Jam Guidelines
Dear dancers, we’re looking forward to dancing with you all!
A Jam is a space where we practice contact improvisation (CI). CI is a rich and varied practice of solo/Partner and group improvisation in which we explore how we can make contact with ourselves and the floor, or with one or more other bodies in movement. In doing so, we follow our impulses and curiosity in dancing on the basis of mindfulness and mutual respect.
Our jam typically goes like this: We meet at the beginning of the jam, where we greet each other with a round of names and have space to give the other jam participants important information (e.g. about the jam and own physical condition). After that there might be a small class with exercises - depending on what the facilitator might offer. (In the Orga team we take turns with this). Afterwards, the jam (free dance practice) begins with a guided warm-up. During the jam we dance sometimes with music (sometimes live) and sometimes without. At the end we come to a Closing circle together, where we can reflect together and share with the others what we have experienced in the jam and how we are doing with it. We find it very nice and enriching to start and end together. At the same time, we understand that you may not always be able to do this. Therefore, it is also possible to join the jam later or leave it earlier.
A CI jam can be very liberating: You have permission to play, to dance, to explore new qualities of movement, to touch and be touched. For many participants, this is a great change from the everyday worlds we live in. A CI jam can therefore also be challenging, as we (have to) become aware of and respect our own physical and emotional limits and those of our dance partners. want.
In order to make our jam pleasant and safe for everyone, we, the Contact-Improvisation Regensburg organising team, have put together these guidelines for us and for you. Please read them carefully! We wish that everyone who comes to our events will accept these guidelines as a common basis.
When creating the guidelines, we were inspired by this great collection of guidelines from other CI communities, among others: A Compendium of CI Jam Guidelines - Google Docs.
Our guidelines are a living document and are revised from time to time. If you have any suggestions, criticism or questions, please feel free to contact us or send us an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We really appreciate that all participants contribute together to make our jam a safe and supportive space and wish you and us a lot of fun dancing and exploring together!
Your CI Regensburg Team
Awarness in the community:
- Be respectful and attentive in your contact. Pay attention to non-verbal signs of your dance partner such as facial expressions or body tension. Listen for yes's and accept no's from your dance partners. If you get signals that your dance partner might be uncomfortable, stop and ask.
- Respect each other's limits and be aware that we all have different comfort and energy levels, skills, experiences and interests.
- Many things can emerge during the dance: Feelings, emotions and also sexual attraction. Acting out sexual energy, whether consensual or not, is undesirable in our jam. A good rule regarding sexual energy is not to escalate it. Just notice it and keep dancing without expressing it or find a way to redirect or regulate it. You can also choose to leave the dance.
- While you are dancing, keep part of your attention in the room and on everything that is happening around you. Be especially aware of people dancing near you to avoid accidental collisions.
- Be careful (and cautious) about grabbing and holding your dance partner, especially the hands and feet, as these are often needed for interception. Also be careful with sensitive body parts such as knees/joints, face and private parts.
- If you want to have a rest or you want to do bodywork / If you would like to give massage sessions, please go to the sides of the room. and leave the centre of the room to the dance.
- We also invite you to observe and "witness" from the edge of the room every now and then. Witnessing is an important part of CI practice. This practice helps us to be present both with ourselves and with what we are observing, while maintaining as non-judgmental a mind as possible.
- Our CI Jam is a (largely) non-verbal space where we all contribute to a concentrated and dance-focused atmosphere. Noises and sounds that accompany your dance as well as quiet (verbal) exchanges relevant to the dance are welcome, especially if they are about your well-being or safety in dancing. However, please avoid other conversations in the dance space. Should you find that If you feel the need for verbal exchange, please go outside or to the changing rooms.
- Be aware that you are part of the jam all the time, whether you are dancing, resting on the side, witnessing the action or enjoying a water-in-water-out moment.
- Please come to the Jam with a clear conscious. No participation under the influence of alcohol or other mind-altering substances.
- Photo and video recordings are only permitted with the express consent of the (Consent) of everyone in the room is allowed. If you would like to take photos/videos, please mention this during the opening circle.
- Children are welcome at the Jam and can contribute to a lively atmosphere. However, we would like the parents or accompanying persons to ask you to remain responsible and ensure the safety of your children. Mindfulness with yourself:
- Warm up well to avoid injury.
- Take responsibility for yourself and take good care of yourself. Be aware of your limits (physical and emotional) and your energy level. If you are tired, feel free to sit on the edge and take a break.
- Communicate with or without words if something doesn't feel good or safe for you. You can say "no" or "stop" to contact at any time, Communicate touches or lifts - verbally or non-verbally. You can leave a dance at any time and do not need to give a reason for doing so. On the other hand, don't take it personally if your dance partners end a dance with you.
- There are many different ways dances can end. The following verbal and non-verbal signs are usually practical when you want to end a dance: Say "thank you" to your dance partner (preferably in combination with a hug if it feels right). Or make eye contact and bring your hands together in front of your chest like in prayer.
- Please feel free to contact the instructor and/or the support or organisation team at any time if you would like support or have any questions.
- Feel free to come a few minutes early and allow time to arrive and change.
- Please take off jewellery, watches, belts and anything that could get caught on - for your own safety and that of your dance partners.
- Pay attention to personal hygiene, and feel free to wash your hands in the changing rooms before dancing. If you notice any symptoms that could indicate an infection with a contagious disease, please stay at home and cure yourself.
- Out of consideration for allergy sufferers, please ensure that your clothing is as free of animal hair as possible.
Tips for newcomers:
- For dancing, comfortable movement-friendly clothing is suitable without Buttons, zips, studs, etc. that cover your legs and shoulders. We recommend dancing barefoot, but you are welcome to wear a pair of shoes during the warm-up. Wear socks. Long trousers and sleeves and soft knee pads are recommended for protection and comfort. (We may still have knee pads on site that can be purchased. Please contact us if you are interested).
- Arrive on time to hear important information from the opening circle and helpful input from the class/warm-up at the beginning of the jam. And stay until the end to share what you have experienced in the jam. to reflect together in the closing circle.
- We also recommend that you attend workshops and classes to learn and practice skills that are important and fundamental to CI. These include: Mindfulness of self and others, having the different levels of perception (self
- dance partner - group) present at the same time, giving and taking weight, falling softly and making contact, lifting and flying safely, changing levels smoothly (from movement on the floor, through the quadruped and up into the air). standing), bodysurfing on the ground and some more ...
- If you don't like to be lifted, e.g. because it feels unsafe for you, it is advisable to let your body tension soften (some people find it helpful to imagine a "sack of potatoes" ;-) ) instead of tensing up. As with anything that doesn't feel good and safe for you, you can also talk about it briefly with your dance partner.
Notes on space:
- Parking, changing rooms and shower facilities are on site.
- Please no food or drinks on the mats!
- There are drinks in the fridge, which you are welcome to take for a fee. Prices are on the board, on the fridge, money goes into the cash box under the counter opposite the fridge.
- There is a first aid box under the security locker (next to the clock), and cool packs in the men's locker room - in a small fridge on the right as you come in.
Thank you for reading our jam guidelines to the end! We look forward to dancing and exploring with you.
Your CI Regensburg Team
