Bali Contact Festival 2024
We invited two well-known international teachers of Contact Improvisation and Axis Syllabus. In addition, our festival features local teachers sharing their expertise in Capoeira, water CI, and traditional Balinese dance.
This festival actively supports the local Balinese and Indonesian dance community through scholarships and artistic collaborations. By blending international perspectives with local traditions, we aim to create a rich, diverse learning environment for all participants.
- 6 DaysOf immersive dance experience
- 6 TeachersWith worldwide recognition and expertise
- 2 DancefloorsIn a scenic tropical setting with an easy access to the ocean
LOCATION
The cliff offers a stunning view of the small Kuan Island, which resembles a whale and highlights the natural beauty of the area.
Nearby is one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in Bali - Bias Putih, famously known as Virgin Beach.
Nestled in this breathtaking landscape, our festival takes place at a fully equipped public campsite, which we've secured exclusively for our event. As part of our festival, we're creating two spacious dance floors where participants can explore movement and connection through contact improvisation, all while surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
The cliff offers a stunning view of the small Kuan Island, which resembles a whale and highlights the natural beauty of the area.
Nearby is one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in Bali - Virgin Beach.
Nestled in this breathtaking landscape, our festival takes place at a fully equipped public campsite, which we've secured exclusively for our event. As part of our festival, we're creating two spacious dance floors where participants can explore movement and connection through contact improvisation, all while surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
TEACHERS
CLASS DESCRIPTION
In CI we are wondering how to share weight while keeping the dance flowing through levels and
the space. We need to understand our supportive structure to give and take weight easefully.
That is easiest to grasp in rather static situations and clear pathways. Unfortunately our smart
nervous system wants to recreate those learned positions and pathways in the dancing, which
often leads to predictability and a lack of openness and freedom.
After almost 30 years of teaching CI I am still wondering how to keep the fluidity and availability
in our body organisation and in the communication through touch alive when working on our
technical skill building. „Swimming in gravity“ - a phrase from Steve Paxton - I find very inspiring
for this endeavour.
Developmental movement patterns, the elasticity of the fascia and explorations around bones
and joints will prepare our bodies to have fluidity & structure present for our researching and
dancing.
Curves, twists, and spirals are not only recurrent paradigms in nature, but they are also efficient strategies for getting around and along easily
with one another. In dance they are nothing else than the three-dimensional outer manifestation of your inherent body structure - as inside, so
outside: twisting bones, winding muscles, tri-axial articular pathways, crisscrossing ligaments, interweaving connective tissue. The synergic
coordination between different body components can be crucial, if we want our body to adapt safely to unpredictable, constantly changing
contexts. In this series of classes, we will sharpen our orientation skills within and around our bodies and gradually approach simple to complex
movement motives and improvisational scores in solo, partnering, and collectively.
The Axis Syllabus© (author: Frey Faust) is a compendium of relevant information about the living body in movement; mainly notions about
biomechanics, anatomy, physics and their correlation in dynamic application. The information provided by the Axis Syllabus© applies to any
movement practice and physical activity. The purpose of the Axis Syllabus Research Meshwork is to continually review, discuss, and transmit
this information to whoever is interested in studying and training functionally meaningful and healthy movement coordination. An Axis Syllabus
class provides space for personal research in a collaborative learning environment. It can bring about a light and intense feeling of embodiment.
Its ethics include a respectful, nonauthoritarian treatment of our own bodies and others.
In this immersive workshop, discover a relational dance therapy practice that embraces principles of Contact Improvisation and Authentic Movement in the water. Learn to take flight, give freedom to your spine, and spiral through space while developing new neural pathways for movement. Tune into the innate impulses and rhythms within and tap into a deeper sense of knowing the self. Enhance your awareness of the interconnectedness between body, mind, each other and the vast ocean. The dance is infinite.
This workshop begins with guided exercises to connect to self, breath, and movement and evolves into a water ci jam. All bodies are welcome. Participants must know how to swim. Basic understanding of Contact Improvisation principles is recommended.
Liquid Contact : Ocean Jam
Experience the freedom of weightless movement and explore dance as a pathway to move beyond a cerebral state and into an embodied flow state. This open jam begins with guided practices to connect breath to movement, and movement to each other.
All levels are welcome! Join us to discover the joy of self-expression through movement—it’s fun and worth trying for everyone!
TICKETS
All classes & jams
Three times a day vegetarian food
Accommodation in your own tent
If You are a Balinese, living and working in Bali, you can join for 50% of the regular price. If your income doesn't allow you to pay 50% then you can get in touch and make a donation based on your financial possibilities.
