contact improvisation

Contact Improvisation, also known as CI, is a form of dance, but for me it is a methodology through which I love to learn about our nervous system, about leadership, communication strategies and so much more

For me, CI is a philosophy and a practice through which I become aware of my needs and the needs of my fellow beings. It is a form of art that moves every fiber of my being and teaches me how to use my energy resourcefully, how to ask for help and how to receive a no for an answer. It helps me to unlearn behavioral patterns that make my life harder and less fulfilling. CI helps me re-pattern my thinking and emotional responses such that I can function responsibly as a member of the society I want to be a part of.

The way I see it, the practice of Contact Improvisation, is a way of being in the world, a way to foster meaningful relationships through non-verbal communication that can in time, be translated into words and communicated clearly and coherently inside the studio, and beyond.

I see CI as a method through which I can explore my inner and outer world, through which I can go back into my sensorial body and intentionally become in tune with the body as a cognitive apparatus. Our embodied cognition holds intelligence that can be tapped into through somatic practices such as CI.

In the studio and outside of it, I use Contact Improvisation as a pedagogy through which I can teach, learn and unlearn the strategies that hold me back from harmony, equilibrium and natural flow.

I believe that when we are in sync with our own body, we can tap into deep healing processes that can help us heal ourselves and our communities.

I hold spaces in which I use Contact Improvisation to explore the following:

Contact Improvisation Classes

Falling is a necessary component of walking.

Dancing with Pain

Falling is a necessary component of walking.

Testimonials

For me, the experience of practicing CI with Liza is character-shaping.

I experience emotional healing through the body. For example, thanks to one practice, I felt my core starting to return, something I had felt was lost for a long time (mainly emotionally). There was also another practice of simple intimacy, as it is meant to be, without sexuality – there’s a difference between the two, and we learned that. There’s so much more I could share with you about this experience.
To sum it up, it’s a journey that connects & meets you with yourself in an exploratory and primal way.
I suggest you contact Liza, she’d be happy to tell you more about it.

Milana Zohar

Participanting member at the CI and Somatic Movement for Women Series

Learning Contact Improvisation with Liza is an exceptional experience.

Her unique insights and approach elevate the practice, making it invaluable for personal development.

Elli Pieper

DanceAbility Certified Teacher, Musician

Liza, thank you!

Liza, the wake on Saturday was so so so beautiful and a big part of it was the inspiration and support you offered me, so thank you!

Meghan Hellstern

Human-centered design, public sector innovation, facilitation and capacity-building

Liza not only guided our meetings but also coordinated our individual research efforts between meetings

What stands out most of all is Liza's vision is her ability to engage people and to bring out their best - to achieve surprising results.

Mark McAlister

If you have a chance to work with Liza, do not pass it up! She is wonderful!

She truly cares about the betterment of the world and all those around her. She will do all she can to help you improve your life and support you in your journey

Nataliya Zlotnikov

Healthcare content writer at Embodia Inc, Founder & Personal trainer at Emergency Room Fitness, Dancer at KasheDance

Liza is a heart-centred soul and a true artist

I have had the pleasure of facilitating a grief circle with Liza, in which she created a container of safety, empathy, and creative expression for our participants. We have also collaborated on her visual story "The Nine-Month Snail Dance" in which she shared her deeply personal story about grief, acceptance, and healing.

Jessica Fan

Senior Advisor at Canadian Digital Service | Systems Change, Design Strategy, Executive Coaching