CONTACT IMPROVISATION DVDs
copyright 1987 Videoda/Contact Collaborations, Inc.



photo by Bill Arnold

NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD & VHS

Program descriptions

Price list

Coming soon:
Transcripts in multiple languages of narrated programs:
"Chute," "Peripheral Vision," "Fall After Newton."

Make inquiries directly to videoda@together.net



VIDEODA archives, produces, and distributes videotapes concerning improvised dance and new dance forms. Included in the archives are performance and training documents of Contact Improvisation from its very beginning in 1972.

CONTACT IMPROVISATION, birthed in 1972 by choreographer Steve Paxton, is a continually evolving dance form based on the communication between two moving bodies in physical touch and their combined relationship to the physical laws that govern their motion--gravity, momentum, inertia.

Alternately referred to as an art-sport , a social dance, animal play, physical dialogue, Contact evolves from a focus on internal sensation and in the last third of the 20th century transformed partnering thoughout the western dance world.

The videos in this series give a rare look at this dance form from its inception through its early development. They track a period of exploration and discovery through documents of performances by its founding practitioners.

DVD #1 contains two dynamic narrated documentaries outlining Contact's seeds and development over its first 11 years and is an inspiring introduction to the form. DVD #2 shows the seminal work, an early analysis of the form, and a look at vintage performance. DVD #3 presents seasoned performers in extended dancing in duets, trios, and group during an 11th anniversary concert.

Videoda makes the history of this vital dance form available through the following programs, available on VHS and now on DVD.

INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
A
 MAGNESIUM
1972. B & W. 9 min. 30 sec.
Document of a dance by Steve Paxton in 1972. This piece is often referred to as the seminal work for Contact Improvisation. Video by Steve Christiansen. Performers: John Faichney,
Steve Paxton, Chris Peck, Curt Siddall, Peter Walsh, Doug Winter, and others
B
 CHUTE
1979. B & W. 9 min. 36 sec.
Edit of the first Contact Improvisation demonstrations/-installation in NYC at the John Weber Gallery in 1972. Performers from N.Y.C., University of Rochester, Oberlin College, and Bennington College. With narration by Steve Paxton describing some of the original concerns of the form, including falling.
Script/Narration: Steve Paxton
Camera: Steve Christiansen
Editing: Christiansen, Lisa Nelson, Steve Paxton
C
 PERIPHERAL VISION
1975. B & W. 21 min. 5 sec.
Edit of a Contact Improvisation concert at Firehouse Theater in San Francisco, CA in 1973, "You Come, We'll Show You What We Do." Commentary analyzes what is visible and memorable in the dancing from the point of view of 1975. Performers: Steve Christiansen,
Steve Paxton, Nita Little, Nancy Stark Smith, Karen Radler
Commentary: Steve Paxton, Nancy Stark Smith, Steve Christiansen
Camera: Steve Christiansen
Editing: Steve Christiansen, Steve Paxton, Nancy Stark Smith
D
 SOFT PALLET
1979. B & W. 18 min.
Selections from a Contact Improvisation concert in Rome at L'Attico Gallery in 1973.
Performers: Annette LaRoque, David Woodberry, Steve Paxton, Mary Fulkerson, Nancy
Stark Smith, Danny Lepkoff
Camera: Steve Christiansen
Editing: Steve Christiansen, Lisa Nelson
E
 CONTACT AT 10th & 2nd
1983. Color. 49 min. 5 sec.
Document of the 11th anniversary of Contact Improvisation performance at St. Mark's Church
in N.Y.C. with dancers from England, Canada, and the U.S.
Performers: Steve Paxton, Nancy Stark Smith, Kirstie Simson, David Appel, Peter Ryan,
Alan Ptashek, Robin Feld
Cameras: Lisa Nelson, Christina Svane, Cathy Weis
Editing: Lisa Nelson
F
 FALL AFTER NEWTON
1987. Color and B&W. 22 min. 45 sec.
A sweeping look at 11 years of practice of Contact Improvisation by Nancy Stark Smith and initiator, Steve Paxton. The progression from its beginnings in 1972 through successive years
of performances up to 1983 shows one strand of the development of this multifaceted duet dance form.
Featured performers: Steve Paxton, Nancy Stark Smith
Script/Narration: Steve Paxton
Editing: Steve Christiansen, Lisa Nelson, Steve Paxton, Nancy Stark Smith
VIDEODA PRICE LIST 2007  
       
DVDS
Indiv.
Instit.
price per DVD
$55
$75
  
DVD Program #1- B & F
Chute / Fall After Newton (duration: 32:21)
DVD Program #2- A, C, & D
Magnesium / Peripheral Vision / Soft Pallet (duration: 48:35)
DVD Program #3- E
Contact at 10th & 2nd (duration: 49:05)
 
 
VHS PROGRAMS in U.S. standard and PAL (European standard) are available only through Videoda (not directly through this website). Please indicate which format you would like with your order. VHS orders must be pre-paid by check or money order payable to Videoda. ProForma invoices available on request. Foreign payments must be in U.S. Funds, international or postal money order drawn on a U.S. bank or write for bank transfer info. Shipping and handling are included on VHS sales.
VHS Individuals Institions

VHS DISCOUNTS on multiple programs compiled on one cassette: Subtract $10 per each added program above one.

I'll be glad to answer any further questions.

VIDEODA
Box 22
E. Charleston, VT 05833 USA
email : videoda@together.net

A $30 $45
B $40 $50
C N/A N/A
D $40 $55
E $40 $55
F $55 $70