Contact Improvisation

A flat image of the front cover of "Resistance and Support: CI @ 50" appears centered on a dark maroon background. From top to bottom, the cover descends through sunset – muted burnt orange, carrot, creamsicle, golden rod, pale yellow, into a black and white photo of two dancers partnering in the ocean. One dancer is on his ass in the water. The other stands, both knees bent, reaching out for her comrade in the waves. They hold hands at the wrists, arms fully extended. The title “Resistance and Support,” each word on its own line, spans the top third of the cover page in a burgundy, serif font. Below, the subtitle “CI @ 50” slants in smaller white italics. The text “EDITED BY: Ann Cooper Albright,” back to the burgundy with no italics, sits about one thumbs width above the dancers in the ocean.
Photo: Courtesy of Ann Cooper Albright, includes photo by Lasse Lychnell
  • Book Reviews

Zooming Out and Weighing In

Jennifer Passios

Thirty-three writers shape Contact Improvisation’s next chapter.

Performer Ishmael Houston-Jones balances on his left foot, his right hand slightly extended forward, an expression of concern on his face. His pants look acid-washed in white and light blue, and on the front of his hoodie is painted a big brown face with wide open eyes.
Photo: Rachel Keane
  • Reviews

A Dance with Many Ghosts Boils Over

Brendan McCall

OO-GA-LA Reimagined: punk, queer, and drop dead gorgeous

Off center, an old woman sits on a metal chair in front of white curtains. Her hands sit comfortably on top of her stomach, and she smiles mischievously at the camera.
Photo: Ron Wyman
  • Interviews

Becoming “Not You” in Action Theater: An Interview with Skye Hughes

Brendan McCall

Skye Hughes talks about her experience with Action Theater

Vyette Tiya (she/her) smiles with her eyes closed and head tilted upwards, arms lofting upwards as she descends downwards. She wears baggy pants and a textured crop top, and is washed in a dark blue light. Two white chains hang in the background above her head. To her left is Daniel Sohn with a mixing board and laptop, focused on mixing for his music. He is wearing a baseball cap, t-shirt, and pants.
Photo: James Izlar
  • Reviews

Fresh Juice 2025: Joy, Heart-Ache, Apocalypse

Zoe Farnsworth

Experimental explorations tackle climate change, queer romance, and more.

Photo: Emilee Lord
  • News

Steve Paxton (1939-2024) from the tD Archive

Emilee Lord

Remembering and honoring this leader in our field.

Photo: Michelle Shafer
  • Reviews

Climbing Toward Home

Lu Donovan

Contact Improvisation as a method for how to build, leave, and return to a home.

Photo: Alyssa Maloof
  • Interviews

On Community and Access in Somatics: An Interview with Marion Ramirez of caracola

Maddie Hopfield

"I want it fresh, like when you open a mango."

Photo: Lila Hurwitz
  • thINKpieces

Walking Into Heartbreak: Remembering Nancy Stark Smith

K.J. Holmes

Nancy danced in her body and in her words.

Photo: Carolyn Lee
  • thINKpieces

Reflections on Nancy Stark Smith, Collaborating Founder of Contact Improvisation, part 2

Jonathan Stein

Teaching us to embrace the unknown and not to take ourselves too seriously.

Photo: Bill Arnold
  • thINKpieces

Reflections on Nancy Stark Smith, Collaborating Founder of Contact Improvisation, part 1

Jonathan Stein

Nancy’s legacy is to show us a different way to make art.