Food & Dance

Thinking about performance...

2011-04-02T07:13:00.001-04:00

I've been mulling over what the plan would be for my classes at studio 34 and I've come to the conclusion that we're going to deal with performance. Specifically, improv w/ contact in performance. We're going to deal with watching and being watched, making choices spacially and dynamically, and finding ways to remain invested in the dance.

So if you're tired of getting lost in your own performance, or if you're tired of seeing uninteresting improv in performance come to class this week and next at studio 34 (Sunday 3rd & 10th from 12:30 to 2:30) we're going to open up a discussion and work on building awareness and movement vocabulary to strengthen our improv chops with a creative mind towards performance.

Oh, and probably some handstands...

Hope to see you there!

The arts in Philadelphia

2011-02-18T09:48:00.001-05:00

Take the arts into your own hands- congress is short sighted - take your money and vote for the arts, go and see dance and theater and music, pay to see your friend's shows - don't rely on comps, show how much you value the people around you in your own arts community. Use your art to affect people and affect change, rise up with your art and be heard - get informed and make people listen - there are a ton of shows going on right now, this weekend, go and see as many as you can, then tell your friends how great or shitty the show was. Be real. Be proud to be an artist. Good art is hard work. It's a real job. Art and beauty don't just happen. Take the arts into your own hands. Now more than ever.

Unbelievably Good

2011-02-15T12:36:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note about my impromptu Valentines Dinner out with my lovely wife...

I picked my wife up from work around 5:30 and on a whim we decided to have dinner at Han Dynasty(www.handynasty.net) in Old City. Having heard good things about the and hilarious anecdotes about the web address and credit card tag (read Han dynasty as all one word = handy nasty), we stopped in for and early bird dinner. We were the first to arrive for the evening and we're greeted warmly and seated promptly. We ordered the Pork Belly in Garlic Sauce appetizer, The Dumplings appetizer, the Garlic Sauce style Shrimp, and the Hot Sauce style pork. Delicious does not begin to describe the levels of flavor we enjoyed. The Pork Belly, a cold spicy adventure. The dumplings were delicate and full of flavor. The Garlic style shrimp had, and I mean this in the most comfort-food deliciousness kind of way, a certain cool ranch Doritos flavor about it. I really need to be clear about the culinary heights of this dish, it was spectacular and not because it tasted like cool ranch, that was just an instant taste association I had with it. I don't know how else to describe it, perfectly cooked shrimp with a creamy, green oniony, sweet, tangy deliciousness. The silky Hot Sauce style pork hit all the right notes. One note that I think I would keep in mind next time, would be to order something that is explicitly note spicy. The spiciness was great and not in a painful way, just real depth of flavor. But everything we ordered had the heat. Maybe when the server asked "Are you guys okay with spicy?" we should have thought twice about our overall meal composition. Never-the-less, everything was and continues to be excellent - as I'm finishing eating the pork belly for lunch today.

So thank you Han Dynasty for a spectacular meal on a surprise Valentines Day night out.

2011-02-08T13:48:00.001-05:00

http://stuff.icanhascheezburger.com/2011/02/02/cute-kawaii-stuff-science-valentines/

Sent from my iPhone

Sonata BYOB

2011-01-24T11:06:00.000-05:00

So this will fall under the food portion of this on-again-off-again food and dance blog:

We took my mother out for her birthday last night to Sonata, a BYOB on Liberties Walk. This will be a short review, but I need to say, the food was excellent, reasonably priced for the quality of food. The decor was inviting and cozy, and left the real magical work to be done by the food. With 8 people, the table ordered a good selection of the menu (Pork tenderloin, braised short rib, seared salmon, bacon wrapped chicken, lobster "mac and cheese") and all plates were cleared. Speaking for myself, I started with an excellently delicate scallop crudo, my entre was the butter poached Lobster and cheesy pappardelle (the phrase lobster "mac and cheese" really doesn't do the dish justice) which was delicious, the lobster was cooked perfectly, and there was jsut enough of everything. I wasn't left wanting for sauce, lobster, or pasta. I capped my meal off with the whimsical fried apple pies. 3 mini fried pies with ice cream and caramel sauce were the perfect sweet cap off to a great meal. I highly recommend Sonata. I look forward to eating more of Chef Mark Tropea's creations in the future.

Boom Bap Tourism

2011-01-22T19:20:00.002-05:00

Makoto Hirano's Boom Bap Tourism

In the interest of full disclosure, I consider Makoto Hirano a good friend. That said, Boom Bap Tourism was a little piece of brilliance last night at the Painted Bride. An autobiographical journey of self reflection the carried it's way through with a consistent movement vocabulary, funny stories, artful staging, and a creative musical score. All of these elements combined into a compelling story of the man who Makoto sees himself as today. The use of lights and props was inventive and the music or silence stood guard as beat box, free style rhymes, and spoken word took us through the journey of his life. The duality of characters established at the beginning, framed the piece as a kind of "if I could talk to myself when I was that age, maybe I would have been different" story but without any of the usual regret or self pity that comes along with that type show. Maybe the only slip was in the performance was the full embodiment of young Makoto did not remain fully consistent past the opening sequence; however, his gift for story telling carried the spoken word through regardless.
The movement was inspiring. From fighting, to break dancing, to visions of Gene Kelly the dancing and choreography had a consistent beat and style that was characterized by swiftness of foot. Rarely did the movement feel under developed or over extended. The deftness with which Makoto went between break dancing, to modern, to delightful soft shoe shows a depth of dance talent that was as strong and the rhymes and stories they juxtaposed. The stories and imagery were hilarious (and not that bullshit, "look it's someone I know and their doing something I think is out of character "Philadelphia" funny"), genuinely clever and insightful stories that Makoto executed with charm and wit directly to the audience. I hope to see this show again, and look forward to more work from Makoto as his talent will no doubt continue to be showcased in Philadelphia and beyond.