EXTRA ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
PROGRAM
An informational gathering at the start of the festival where organizers share important details, schedules, and guidelines with all participants.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Designated meal times. Please arrive promptly; late arrivals may miss out.
Jam
An open session for contact improvisation dance. Participants can freely explore, practice, and engage in spontaneous dance with others. All levels are welcome to join, observe, or leave as they wish.
Contemplative Dance Practice
A contact improvisation structured jam that combines elements of meditative practice. This includes sitting meditation, personal movement exploration, and group improvisation.
The Mothership Jam
A traditional Ubud CI community jam featuring both live music and silence, focusing on Contact Improvisation and movement research.
Dojo Jam
A free movement and Contact Improvisation jam with atmospheric live music. The session begins with a tea ceremony and offers space for solo movement exploration and partner dance without specified form. No phones or talking are allowed during this meditative practice.
Contact Improvisation
A contact improvisation workshop. See class description HERE
Axis Syllabus
A workshop focusing on a system of movement analysis and training that emphasizes biomechanics, efficient movement, and injury prevention. See class description HERE
Water CI
A workshop exploring Contact Improvisation practiced in water, investigating how the aquatic environment affects movement, support, and partner work. See class description HERE
Capoeira
A workshop introducing this Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. Sessions may include basic movements, partner work, and traditional songs. See class description HERE
Bali Dance
A workshop introducing traditional Balinese dance forms, which often feature intricate finger movements, expressive gestures, and dynamic footwork.
Open Space
A flexible time slot for self-practice or discussion. Participants can use this time for individual exploration or engage in informal conversations about dance and movement.
Discussion
Structured group conversations on topics related to Contact Improvisation and dance culture.
Sharings
Small group sessions where participants practice deep listening. In groups of four, each person speaks uninterrupted for few minutes about their personal experiences and feelings.
INFORMATION
The Bali Contact Festival creates and maintains an open, clear, safe, creative, inclusive, and expansive space.
Practicing movement as a form of self-expression, we acknowledge that it transcends the physical realm.
We ensure that all participants feel as safe as possible during deep practice.
Recognizing the depth of CI, which reveals all nuances of attraction and repulsion both within the individual and in interpersonal relationships, we prioritize consent to ensure all participants understand, accept, and uphold the purity and clarity of the experience.
By entering the CI practice space, you agree that other participants may approach you for dance while also recognizing your right to withdraw from contact or set boundaries at any time.
If you need support, our team is always ready to listen, support, and resolve any tensions between participants.
Mutual Understanding and Prohibited Touches
Before engaging in body practice, ensure there is mutual consent.
If you are unsure whether there is non-verbal consent/body language, ask verbally and get a clear response.
Pushing, pinching, tickling, massage, and kissing without consent during and outside of the dance floor are not acceptable forms of self-expression in the festival space.
Physical Responsibility
Each participant is responsible for the safety of their body, being aware of its physical capabilities.
Always take enough time to warm up, and enter and exit the practice as you feel.
CI is not defined by a specific set of body movements; however, there are safety rules where we do not block a partner or use our hands for closed grips on other dancers limbs.
If you practice static forms – standing, sitting, or lying down – move to the edge of the hall to avoid obstructing dynamic dance for others.
Do not come to practice if you show signs of any contagious diseases (cold, viruses, skin infections, etc.).
Ensure your practice clothing is clean, fresh, and free of zippers, large buttons, jewelry, and other items that could injure yourself or another participant during the dance.
Avoid strong food odors and strong chemical smells of perfumes or deodorants before practice.
Subtle Moments, Sexuality
CI is a body practice where sexual arousal may sometimes occur during dance. However, CI does not explore sexuality; it is rather a distraction from the possible depth of CI. Therefore, we suggest that in such circumstances, you do not chase the arousal but simply notice and allow it to pass.
Our festival is not a place for open sexual behavior or seeking sexual partners.
We all share the responsibility to prevent sexual harassment and to speak up when we witness it.
Unwanted Sexual Overtones
If you experience sexual harassment during the dance, you can and should stop it without hesitation.
If you find it difficult to give direct feedback to your dance partner about the feeling and need support, contact one of the festival organizers who will help you resolve such a situation.
Conflict Resolution
We consider any form of verbal and/or physical aggression unacceptable in the festival space. If it arises, please contact the festival organizers for help in resolving the conflict.
In extreme cases, some dancers may be asked to leave the dance floor.
Dance Floor Ethics
We treat the dance floor as a sacred place and invite you to share this attitude with us.
During practice, we maintain silence and avoid loud conversations.
We do not use mobile phones, laptops, or other devices on the dance floor.
