An Improvisation Residency in Nature
Wales · Early September 2026
“Perhaps what matters most is not what we do, but how we meet ourselves, each other and the ever-changing world we inhabit.”
This is a space to go deeper into creative practice, in close relation to others and the natural environment.
The invitation
This is a small residential gathering for those drawn to embodied improvisation and shared attention.
Rooted in Contact Improvisation and open to wider forms, we work across movement, sound, language, and composition.
We create space for sustained attention, deeper listening, and staying longer with the work.
We move between studio and land.
Time is given for things to unfold.
Mornings begin in practice.
Afternoons open into exploration.
Evenings gather into shared creative work, composition, and reflection.
This is a space for going deeper into practice, in close relation to others and the environment.
This page calls for expression of interests.
We are listening for resonance before confirming the final details.
The place
We are planning to hold this at Spirit Horse, in a remote valley in Wales.
Water moves through the land, often heard before it is seen. The ground is uneven, with stone, grass, and mud underfoot. We move between a simple studio, open air, and firelight.
There is space to be outside, to be quiet, and to stay with things over time.
We stay close to the elements, and in close proximity to each other. The environment shapes the rhythm of the days and becomes part of the practice.
The exact location will be confirmed with the group, or a similar setting will be found.
[Learn more about Spirit Horse →]
The work
The core inquiry is composing emergence in improvisation.
In simple terms, this is the practice of shaping what is happening as it happens, through attention, timing, and relationship.
We work with what is already unfolding, rather than planning or directing, allowing form to arise through interaction.
We move between guided structures, shared scores, and more open exploration, developing the capacity to respond to what is emerging.
Evenings gather into more focused improvisation, where the work begins to take shape.
In the later part of the residency, we may open into performance-oriented exploration. This is approached as part of the practice, not as an outcome.
→ Read more about our Approach
Who this is for
This is for committed practitioners of improvisation.
Those with an embodied practice, and an interest in working relationally over time.
Contact Improvisation experience is welcome, though not required. What matters most is a willingness to engage, to stay with uncertainty, and to take responsibility within a shared space.
We aim to gather a small, attentive group who are curious, grounded, and ready to contribute to the quality of the space.
This is not designed as a first introduction.
Living and conditions
Accommodation includes shared indoor spaces and camping.
Compost toilets, river bathing, limited electricity, and minimal signal.
There is time for rest throughout. The work is physical and relational.
Practical frame
Arrival: Wednesday midday (TBC)
Closing: Monday midday (TBC)
Group size: around 20 to 30, including contributors
Meals: Fully catered, simple, shared, plant-based
Contribution
This work is held through shared contribution.
Sliding scale: £280 to £450
Scholarships and supported roles available
Full details will be shared once the gathering is confirmed.
Not quite the right fit?
You can explore other offerings or read more about the approach behind the work.
Expression of interest
We are inviting around 20 to 25 participants.
Places are limited.
Expressions of interest are open now.
We are looking to gather a thoughtful group who feel ready for this kind of shared practice.
From there, we will be in touch to continue the conversation.
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