AdamsTwitterDance

2011-01-12T23:23:00.000-05:00

Please check out AdamsTwitterDance.tumblr.com

Sign on to twitter-

Choose 1 of the following:
Up, down, Left, Right, Front, Back, head, tail, fast, slow

Post w/ @adberzins In the text

Come see the show on Sunday @ Mascher @ 2pm

So long & Thanks for all the dances

2010-06-21T10:34:00.000-04:00

> I want to thank you all for being a part of my Monday Night Contact
> improv evolving adventure over the past 3ish years.
>
> There is no class tonight and there won't be anymore this summer
> from me. The ever endeavouring Nicole Bindler has put together an
> amazing slate of talented and experienced dance teachers for the new
> CI series starting in August at studio 34. Be sure to check out the
> google group, face book page, as well as I'm sure studio 34's
> website for more details on that.
>
> The parlor has been a great home to contact for the last 6+ years,
> Monday/Tuesday nights have been filled with great movement and
> exploration. So don't hesitate to grab some space there from them
> for whatever rehearsal/class/perormance needs you may have.
>
> I'll be developing my own work and working with some great minds and
> movers in the coming months.
>
> I hope to move with you all very soon. You have made me grow as a
> performer and teacher and I hope to see you all soon, on or/and off
> the dance floor.
>
> Thank you. Paldies.
> Adams

My summer plans

2010-06-15T00:30:00.000-04:00

May 29th @ 7:30 & 30th @ 3PM - Human Landscape Dance

2010-05-17T12:46:00.000-04:00

Human Landscape Dance is coming to the Painted Bride on Saturday and Sunday May 29th/30th as part of the Philadelphia/Washington DC Dance Exchange. I have had the pleasure of dancing and speaking with Malcom Shute on numerous occasions and have always found him insightful and committed to the art that he and Human Landscape Dance produce. They utilize a lot of Contact Improvisation in the creative process and I encourage you to read his treatise on CI and how they use it here: http://www.hldance.org/node/104 as well as check out their website in general: http://www.hldance.org/

Please come out and support these guys. They’ve come up here for festivals and classes and we can definitely show them some love.

The show is at 7:30PM 29th of May and 3PM on the 30th @ The Painted Bride
They’ll be performing with Anne-Marie Mulgrew and Dancers Co. (http://www.annemariemulgrewdancersco.org/) on a shared bill.

Hope to see you there.

Chris Aiken Tonigh!

2010-05-10T11:58:00.001-04:00

A real opportunity to learn from a master of the form…

Chris Aiken, a world renowned teacher and performer (bio included at bottom), will be teaching tonight at The Parlor (1170 S Broad st) rounding out a six week series started by Angie Hauser.

The class is from 7-9 w/ open dancing until 10.
Sliding scale $12-$15 for 3 HOURS of dance, this is an incredible deal for this caliber of teacher, don't miss it!

If you've "been meaning to check out the Monday night contact class," then this is your chance. The class will be taking a hiatus at the end of June. So if you've been meaning to add a little contact improv technique to your bag of tricks and want to do it before everyone jets off for the summer, come on out.

Upcoming class awesomeness and info includes:

Always be on the look out for Contact Improv Jams curated by Fatima Adamu @ studio 34 (45th and Baltimore ave)

May 31st (memorial day) - No Class @ The Parlor

June 7th - Kira Kirsch from San Francisco (she's also doing a big workshop @ the mascher space that week)

June 14th - Adams Berzins will be teaching Contact Improv as part of the nEW Festival @ UArts (same contact time, different location, details to follow)

As always follow me on Twitter @adberzins

Periodic dance and food ramblings @foodanddance.blogspot.com

Re: THIS SATURDAY!

2010-04-22T14:57:00.002-04:00

The Studio 34 Studio Series
April 24th @ Studio 34
(45th & Baltimore Ave in West Philly)
Curated by Adams Berzins
8 PM
$10 ($5 with DancePass) suggested donation
supports the performers

Adams Berzins is an improvisationally based dancer and performer who has the good fortune of having worked with a veritable who's who of dance and theater professionals from Philadelphia and points international. He has been performing in Philadelphia for the past 6 years and teaching contact improvisation at The Parlor (mostly on Monday nights) for the last 3 years. You may also recognize him as the Bartender from The Latvian Society (531 N. 7^th st) if you've recently attended an EgoPo, PJI, or Azuka Theater production.

This month's studio series will include improv based works by a wide range of performers collected for your viewing pleasure. In no particular order:

The lovely and talented Kimya Jackson will restage an improvisational dance piece that Adams fell in love with at the How Philly Moves photo shoot. (It involves Depeche Mode)

The incomparable Makoto Hirano with Ben Camp and a collection of movers and shakers will provide much entertainment.

A stunning dance collaboration between best friends Hedy Weiland and Adrianna Carey-Berzins, directed by Jamie Potts.

