspires, challenges and delights me.”
“Having spent 15 years being a team-sport person in my younger days, my body and mind longed to engage in an exercise that requires my body, mind and soul to act together simultaneously to challenge and develop myself whilst connecting with others. I found that exercise in CI.”
“It has taught me the language of the body, both mine and of others.”
“CI allows me to drop into myself, listen to my deepest instincts and urges, and over time I have learnt to trust and follow them. Through regular practice, both technical and creative, and through group and solo reflection I learnt to appreciate my authentic movement and that of others, and to apply this somatic knowledge in my daily life.”
About Me
Richard Parker began dancing Contact Improvisation in 2006. Since then, he has extensively explored this form with many inspiring teachers from around the world, including Nita Little, Andrew Harwood, Ray Chung, Martin Keogh, Scott Wells, Benno Voorham, Joerg Hassmann & Daniel Werner and has been teaching himself for over 5 years. His focus is on developing effortless movement without force that brings both energy and listening into the dance. Using a grounded and relaxed approach he enjoys sharing his understanding of the principle movements within CI as a way into finding a deep and real connection within ourselves. Richard has also spent over 15 years practicing and inquiring into Yoga and has been teaching for over 10 years. He works with the natural and somatic body principles inspired by the teachings of Vanda Scaravelli, which has also supported him in developing a modern, unique and embodied approach to his teaching.
“A true love for the form and genuine investigation is at the heart of Richard's teaching. He plans and delivers material in a thoughtful, reflective and thorough way, each exercise leading on to the next fluidly. His gentle, clear and encouraging manner gives students the confidence to push their practice further and his commitment to staying true to the form ensures that others can continue to discover and enjoy the beauty of the dance.”
08/05/2026
Emerging Hearts Contact Improvisation Dance Camp 2026 is getting closer, and the full programme timetable is now live on the website.
All CI workshops are now listed on the teachers’ pages, along with expanded beginner support sessions and a growing range of complementary movement, creative, wellbeing, and nature-based offerings.
There are now around 35 tickets remaining, including both volunteer and supporter places.
If you’ve been thinking about joining us this summer, now is a really good time to have a look through the website and get a feel for what’s unfolding. The shape of the week is becoming much more visible now, and we’re really excited about what’s coming together.
Instalment payment options are also still available for a little while longer if that helps make attending more accessible.
Monday 22nd June – Monday 29th June 2026
Redwood Farm, near Frome, Somerset (UK)
In this workshop, we expand our capacity to relate and move through the whole body, not just the hands. What happens when we lead, listen, and invite through backs, legs, hips, shoulders, heads, even the breath or spine? What happens when a point of contact becomes not just a surface connection, but a deep, layered conversation?
When we engage with the full body as a site of relational touch, we open up new possibilities for connection, movement, and co-creation. This supports both beginners and experienced dancers in becoming more adaptable, more curious, and more deeply attuned to what’s possible in each moment.
We look forward to seeing you there!
13/10/2025
FROME CI WORKSHOP NEXT MONTH
In this workshop, we slow things down to focus on one of the more challenging and tender aspects of Contact Improvisation: waiting within shared weight. Rather than moving quickly into momentum or action, we’ll explore the subtle dance of what happens when we pause — physically and emotionally — in moments of shared weight.
Our immersive workshops offer a chance to explore CI in depth. Born from the values of our summer camp—accessibility, inclusion, and belonging—these sessions welcome both newcomers and experienced dancers.
Each workshop provides a supportive space to connect, explore, and deepen your practice, keeping the spirit of Emerging Hearts alive throughout the year.
Join Us!
08/09/2025
OXFORD CI WORKSHOP & JAM
🗓️Date & Time: Sunday, 7th December 2025, 10am - 5pm
In this workshop, we expand our capacity to relate and move through the whole body, not just the hands. What happens when we lead, listen, and invite through backs, legs, hips, shoulders, heads, even the breath or spine? What happens when a point of contact becomes not just a surface connection, but a deep, layered conversation?
When we engage with the full body as a site of relational touch, we open up new possibilities for connection, movement, and co-creation. This supports both beginners and experienced dancers in becoming more adaptable, more curious, and more deeply attuned to what’s possible in each moment.
We look forward to seeing you there!