If you do not want to participate in video or photo recording, please inform the organizers.
Respect for Nature
We live off the power grid and respect all energy consumption. Water is valuable, so please limit shower time and ensure taps are closed. Respect and keep the entire Nuanu project area clean. Do not leave any traces at your campsite. Fire Safety Smoking is permitted only in designated areas. Candles, incense, smudging, or personal camping stoves are not allowed.
Economical Flights to Denpasar/Bali you can find on the following website http://www.momondo.com
VISA on arrival valid for 30 days is extendable for another 30 days.
Getting to Bukit Asah from Denpasar Airport best way by taxi (about 50$ US, appr. 120 min). We recommend to download Gojek App and book a driver in advance. You will find a Gojek office just in front of the airport when you leave the building. Government regulated taxi’s are as well available at the airport.
Due to the relatively high taxi cost, we strongly recommend using our festival group chat to arrange and share a taxi ride with other attendees. This can significantly lower the cost per person and is a great way to meet fellow festival-goers right from the start of your journey.
A limited amount of offsite accommodation options are available nearby to the festival grounds. We recommend exploring Airbnb or Booking.com for various options to suit varying preferences and budgets. Please refer to https://www.airbnb.com/ and https://www.booking.com/
Three meals a day are included in the festival ticket. Our wonderfull team of chefs prepares indonesian vegetarian and fresh dishes, with love and taste. We buy organic food from local farmers as much as possible.
Laundry service will be available for participants during the festival.
- Refillable Water bottle
- Mosquito spray
- Coral friendly sunscreen
- Clothes suitable for hot weather
- Personal toiletries
- Eco friendly soap and shampoo
- Swimming suit
- Towel
- Laundry bag
- Head-torch or another source of light
- Passport / Photo ID
- Local SIM Card for internet connection
- Insurance documents
- Cash
WHAT NOT TO BRING:
- No illegal or mind-altering substances
- No alcohol
- No animals of any kind
- No sound systems/speakers
- No single use plastic
- No gas bottles
- No burning incense, no mosquito coils or any other fire source
Waiver Notification: Pass Acquisition
Upon purchasing your tickets for the Bali Contact Festival and receiving your wristband either at the Festival Ticketing Office or on the Festival premises, you hereby agree to the following Terms, Conditions, and Waivers.
The Bali Contact Festival and its representatives, excluding cases of deliberate misconduct, shall not be held accountable for any injury, damage, loss, delay, or disruption that may occur to wristband holders attending the Bali Contact Festival venues, including but not limited to: fatalities, personal injuries, illnesses, delays, rescheduling, or cancellation of scheduled performances, and loss or damage to personal property. Prices are stated in USD$.
Festival Organization
This event is scheduled to proceed rain or shine, but dates are subject to change based on global travel restrictions.
Wristband Regulations
Your wristband is essential for re-entry to the venue during any single session or day. Any tampered or damaged wristbands will be deemed invalid and will not be replaced.
Wristband Retrieval
Present your e-ticket (printed or digital) and photo ID at the Bali Contact Festival venue to obtain your wrist ticket upon entry.
Photography & Recording
Commercial photography, video, or audio recording of the Bali Contact Festival is prohibited. Drones are not permitted. Please respect the privacy of your fellow Festival attendees. Disconnect from electronic devices; true connection lies in disconnection.
Grant of Consent
Ticket holders consent to being filmed, photographed, and recorded. By attending, ticket holders grant Management permission to utilize their likeness, actions, and statements in any live or recorded audio, video, film, or photographic display, or other transmission, for any purpose, without further authorization or compensation.
Prohibited Activities on Festival Grounds
The following items are forbidden on the Festival grounds:
– Alcohol and illegal drugs or substances
– Highchairs
– Animals (except guide dogs)
– Long lens cameras and audio recording equipment
– Non-biodegradable rubbish (no plastic bags, hard plastic, metallic wrappers, etc.) – are allowed on the Festival grounds.
– Unauthorized busking/performing
– Distribution of flyers, pamphlets, soliciting, or fundraising
Unauthorized recording or photography of workshops or live performances is strictly prohibited without prior permission from the Event Manager.
Expulsion from the Festival Grounds
In the interest of safety and the overall experience, the Bali Contact Festival reserves the right to admit or refuse any participant at any time without liability, solely at its discretion. The Festival is not obligated to refund any fees to participants expelled from the Festival grounds due to disruption of harmony.
The Bali Contact Festival assumes no responsibility or liability for participants who depart the Festival grounds prematurely or engage in activities outside of the Festival premises.
