Participant Feedback - workshops

Contact Explorations

Workshop at CTR Venice, 2024
Participant Comments


I had no idea what to expect with Contact Improvisation, but I left feeling grounded and alive. I learned that trust, listening, and shared weight can be powerful tools for connection—even as a beginner.

— Leah L.

As someone with no dance background, I was nervous about being so physically close to others. But this workshop gently pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. I realized thatI just needed to stay present. Contact Improvisation helped me experience movement as communication, not performance. It was unexpectedly emotional. Thanks Josh!

— Marcus

I didn’t know dancing could feel like playing tag and meditating at the same time! I learned to follow touch, roll, and share weight with other bodies, all while laughing and sometimes falling. Definitely not what I expected—and I loved it.

— Jules

This workshop introduced me to Contact Improvisation through a mix of exercises that felt like both research and art. As a beginner, I was surprised how much the form emphasized listening with the body rather than performing choreography. There was a lot of physical information exchanged through subtle shifts, balances, and shared momentum. I appreciated the safe container the Josh and Laura created for experimentation. It was like learning a new language.

— Damiano

I was really awkward at first. I kept overthinking where to put my hands or whether I was doing it “right.” But then I kind of gave up on that and just started moving, and suddenly I was dancing—with someone else! It was weird, but good.

— Laura

Contact Improvisation was like discovering a hidden sense I never knew I had. In this workshop, we practiced falling, catching, leaning, spiraling—simple things that became beautiful in motion. There was no right or wrong, just endless possibilities. I found myself moving with others in ways that felt fluid, almost like we were listening with our skin. For a first-timer, it was magical and surprisingly freeing.

— Maya

I joined this Contact Improv workshop because I wanted to try something new, and I’m really glad I did. Even though I had no experience, the teacher made the concepts easy to follow, and everyone was very supportive. It was a great way to build trust, stay present, and move my body without pressure. I left with sore muscles and a big smile.

— Andrea

Releasing

Workshop at Fabrika Cultura Bilbao, 2023
Participant Comments


I’ve trained in contemporary dance for years, but this workshop helped me uncover habits I didn’t realize were giving me spine issues. Letting go of unnecessary tension made everything feel lighter, faster, and more grounded at the same time. I’m already noticing a difference in how I move and recover.

— Ava, professional dancer

I came in as an athlete, not a dancer, and didn’t know what to expect. But the emphasis on efficiency, breath, and moving from the spine really clicked for me. I’ve already applied some of the techniques in running. Thank you.

— Jose, track & field athlete

This workshop was eye-opening. I’m an intermediate dancer and always thought more energy meant more power. But now I understand how releasing can actually give me more range and control. It’s a subtle but transformative shift in how I approach movement. Dope.

— Isabelle, university dance major

I’ve had chronic tension in my shoulders for years, and somehow this workshop helped me feel where it was coming from. Learning to let gravity support me changed how I dance—and how I carry myself off the floor too.

— Janelle, adult beginner dancer

It felt like moving inside water or wind—like the force was coming from somewhere deeper. I had no idea how much tension I was carrying until we started letting it go. I left feeling taller and more energized.

— Noah

The way we worked with the floor and initiated movement from the spine—it’s something I wish I had been taught earlier in my training. It’s already changing how I approach jumps and partnering. Less efforting and more clarity.

— Alexandra, ballet student

I appreciated that the workshop wasn’t about “looking” a certain way but about feeling into alignment and ease. That gave me the freedom to explore without judging myself. It was both challenging and deeply satisfying.

— Sylvestre, beginner mover

Laura was clear, patient, and deeply knowledgeable. They helped us understand not just how to move with less tension, but why it matters. I feel like I now have tools to avoid injury and train smarter.

— Alex, CrossFit coach

I didn’t expect this workshop to affect my mental focus, but it totally did. As we worked through releasing patterns, I felt more alert but less anxious. It’s a physical practice, but the ripple effect is huge. Awesome and see you next time you all come by.

— Tariq, martial artist