29/08/2025
FINDHORN ECOVILLAGE CONTACT JAM WEEKEND
Join me and Lucy Thomas, for this opportunity to dive into your practice of Contact Improvisation in a rich environment of creativity and community on the Moray coastline this autumn.
📍 Universal Hall at the Findhorn Ecovillage, Scotland
Blending class, jam, space to draw and write, live music, open mic sessions at the local cafe, hot tub, wild beach - and the invitation to be s p a c i o u s in your flow within this richness, held in the Autumnal beauty of this special place.
30/07/2025
Two Autumn CI Gatherings: Lithuania and Findhorn
Two beautiful opportunities to dance together this autumn — one deep in the Lithuanian countryside, the other on the wild coast of northeast Scotland.
Contact Improvisation Camp, Lithuania
26 to 28 September 2025, Rūdiškės Craft School, “Sodžiaus meistrai” (near Vilnius)
Three immersive days of dancing, exploring gravity, co-movement and embodied presence.
Led by Giedrė Kirkilė (LT), Aistė Jančiūtė (LT), and myself (UK), with a live music jam on Saturday night.
Includes shared accommodation, all meals (vegan/vegetarian), and space for both beginners and experienced dancers.
Findhorn Contact Jam, Scotland
9 to 12 October 2025, Findhorn Ecovillage (near Inverness)
Held in the stunning Universal Hall, this spacious weekend includes morning classes, afternoon jams, live music, and time to explore the dunes, woodland and creative spirit of the Findhorn community.
Led by Lucy Thomas and myself. You’ll need to arrange your own accommodation and food. Full and single session tickets available.
Both gatherings offer space to deepen your practice, meet others, and enjoy the beauty of dance in inspiring settings. I’d love to share one or both with you.
We’re nearly there and everything’s coming together beautifully – an amazing team of teachers, a gorgeous wild swimming lake and sauna, delicious food, and the kind, open-hearted community that makes this camp so special.
Thank you to everyone who’s already booked – and if you’re still on the fence, we’d love to see you there.
We’ve extended this year’s Emerging Hearts Contact Improvisation Dance Camp to 7 days in response to a strong community wish to go deeper and stay connected for longer. This isn’t a festival—it’s an invitation into shared living, rooted in CI and supported by a rich programme of workshops, music, and community offerings.
Our full teacher and musician line-up is now live, with guest teacher Robin Berkelmans from the Netherlands, along with details of a paid Kitchen Support Coordinator role and expanded volunteer places to help make camp more accessible.
Only 4 places left for our 5-night Contact Improvisation Easter retreat, which I’ll be co-leading with Lucy Thomas at the beautiful Findhorn Ecovillage in Scotland.
Dancing into Wholeness - An Intimacy with Nature 🌿
Wednesday 16th April – Monday 21st April 2025
Findhorn Ecovillage, Scotland
This retreat is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the practice of Contact Improvisation while connecting with the breathtaking landscapes of Findhorn—beaches, woodlands, rivers, and sand dunes. Together, we’ll explore trusting spontaneity within our dance, building bonds of affection as a community, and tapping into the deeper aspects of our human potential.
Retreat Highlights:
* In-depth Contact Improvisation classes & jams
* Authentic Movement sessions
* Dancing in nature – woodland, dunes, beach & river
* Sauna to sea dip
* Bless Dance (a weekly Findhorn community gathering)
* Fireside socials & meeting the locals
* Delicious food & a supportive community
* Optional: Authentic Movement in a hydrotherapy pool & daily hot tubs
Getting There: Flights from Bristol & Gatwick are available for under £200. Lift-share options and extra nights before/after the retreat are also possible—just reach out if you have any questions.
Message me if you’re interested or want to chat about any details
🗓️ 23rd–30th June 2025
📍 Redwood Farm, near Frome, Somerset (UK)
We’re back—and this time for a full 7 days! After last year’s incredible gathering, we can’t wait to dance, connect, and co-create with you again.
What’s new?
More time to immerse in CI
Themed days to explore different aspects of movement
Beginner support to welcome all levels
More reduced-price tickets & volunteer options
Spread your ticket cost into manageable payments.
Bigger sauna space
More protein options
💚 Volunteer & save while supporting the camp
🌀 Want to offer a workshop? Get involved!
08/05/2026
07/11/2025
13/10/2025
08/09/2025
29/08/2025
30/07/2025
09/06/2025
05/05/2025
13/03/2025
14/02/2025