In support of their upcoming show Rodgers and Hammerstein Are Dead (Philadelphia's only improvised musical; directed by Jason Stockdale), the members of Ladies and Gentlemen will offer audiences a sampling of musical improv comedy. Showcasing cast members Joe Gribbin on piano, Kristen Schier, and Apple Milkshake along with other members of the improv troupe Ladies and Gentlemen.

Liz Filios, Anna Drozdowski, Christina Gesualdi, Michele Tantoco, and Gina Hoch-Stall have agreed, relatively site unseen, to be part of an improv experiment that draws inspiration from interviews and sentiments expressed by people who have strong feelings against contact improv. This is not a contact improv piece, well maybe…

For any further Information or questions, contact Adams Berzins via Twitter (@adberzins) or email: PhillyContactAdams (at) me.com
His infrequent dance and food raving can also be found @ http://foodanddance.blogspot.com/

THIS SATURDAY!

2010-04-22T10:16:00.000-04:00

The Studio 34 Studio Series
April 24th @ Studio 34
(45th & Baltimore Ave in West Philly)
Curated by Adams Berzins
8 PM
$10 ($5 with DancePass) suggested donation
supports the performers

Adams Berzins is an improvisationally based dancer and performer who has the good fortune of having worked with a veritable who's who of dance and theater professionals from Philadelphia and points international. He has been performing in Philadelphia for the past 6 years and teaching contact improvisation at The Parlor (mostly on Monday nights) for the last 3 years. You may also recognize him as the Bartender from The Latvian Society (531 N. 7^th st) if you've recently attended an EgoPo, PJI, or Azuka Theater production.

This month's studio series will include improv based works by a wide range of performers collected for your viewing pleasure. In no particular order:

The lovely and talented Kimya Jackson will restage an improvisational dance piece that Adams fell in love with at the How Philly Moves photo shoot. (It involves Depeche Mode)

The incomparable Makoto Hirano with Ben Camp and a collection of movers and shakers will provide much entertainment.

A stunning dance collaboration between best friends Hedy Weiland and Adrianna Carey-Berzins, directed by Jamie Potts.

In support of their upcoming show Rodgers and Hammerstein Are Dead (Philadelphia's only improvised musical; directed by Jason Stockdale), the members of Ladies and Gentlemen will offer audiences a sampling of musical improv comedy. Showcasing cast members Joe Gribbin on piano, Kristen Schier, and Apple Milkshake along with other members of the improv troupe Ladies and Gentlemen.

Liz Filios, Anna Drozdowski, Christina Gesualdi, Michele Tantoco, and Gina Hoch-Stall have agreed, relatively site unseen, to be part of an improv experiment that draws inspiration from interviews and sentiments expressed by people who have strong feelings against contact improv. This is not a contact improv piece, well maybe…

For any further Information or questions, contact Adams Berzins via Twitter (@adberzins) or email: PhillyContactAdams (at) me.com
His infrequent dance and food raving can also be found @ http://foodanddance.blogspot.com/

Monday night contact- Joy Mariama Smith Tonight

2010-03-15T17:28:00.000-04:00

Hi everybody!

Quick note about tonight.

Come out for a great class with a new teacher tonight.

joy mariama smith, native philadelphian, co-founder of your name here performance collective, has been practicing contact improvisation since the beginning of her undergrad education in 1994 at Oberlin College (the birthplace of CI). she also is a graduate of the Lecoq LEM (Laboratory of Movement Studies) program she has been seen making strange art many places.
yournameherecollective.com

So come check her out. I highly recommend it. She is awesome. All class cards honored. Don't let the rain keep you away from getting some new info into that body of yours.

Remember to get back to me about your registration for the 6 week Angie Hauser workshop starting in April. Space is limited (as in the parlor is only so big) so let me know if you are going to make it. Discounts are available for paying early.

Thank you. Paldies.

Adams

Contact Jam this Saturday

2010-03-02T21:29:00.000-05:00

Come jam it up at Studio 34 in West Philly this Saturday, March 6th,
1-4pm!
We'll do some group warm ups at the start and then dance the afternoon
away. Studio 34 is at 4522 Baltimore Ave, easily accessible by car or
by the fabulous #34 trolley. No experience is required. Cost is $5.
See you there!

Thank you. Paldies.

Adams

Dermatomes

2010-01-14T10:30:00.001-05:00

Thoughts on skin

This massive sensory network. Interconnected, innervated and
inveinerated system of information transferrence.

When our skin revolts, our nerves inflame, we find out the depth of
sensation we are capable of. The burning, itching, aching, heavy,
tearing, stabbing, electric energy that shocks through in waves.

There must be a way to translate these impulses into motion,
movements. The life of our skin is the life of our generally unseen
interface with the world. Our clothes, the wind, friendly embraces,
and warm caresses fill our brains and nervous system with information
that goes largely unprocessed. This is the information I want to
interpret and reprocess into dance.

