Influence of Aikido and Taijiquan-Tuishou on Contact Improvisation
This article explores how Oriental Martial Arts—specifically Taijiquan-Tuishou and Aikido—have influenced the technical and somatic foundations of Contact Improvisation (CI), a postmodern dance form developed in the U.S. during the mid-20th century. Key elements such as center of gravity, weight sharing, point of contact, sphericity, rolling, and proprioceptive communication have been integrated into the choreographic language of CI, reflecting a deep intercultural exchange. The work emphasizes the relevance of non-verbal kinesthetic codes derived from martial arts as essential to understanding the intercorporeality of CI. Special attention is given to the contributions of Mark Young, a choreographer who continues Steve Paxton’s legacy, particularly through the refinement of helix roll techniques described in Material for the Spine. These shared strategies and principles highlight the importance of martial arts in shaping the performative and communicative aspects of Contact Improvisation.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/communication/articles/10.3389/fcomm.2022.983290/full
Research paper 2
Approach to neurorehabilitation in Contact Improvisation: Mark Young, a case study
Contact Improvisation (CI) is a postmodern dance style grounded in continuous proprioceptive communication between dancers. Proprioception is a key element in various neurorehabilitation techniques, such as the Bobath Concept and the Kabat Method. While CI has been applied in rehabilitation contexts—for example, with prison populations and in gender equality programs—there is limited research on its use in neurological rehabilitation, with only one known study involving Parkinson’s patients.
This study aims to explore the shared principles between CI and neurorehabilitation strategies, with the goal of developing a theoretical-practical framework for future research. The methodology was based on a case study, including a semi-structured interview with Mark Young, a 53-year-old expert with over 21 years of experience in CI.The findings suggest that CI contributed to functional recovery, with proprioception playing a central role in enhancing neurological responses. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of the social dimension of CI, which appears to support and amplify the positive effects of the practice.
