Movement and Improvisation Classes (May) with Kim Baraka

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
This class is meant for anyone with an interest in exploring movement as a way to express, connect, bring awareness, and create, with their bodies and minds. The aim is to create a non-judgmental, non-performative environment for anyone to explore the possibilities of movement of their own and other bodies, with a strong emphasis on awareness, sensation, authenticity and expression. Professional dancers will benefit from unlearning/relearning their very approach to movement, in its most organic way. Absolute novices will be encouraged to reach places they never explored before, both physically and mentally. And of course anyone in between those two extremes will hopefully find something valuable in this practice.
The class typically starts with a warm up that helps you mindfully connect with your body and senses while finding your physicality. It then moves on to exploring embodiment of ideas and qualities, while unleashing bodily creativity and intelligence, either individually, or in groups where trust has been established. The classes are open to all levels and experiences, from absolute beginners to professional dancers. Come with an open mind :)

Dates for May:
May 13 / May 20 / May 27
6 to 8pm

This is a regular class that will continue throughout the year. Dates will be announced on a monthly basis.

LOCATION: ACCCA - Companhia Clara Andermatt, Rua dos Caetanos 26 A, 1.º andar, 1200-109 Lisboa. (portão verde)

FEE: 8€ / class (professional rate 5€)

Please R.S.V.P through email (baraka.kim@gmail.com / geral@ccandermatt.com) or through the corresponding date on the Facebook event.

BIO:
Kim Baraka started dancing at the age of 7, having received a classical dance training at the Beirut Dance Studio in Lebanon. In 2008, he joins the Beirut Dance Company, working with choreographer Nada Kano and extensively performing contemporary dance works across Lebanon and the Arab World. Starting 2014, he develops an interest and subsequent training in improvisational dance methods in the United States, building on techniques such as Authentic Movement, Gaga, Movement Research, and Post-Jazz. He was part of the Pillow Projects in Pittsburgh, USA, with which he performed and created in a series of projects and performances. He currently lives in Lisbon, where he performs and creates dance work. When not dancing, he conducts research on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Human-Robot Interaction at Instituto Superio Técnico, focusing on technological solutions for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders involving robots and AI.

Photo credits: Aaron Jackendoff