Aiken/Hauser Cotact & Improvisation Wkshp - - Dec 5 & 6 (Sat & Sun)

2009-12-02T10:53:00.000-05:00

Reminder! Check it out.

~~~~~~ $45 for both classes ~~~~~~~~~

Contact & Improvisation Workshop with

Chris Aiken & Angie Hauser

December 5 (Saturday) & 6 (Sunday)
1:00-4:00 PM both days

Price: $45 for both, or $25 for single class.
at:

Baryshnikov Arts Centre, Studio 6A
450 West 37th St, Suite 501 (b/w 9th & 10th Aves)

SPACE IS LIMITED

To reserve your space, please:

RSVP at edwin.adkins@gmail.com soon

and
send deposit of $10 *per class* you plan to attend to:
Edwin Adkins

PO Box 250051

NY, NY 10025

Directions by Mass Transit: [A, C, E to 34th St. & 8th Ave] or [1, 2, 3 to 24th St. & 7th Ave]

Please call 646-731-3200 for general information.

Workshop Description:
Each of us has experienced heightened states of being through contact improvisation-times when we felt fearless and alive. There are no recipes to create these moments, but training can lay the foundation for physical and emotional breakthroughs. In this workshop we are specifically interested in developing our reflexes, our coordination, and the capacity to continually recycle our mental and physical energies back into the dancing. At the core is the commitment to staying with the modulation of tone and weight in the body-so that the touch remains alive.

The practice of contact improvisation includes the ability to move with ease and efficiency, the integration of the head, spine and limbs, and the ability to motivate movement from multiple centers within the body. Students in the workshop will learn specific technical skills, somatic techniques, and principles of awareness and improvisation.

We are committed to individual coaching and group investigation of specific aspects of the work. Come with questions, energy and commitment to serious training and playful, imaginative dancing.

Chris Aiken is a leading international teacher and performer in the field of dance improvisation and Contact Improvisation. His movement experience includes dance, theater, Contact Improvisation, compositional improvisation, Alexander Technique™, yoga, release techniques and athletic training. Chris has performed and collaborated with many renowned dance artists including Steve Paxton, Kirstie Simson, Nancy Stark Smith, Peter Bingham, Andrew Harwood and Angie Hauser. He has been presented the Walker Art Center, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, DTW and Bates Dance Festival, among others. He has received numerous awards including fellowships from the Guggenheim, Bush and Jerome foundations.  He has taught Contact Improvisation and improvisation throughout North America, Europe and in Asia. He is currently an assistant professor at Ursinus College (PA).

Angie Hauser is a dancer and teacher. Her work is grounded in improvisation and performance reflecting the influences of contact improvisation, postmodern choreography, ballet and Butoh. Since 2000, Angie has been a member of the Bebe Miller Company, where she contributes to the creation of award winning dance works that are performed throughout the United States. In 2006 Angie was awarded a BESSIE (N.Y. Dance and Performance Award) for Creation and Choreography for her work with Bebe Miller. As an improviser she collaborates with many gifted artists including Chris Aiken, Kirstie Simpson, K.J. Holmes, Darrell Jones, Andrew Harwood and Kathleen Hermesdorf.   She has also danced with the companies of Elizabeth Streb, Liz Lerman and Poppo Shiriashi. She has taught improvisation, contact improvisation and dance throughout North America as well as Switzerland, Germany, France and Scotland. Angie received her MFA in dance from the Ohio State University and holds a BA in Art History from University of South Carolina.

microFest

2009-10-25T20:59:00.001-04:00

Philly Contact Improv microFest:
November 8th, 12-8pm
http://www.studio34yoga.com/
4522 Balitmore Avenue in West Philly

Angie Hauser/Chris Aiken master class ~ jam ~ performance ~ snacks ~ friendly people...
all packed into one manageable, affordable day @ Studio 34 Yoga l Healing l Arts.

Schedule:
12-3pm contact improvisation workshop w/ Chis and Angie, workshop description tba
3-4pm break (we'll provide snacks in the lounge)
4-6pm - contact improvisation jam
6pm - informal performance with Chris, Angie and others tba
7-8pm cool down

Pricing:

full day 14-day advance $35
full day door price $45
workshop alone $40
jam/performance alone $10

Preregistration:

chris@deephouse.name

Send checks Made payable to PDP or Philadelphia Dance Projects:
c/o Chris Deephouse
1105 Brantin Road
Wilmington, DE 19803

chris@deephouse.name
610.585.5802 (cell) please call evenings and weekends.

Chris Aiken is a leading international teacher and performer of dance improvisation and contact improvisation. Over the past two and a half decades his work has evolved through ongoing investigations of performance, composition, movement technique and design. His work has been significantly influenced through the somatic practice of the Alexander Technique, ideokinesis, yoga and Rolfing. Chris has performed and collaborated with many renowned dance artists including Steve Paxton, Kirstie Simson, Nancy Stark Smith, Peter Bingham, Andrew Harwood, Patrick Scully and Angie Hauser. He is a Guggenheim Fellow and an assistant professor at Ursinus College. Chris is currently touring a new work entitled â€œDwellâ€ co-created with Angie Hauser.

