BIO
I have been working as lecturer of dance in the contemporary dance education in Outokumpu (current Riveria) since 2012. I also work as a freelance choreographer in theater productions and perform in a nationally touring performing arts group called Kotiteatteri.
I started Contact Improvisation over 20 years ago and have had the privilege to study with many masters and many communities, and teach and dance internationally for years. I have a MA of Arts from The University of Music and Performing Arts Frankfurt a.M. and have also been studying a lot of Yoga, contemporary Pilates, Thai Massage and Axis Syllabus. Lately, I have not travelled much at all but prefer to work, practice and garden locally in Eastern Finland where I live in the woods with my family.
Head First
Contact Improvisation class: Head First
Teacher: Ulla Päivikkö
Level Open level
In this class, we play with the weight of the head. In Contact Improvisation, one of the key elements in dance is to let go of the verticality of every day life, and let the head drop, reach, turn and follow, taking us into 3D -motion.
We will work gently and safely to release the shoulder-neck-head area, and play with a relaxed upper body to find how the movement of head connects to our spine, arms and the rest of our body.
We explore movement both in solo and contact, with improvisation of imagery and anatomical starting points, as well as given paths.
Body Work
Class: Body Work
Teacher: Ulla Päivikkö
Level Open level
A moment to unwind and recover energy – we will work with a partner and give each other a gentle massage-dance. This body work is based on Nuad Boran Thai Massage. We work with breath, giving and receiving weight and letting go while being moved. In the core of the practice is also the Buddhist meditation practice of Metta – cultivating compassion and kindness towards self and others.
Please wash your hands and feet before coming to the class, and take warm clothes with you!
Pilates into Contact Improvisation
Contact Improvisation Class: Pilates into Contact Improvisation
Teachers: Ulla Päivikkö, Panu Erästö
Level: Open Level, suitable for beginners and experienced
Class Description: In this class we work with basic principles and exercises from Pilates to help us find strength, alignment and ease for dancing. First practicing on our own, we then take the exercises to play with partnering in lifts and balances. How can the activation of our core muscles support us in dancing?