Force Majeure
In extraordinary circumstances beyond control, such as war, civil unrest, governmental actions, strikes, catastrophes, epidemics, or other highly unexpected factors, the Bali Contact Festival reserves the right to postpone the Festival, with no refunds issued.
Refund and transfer policy
There are NO REFUNDS for purchased passes/wristbands.
Electronic ticket transfers are permitted until AUGUST 1, 2024, via email to sales@balicontactfestival.com.
Transfer requests will be processed within 5 business days.
We strongly advise purchasing Travel Insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances preventing attendance.
Wristbands are non-transferable and must be presented upon request.
The Bali Contact Festival DOES NOT OFFER ANY REFUNDS for damaged wristbands.
Rules & regulations
Participants must wear a wristband throughout the Bali Contact Festival. The organizer reserves the right to deny entry to anyone without a wristband. The organizer is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen wristbands. Counterfeit ticket preparation and distribution are prohibited.
Possession of illicit drugs is prohibited. The festival strictly adheres to Indonesian law regarding drug use.
Smoking is prohibited within the festival area.
Security may conduct searches upon entry. Prohibited items include weapons, fireworks, glass, and other hazardous items.
Unauthorized professional recording equipment, including drones, is prohibited without explicit permission.
Maintain silence and respect during classes and workshops. Recording is allowed in lectures, but not during classes/workshops to preserve privacy.
Abusive or violent behavior towards staff or attendees will not be tolerated.
Participants consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded for promotional purposes.
The organizer and Premises License Holder are not liable for loss, theft, or damage to belongings.
Public nudity is prohibited.
Dispose of waste properly; minimize plastic usage.
The lineup and schedule are subject to change.
Removal from Festival Premises
In order to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all Festival attendees, volunteers, and staff, the Bali Contact Festival retains the authority to admit or refuse any participant at its sole discretion, without assuming any liability. The Festival is not obliged to refund any fees to individuals whose behavior disrupts the festival’s harmony and results in their expulsion from the premises.
The Bali Contact Festival assumes no responsibility or liability for participants who depart the Festival grounds prematurely or engage in activities outside of the Festival premises.
GALLERY
We recommend to download Grab App and book a driver in advance. Alternatively you can find a Grab office just in front of the airport when you leave the building, from which you can order a taxi in person. Government regulated taxi’s are available at the airport as well.
Due to the relatively high taxi cost, we strongly recommend using our festival group chat to arrange and share a taxi ride with other attendees. This can significantly lower the cost per person and is a great way to meet fellow festival-goers right from the start of your journey.
PRE FESTIVAL WORKSHOP
"I want to share my love for details. There is a technical nerdiness to it accompanied by PRECISION in our physical communication. But I am mainly intrigued by details that make the difference, where new things happen in the assumed known, where the colour of my experience changes.
And this FREEDOM thing. Of course there is the flow, our beautiful and healthy addiction. I am interested in a sense of freedom that goes beyond the flow. Sometimes I am a fan of randomness, of not understanding why I am doing what I am doing, tapping into my animal body or artists soul, that has resources beyond my understanding. Feeling rooted in the trust that I am connected, where spaciousness, ease, surprise, risks and subtleties bubble up. …. And I enjoy wondering where being lost and taking responsibility sit in all that?
We’ll work on specific CI situations and principles. And we’ll dance a lot, journeying through open frames - individually embedded in the intelligence of us as a group."
Joerg Hassmann
17-19 October
3 Day Intensive in Ubud, Bali
PARTNERS
This dance project has existed since December 2022 and takes place three times a week in Bali.
At the beginning of Contact DoJo Jams we offer tea in the silence. It bring us together, helping us arrive and provides a meditative presence throughout the journey.
At the heart of The Mothership is a vibrant community of individuals passionate about contact improvisation, dance, and movement as way to connect, relate, and experience this world.
Founded by Nathania & Bethany and fueled by the collective spirit of the community, this welcoming space has truly become a home for many, each adding their unique essence to its atmosphere.
FAQ
If you choose to sleep outside of the festival, you can find several accommodation options in Bugbug - the closes village to the festival grounds. You can search for places to stay in and around Bugbug using platforms like Google, Booking.com, and Airbnb.
Keep in mind that the festival site is approximately a 15-20 minute drive from Bugbug, and transportation is not provided. You will need to arrange your own transportation, with renting a scooter being a recommended option for getting to and from the festival site.
It's advisable to book your accommodation and arrange transportation in advance to ensure a smooth festival experience.
Impressum
PT Sari Dewi Raharja
NPWP: 05.446.264.3-907.000
E-mail: pt.sari.dewi.raharja@gmail.com
Phone: +62 812-3902-0280