Angie Hauser is a dance-maker, performer and teacher. Her work is grounded in improvisation and performance and reflects the influences of contact improvisation, ballet, butohand contemporary dance techniques. Angie is a member of Bebe Miller Company. In 2006 she received a BESSIE Award for her collaboration with Miller. She has also danced with the companies of Elizabeth Streb, Liz Lerman and Poppo Shiriashi and performed with many gifted artists including Kirstie Simpson, Andrew Harwood, Kathleen Hermesdorf, K.J. Holmes and Darrell Jones. Her creative work also includes her ongoing collaboration with Chris Aiken resulting in performances and workshops in the U.S. and in Europe, including their project, Dwell , co-commissioned by the National Performance Network. She has taught improvisation and dance throughout the U.S. and in Switzerland, Germany, Canada and Scotland.

Life is movement.

2009-10-19T16:37:00.001-04:00

Life is movement.
Movement is vibration.
Vibration is life.

What is the frequency of life?

Can we tune into the vibrations, pick up the cadence of the
oscillation of life? Does each life have it's own frequncy? Are our
souls tuned differently from any one else? Or do humans vibrate as
one? Can we find common understanding at common frequency? Does the
earth hum? Can we listen to the world to know what is to come. My
ancestors believed that the bees could tell you what the summer and
winter would bring. Thier tune would forcast the health of their
harvest, fertility of their livestock, and over all good fortune.

Thank you. Paldies.
Adams

No class sept 7th

2009-09-05T18:52:00.000-04:00

Because of the fringe and because of th Rockies, I'm cancelling class
this monday, sept 7th.

I want to extend a special thank you to Greg Holt for his teaching and
energy in the month of August. If you missed it, don't worry, I'm sure
he'll be gracing the dance floor at the parlor again soon.

Class will resume as normal sept 14th. 7pm. Come on out as a break
from a busy fringe and LiveArts schedule, bring a ticket or playbill
from any show you saw and class is only $10.

Big things are happening this 2009/2010 contact improv at the parlor
season. There is a big november in the works (I mean HUGE!) details
will be coming very soon, along with other contact perfomances and
events that will be happening in the fall.

Drop me a line and share your summer inspirations with me, movement or
otherwise.

Looking forward to dancing with you all as we move in to the new season.

Class info:
Monday nights
7pm - 9pm followed by an open jam until 10pm.
@The Parlor (1170 s broad st)

Please come before 7 so you can be a part of the opening circle and
warm up. It does wonders for understanding and cohesion.

Sliding scale : $12-$15/class
$50 class card for 5 classes (please use within 3 months)
I'm also open to trade and barter, make me an offer.
I'd rather people come and dance.

Be well.

Thank you. Paldies.
Adams

A Contact Improv Summer

2009-07-25T20:21:00.001-04:00

Monday nights @ The Parlor continue to rise to new heights.

Come on out this Monday (July 27th) for class with me, Adams Berzins. We've dug deep into the world of awareness and momentum the last few months and I want to up the ante and see us work with inversions and lift to see where our new awareness takes us. Even if you are new to contact, don't be afraid, we want to have you find your lift and height. Just feeling a split second of surrender to weight can be the building block to high flying or inverting. You don't have to be a hulk to give lift and you don't need to be a veteran contacter to be lifted and feel comfortable with a little, or a lot of, loft. All levels are always welcome.

After a well attended, exciting and truly successful class last week, the talented Greg Holt will be teaching his very own series through out the month of August. TIME CHANGE - starting @ 7:30 pm - TIME CHANGE.

GREGORY HOLT is a freelance dancer moving heartily around Philly. He is a core member of the collaborative Green Chair Dance Group, and also dances with several local choreographers. He has made dance films with fellow dancer An Kaler, which have been shown in numerous international queer and dance film festivals. With a strong interest in improvisation and shared authorship, he has performed with many provisional, virtual, and experiemental groups. He teaches seminars in dance composition at the Institute for Dance Art in Linz, Austria.

Come on out and breathe your energy into this ever growing community.

The classes/jams are every Monday night @ the parlor (1170 S Broad st)
Class start @ 7pm - please arrive the opening circle
Open jamming begins after 8:30pm
$12-$15 sliding scale
5 classes for $50
$5 just to jam

Be well.

Thank you. Paldies.
Adams

Also in improv news:

Seeking 15-20 Improv Dancers!
Transverse Orientation: A piece about celestial navigation and the orbit of moths around a light bulb. A meditation on nature, knowledge, and solitude, revealed through improvisational dance. There will be one five hour rehearsal followed by two performances (September). Dancers will be asked to view some videos of moth movement patterns before rehearsal and some dancers may be asked to deliver short, scripted monologues during the performance. Please contact rzfeldman@gmail.com if interested.

Fwd: Dwell with Chris Aiken & Angie Hauser

2009-07-15T10:25:00.000-04:00

Thank you. Paldies.

Adams

Begin forwarded message:

From: Angie Hauser <angiehauser3@earthlink.net>
Date: July 15, 2009 8:50:52 AM EDT
To: Adams Berzins <phillycontactadams@me.com>
Subject: Fwd: Dwell with Chris Aiken & Angie Hauser

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DWELL
Performance and Improvisation Intensive
with Chris Aiken and Angie Hauser
August 9 (Sunday evening) – August 13 (Thursday afternoon)
http://earthdance.net/programs/dwell09.htm

This workshop focuses on the dynamic exploration of dance improvisation and performance, centered around the process of transforming space into place, and creating worlds for our imaginations to dwell. We approach this by engaging in an eclectic collection of activities, including movement and sensory training, contact improvisation, improvisation scores, building, designing and observing. Bring your curiosity, imagination and appetite for serious play. Photo byWilliam Federking.Register by July 10^th and Receive $35 off!!

