A special one off session bringing together the local community
Manchester · May 23rd 2026
“What happens when movement is shared, not owned?”
A day of Contact Improvisation, moving from guided practice to open space.

The invitation
This is an open session for movers, dancers and those curious about Contact Improvisation.
We begin with a 2 hour class, working with the fundamentals of moving together.
Using simple structures, we explore weight, timing and touch, and how movement emerges through relationship rather than effort.
We slow things down.
We stay with simple actions.
We notice what changes when attention is shared.
The focus is not on performing or getting it right, but on sensing what is already happening between us.
There is space here for both curiosity and depth.
The session is co-held by Alexander Dodgson and Lily Coombes.
The work
The day moves through a simple arc:
Arrival and tuning
Guided class exploring shared movement
Time to rest and integrate
An open jam space
In simple terms, we are working with:
- how we move with others
- how attention shifts between bodies
- how something begins to form between us
We begin with guidance.
We open into shared space.
We follow what emerges.
Who this is for
This is open to all bodies.
No prior Contact Improvisation experience is required.
If you are new, we recommend joining the class before the jam.
This space is for those curious about movement, connection and shared exploration.
Practical frame
Date: 23 May 2026
Location: St Matthews Community Hall, Stretford, Manchester
Arrivals from 11:00
Class: 11:30 to 13:30
Break: 13:30 to 14:30
Jam: 14:30 to 16:30
Group size: limited
Contribution
Class and Jam £20
Class only £15
Jam only £15
What’s included
- 2 hour guided class
- 2 hour open jam
- Shared space for practice and exploration
- Studio use
Not quite the right fit?
You can explore other offerings or read more about the approach behind the work.
Applications
Places are limited.
We are looking to gather a small group who feel ready for this kind of process.
You’ll hear from us personally.
Any Questions? Reach out…
If something calls you to us, feel free to reach out.
📧 commonbodycollective@gmail.com
‘Togethering’
Emerging from the Common Body Collective.
A growing network of improvisers working across practice, gathering, and shared inquiry.
📷 Instagram: @togethering.contact
🎥 YouTube: @togethering.contact
*Images on this site are drawn from original photographs and reworked as part of the evolving visual language of Togethering.
Created by Alexander Dodgson.