Chris Aiken is a leading international teacher and performer of dance improvisation and contact improvisation. Over the past two and a half decades his work has evolved through ongoing investigations of performance, composition, movement technique and design. His work has been significantly influenced through the somatic practice of the Alexander Technique, ideokinesis, yoga and Rolfing. Chris has performed and collaborated with many renowned dance artists including Steve Paxton, Kirstie Simson, Nancy Stark Smith, Peter Bingham, Andrew Harwood, Patrick Scully and Angie Hauser. He is a Guggenheim Fellow and an assistant professor at Ursinus College. Chris is currently touring a new work entitled "Dwell" co-created with Angie Hauser.

Angie Hauser is a dance-maker, performer and teacher. Her work is grounded in improvisation and performance and reflects the influences of contact improvisation, ballet, butoh and contemporary dance techniques. Angie is a member of Bebe Miller Company. In 2006 she received a BESSIE Award for her collaboration with Miller. She has also danced with the companies of Elizabeth Streb, Liz Lerman and Poppo Shiriashi and performed with many gifted artists including Kirstie Simpson, Andrew Harwood, Kathleen Hermesdorf, K.J. Holmes and Darrell Jones. Her creative work also includes her ongoing collaboration with Chris Aiken resulting in performances and workshops in the U.S. and in Europe, including their project, Dwell , co-commissioned by the National Performance Network. She has taught improvisation and dance throughout the U.S. and in Switzerland, Germany, Canada and Scotland.
Together, their ongoing collaboration includes Dwell , co-commissioned by the National Performance Network.

Location: Earthdance, Plainfield, MA USA. Earthdance is a dance retreat center in the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts featuring two beautiful dance studios, farmhouse, comfortable dorm accomodations, vegetarian cuisine, wood-stove sauna, spring-fed swimming quarry, and 100 acres of magnificent hills.

Tuition/Room/Board All Inclusive:

Student Rate: Economically challenged students and the unemployed: $370
Regular Rate: Employed but struggling (teacher, librarian, lots of kids, etc.): $400
Professional Rate: Actually contributing to your retirement plan (support the arts!): $430
Contributor Rate: Contributing additional funds, so that we may offer scholarships and discounts: $480

Register by July 10^th and Receive $35 off!! Information at http://earthdance.net/programs/dwell09.htm

7/6/09

2009-07-06T21:08:00.000-04:00

Funeral

2009-06-26T13:29:00.001-04:00

What does it mean to be a good man?

Sara&Juma

2009-06-15T21:37:00.001-04:00

Juma&killian

2009-06-15T21:29:00.000-04:00

2009-06-15T21:14:00.001-04:00

Joy&jonathan = Michele&nicole

2009-06-15T21:12:00.000-04:00

6/15/09

2009-06-15T21:11:00.000-04:00

2009-06-10T10:24:00.000-04:00

Everybody6/8/09

2009-06-08T21:09:00.001-04:00

Rowan

2009-06-08T21:08:00.000-04:00

Ellis&Nicole

2009-06-08T20:58:00.003-04:00

Barry&Jonathan

2009-06-08T20:58:00.001-04:00

Liz & Shoshana - Julie & Killian

2009-06-02T00:47:00.000-04:00

Joseph and Ellis

2009-06-02T00:45:00.000-04:00

Contact Improvisation Round Up

2009-05-16T14:45:00.000-04:00

Contact Improvisation Round Up

Thank everyone who's come to the first two weeks of our Mondays in May series. If you haven't made it yet, don't miss another step, there are two weeks left.

This week - may 18th- Sara Narva returns with another fun and exciting class.

We've rooted ourselves into listening and awareness, and finding the possibilities that can arise from that place. Find out where you can go when you make yourself aware.

Come on down to The Parlor
(1170 S. Broad st.)

Class starts at 7PM - please come 5-10 minutes early to sign in and warm up.

Jam starts after 8:30 - so if you're only coming to jam, please come after that.

$12-$15 per class
$50 for 5 classes deal
Other discounts and arrangements available

Photos and info available at:
http://foodanddance.blogspot.com

further info available from: PhillyContactAdams (at) me.com or yahoo.com

Also some performances and workshops and stuff that are coming up in the contact world are listed below. So check them out and support the community. We can all have a better community if each of us gives what we can.

1.

Adaobi Kanu, Lee Fogel, and Alie Vidich invite you to their performance and workshop of Catch-22.
       Friday May 22, 2009 @ 8pm
       Calvary Church on 48th and Baltimore
       $10-15 sliding scale
                  Voices Unleashed Presents a piece about gun violence in the city. Come see our work, share your thoughts,
                  get ready to move and be part of our experiment. Just because we're dancing don't think we'll let you get off that easy.
                  Help Us Bring Art to Schools! This work will tour to schools all over Philadelphia and every dollar raised will fund this our project
Visit us at: www.myspace.com/voicesunleashed

2.

Members of the Philly Contact Collective (Rowen Haigh, Lee Fogel, Henken Bean, Kate Speer, and Jenny Sawyer) will be performing an original improv piece in Festivus, Philly's first annual GLBT Arts Festival!   Join us for this fun, PG, and thought-provoking event!
        May 30th at 1 pm
        May 31st at 6 pm
        119 Arts center at 119 South Street
             in the Curry Rehearsal Space

Have something else you'd like shared with my Philly Contact List. Let me know and we can get the word out.

Mondays in May Continues

2009-05-07T23:17:00.001-04:00

Great start to an exciting series! Mondays in May continue with Adams
Berzins.

Thank you very much to Sara for a great class and to everyone that
came out.

Some photos are up and more will follow @
http://foodanddance.blogspot.com

The class continues with Me this coming Monday.

@ The Parlor (1170 S. Broad st)
7-8:30 Class (Please arrive 5-10 minutes early to sign in and warm up)
9-10 Open Jamming (Please arrive after 8:30 if you plan to come just
to jam)

Sliding scale - $12-$15 for the class and jam, $5 for just the jam
Discounts are available so just ask. We'll work something out to keep
you dancing.

We're going to continue opening up awareness and working on momentum
in the dance. We were scratching the surface at the end of Sara's
class and are hoping to carry that on through this week.

5/4/09 Mondays in May

2009-05-05T19:10:00.000-04:00

Mondays in May

2009-04-29T14:08:00.001-04:00

Mondays in May - Contact improvisation series with Sara Narva and
Adams Berzins

Starting This Monday, May 4th

This series is a collaborative effort of the gifted improv dancer and
teacher Sara Narva and Monday class/jam stalwart Adams Berzins. This
series is looking to develop the building blocks of contact improv
which can allow anyone to find flight and momentum in their dance.
Unlock your awareness and find inspiration for your movememt life with
contact improv.

Class is $40 for the full month or
$12-15 sliding scale for each class
Registration not required but encouraged - saranarva (at) gmail.com or
phillycontactadams (at) me.com

7pm to 10pm
Class starts at 7:00pm
(please arrive 5-10 minutes early to sign in and warm up)
8:30 - transitional structure
9:00 - open jamming
($5 for the transition and jam, please arrive after 8:30 for jamming)

Located at The Parlor - 1170 S Broad st (@ Federal)

For further information on this series or other contact improv related
news:
Phillycontactadams (at) me.com.

Looking forward to moving with you.

Thank you. Paldies.
Adams

Pay What You Can - class/jam

2009-04-26T23:25:00.001-04:00

Monday night - April 27th
Contact improvisation with Adams Berzins

April 27th - Pay what you can.
Suggested donation between $7-$10

We are going to unlock the pathways within the body to find momentum
and lift in the dance. Contact Improvisation is a great tool for all
dancers and movers. It's a choreographic tool and also a great way to
explore the boundries of your own movement vocabulary.

Time: 7-10pm
Warm up and class starts at 7pm
Open jam follows class
(if coming only to jam please come around 8:45)

Place: The Parlor
1170 S. Broad st
(Broad @ Federal)

5 class for $50 package available
Other discounts for future classes available.

Questions or further info: Phillycontactadams (at) me.com

NEXT MONTH:
Mondays in May with Sara Narva & Adams Berzins
$35-$40 for the full month series
Reservations not required, but greatly appreciated.

Thank you. Paldies.
Adams

May CI series w/ Sara Narva & Adams Berzins

2009-04-24T11:38:00.001-04:00

First off - April 27th - this coming Monday:

Pay What You Can Class and Jam
Suggested donation starting @ $10, but we'll take what you can bare.
So come on out and give contact a chance.

7-8:30ish - class
8:30 - 9 - transition
9-10 - open jam

5 class for $50 deal is still available.
Plus other discounts so don't hesitate to ask.

Mondays in May Contact Series with Sara Narva & Adams Berzins

Sara and I are working on a series of continuing themes that we'll
develop throughout the month of May. You don't need to commit to the
whole month, but we'd love to have you there. Broad themes will be
explored to allow the pathways to flight and continuous contact
movement to occur more naturally. We'll work to open up the awareness
that allows us to reach and accept truely breathtaking and ultimately
fulfilling dances. We're looking to break out, so I hope you'll join us.

Sara will teach May 4th and 18th
Adams will teach May 11th and 25th

Special pricing if you pay for the whole month in advance on the
sliding scale of $35-$40

Otherwise the normal $12-15 per class/jam scale applies.

Reservations aren't required but definitely appreciated, so please
contact:
phillycontactadams (at) me.com or saranarva (at) gmail.com if you plan
to attend.

Same CI time:
7-10pm Mondays at the parlor in south Philly (1170 S Broad)
2 hour class + 1 hour open jam

Http://foodanddance.blogspot.com
Twitter: adberzins
Phillycontactadams (at) me.com

Please forward this to anyone who might be interested in contact
improv or just interested in expanding their movement vocabulary,
especially any dance students that may fall into your sphere of
influence. (extra special discounts for students are available).

Thank you. Paldies.
Adams

A few notes on safety

2009-04-14T16:50:00.001-04:00

When dancing contact, everyone needs to look out for themselves, but
also everyone needs to be aware of the other dancers in the space.

It is most important to be aware of the backs of the legs and knees.
This is a sensitive area susceptable to serious injury if everyone is
not aware of themselves. There is more to successful contact than
skill or partnering ability, listening to your partner as well as the
movement in the dance space will allow you to find great inspiration
while also avoiding disaster.

Another thought is on gripping. Gripping and holding someone's wrist
or leg in a way that prevents them from moving freely is not only
potentially unsafe but blocks the movement conversation. Someone can't
explore the full range of possibilities if they are being held on to.
It is up to you as a dancer to convey your movement intentions with
your body rather than limiting your partner's body.

Just a few thoughts and concerns that needed to be addressed.

Be well everyone.

Thank you. Paldies.
Adams

2009-04-13T00:16:00.000-04:00

2009-04-13T00:11:00.000-04:00

Graeme & greg

2009-04-13T00:04:00.000-04:00

2009-04-12T23:56:00.000-04:00

Greg & gabi

2009-04-07T12:54:00.000-04:00

Adi&Gabi

2009-04-07T12:15:00.000-04:00

Last night's free jam

2009-04-07T09:42:00.000-04:00

Great Jam last night.

Well attended. A couple of old faces some new faces and some welcome
surprise faces.

Thank you everyone. We're going to try and make the free thing a
regular happening, here and there to mix it up a little.

I'm also going to try and keep up with the posting. Hope you all will
enjoy the ramblings.

Thank you. Paldies.
Adams

Jam

2009-04-07T09:16:00.000-04:00

Jam

2009-04-07T09:08:00.000-04:00

Jammy jam

2009-04-07T09:05:00.000-04:00

Jammy jam

2009-04-07T09:02:00.000-04:00

Monday Night Free Jam

2009-04-02T14:15:00.000-04:00

> Free Contact Improv Jam!
>
> This Monday night, April 6th, at The Parlor- 1170 S. Broad st
>
> 7-10pm
>
> There will be a lead warm up for about 45 minutes, and then a few
> introductory opening structures, opening the flood gates into open
> contact improv jamming.
>
> Things to know:
> 1. Wear comfortable, free moving clothes. No jeans, buckles, pointy
> or rough things.
> 2. Dance as much as you'd like, with whoever you'd like. Come dance
> your dance.
> 3. All levels of dance experience. If you've wanted to try contact
> but couldn't make it before, this jam is the perfect FREE opportunity.
>
> Also - special deal available only at this week's free jam:
> 5 class for $40 that's $8 for 3 hours of class.
>
> Come and enjoy.
>
> Comments questions etc to Phillycontactadams (at) me.com
>
>
> Thank you. Paldies.
> Adams

Monday Night Contact is On Like Donkey Kong

2009-03-08T23:51:00.000-04:00

> Hello Party People!
>
> Just another friendly reminder about Monday Night Contact Improv w/
> Adams @ The Parlor on Monday nights.
>
> We had some scheduling issues last week, so I hope no one braved the
> winter wonder last week to find us not there. Rest assured that we
> are ready to rock and roll this coming Monday, March 9th.
>
> The nitty and the gritty:
>
> Every Monday Night -
> 1170 S. Broad St. (@ Federal st) in South Philly
> 7-10 PM
> 7-8:30 is class
> 8:30 - 9 is transition
> 9-10 is Open Jamming
>
> Its only $12-15 (Sliding Scale) for all that awesome dancing.
> 5 class/$50
> Other discounts and arrangements are available, don't hesitate to ask.
>
> This week, we'll have Nicole Bindler leading facilitating this
> week's transition and jam. Nicole has a wealth of Improvisational
> experience and is starting to teach her own improv class Sundays out
> at Studio 34. I hope you'll come out and check her out this Monday.
>
> So come on down and check us out, even if you can only make the 9PM
> Jam, we'll welcome you with open arms. The only way to get back into
> dancing and doing contact, is to get out of the house and start
> dancing and doing contact.
>
> Thank you all so much for your interest in Contact in Philly and I
> hope to move with you all soon.
>
> Be Well.
> Adams

Audition Last Night

2009-03-03T13:43:00.002-05:00

I think that everything went well. Around 24 people were there, but only about 5 guys, which in the dance world means that we have a higher chance of getting the job.

It was an interesting exercise in awareness as well. So I was glad to have had the experience regardless of how it all ends up.

The piece that will eventually come from this audition seems like a grand event, so I hope things work out well for my wife and me, and everyone else involved. It seemed like a good crowd, for the most part, a fun bunch to work with.

Geared up to share some of the ideas at class next Monday.

Wally Cardona

2009-03-02T16:14:00.003-05:00

I have an audition tonight for Wally Cardona, a NYC based choreographer.

We'll see what happens . . .

Dinner Tonight

2009-02-26T14:18:00.003-05:00

Probably Tilapia.

I'm thinking pan searing.

I think I have some potatoes lying about. Some Garlic Dill Oil or maybe rosemary oil.

We'll see, as always I appreciate your thoughts.

Dinner Last Night

2009-02-25T14:50:00.000-05:00

Seared Tuna (cooked through for my wife's sake)
Blanched Green Beans w/ Mustard/Butter/Lemon sauce

Class Last Night

2009-02-24T11:50:00.002-05:00

Thank you Greg Holt for coming and facilitating the jam.

We worked a lot with weight in class last night.
Tipping into motion from standing.
Feeling the weight of the hands, swinging and such.
Sharing weight.
Sharing weight into falling. Simultaneous Contact Falling.
Giving and receiving impulses in a low table.
Full weight in a low table.
Rolling Low table.
Traveling across the space with impetus coming from Simultaneous Contact Falling.

Really great stuff.

Thanks to Greg, Claudia, and Ellis.

2009-02-22T18:14:00.001-05:00

What is a perfect fried egg?

Dinner Tonight

2009-02-19T16:45:00.003-05:00

I'm thinking an Indian inspired dish. Probably with cauliflower and veggies, chick peas and whatever else I think will work.

I had found a biryani recipe, but I can't find it. We'll see what happens.

Testing

2009-02-19T11:07:00.001-05:00

Testing to see if this works.

Thank you. Paldies.
Adams

Last Night's Dinner

2009-02-19T08:49:00.000-05:00

So it was cod.
Baked Cod with an improvised olive tapenade baked in an onion and mushroom broth
served with
Steamed cauliflower with smoked paprika and curry pan roasted chick peas topped with scallions
and Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Dinner Tonight

2009-02-18T15:53:00.000-05:00

Tuna or Cod? Unfortunately both Frozen. Any Thoughts?

Here we go!

2009-02-18T15:38:00.000-05:00

Why not have my own blog to add to the scrum that's floating around the internet. I hope to review food I've eaten and cooked as well as share any insights or promotions for my business endeavors. I'll also review dance performances as well as give insights or promotions for dance events that I myself am a part of. So, for the one person that is reading ( and writing) things. Welcome.