Underscore with Joel Karabo Elliott- May 9th

A delicious treat for the Contact Improvisation Community!

The Underscore was described, graphically represented, and taught by Nancy Stark Smith, a co-creator and long-time Contact Improvisation teacher, who sought something beyond the “jam” that caters to individual experience, and found that collective awareness yields shimmering “states of grace”. The Underscore is a structure for group improvisation that includes CI and solo dances, but it also expands our awareness of a shared journey and the innumerable connections that arise.

This practice doesn’t require musical accompaniment, but when it does, it must be accompanied by a sensitive, seasoned improviser. Joel Karabo Elliott is an American-Mosotho composer, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and co-founder of Roots Grown Deep, a world music ensemble with branches in Southern Africa and North America. Joel currently serves as a musical death doula with the Center for Conscious Living & Dying in Swannanoa, NC.  Learn more about Joel Karabo Elliott here.

The day will begin with a class by Jessica Damon, a lifelong dance artist and teacher of movement. She fell in love with contact improvisation upon moving to Asheville in 2022. She brings her studies of the Axis Syllabus, modern dance background and 20 year practice of therapeutic movement to her CI classes, along with her perpetual curiosity about this endlessly surprising form!

This class is an optional offering, followed by a potluck lunch. You can come for the full day, including the class, or simply join for the Underscore Talk Through that begins at 1 pm.

Please plan to bring a dish for the potluck lunch, if you want to join. Be in touch if you would opt to clean rather than prepare food contributions.

All are invited to the potluck, if they wish.

Day’s Schedule:

• 10 am – 11:30 – Class with Jessica Damon

• potluck lunch (optional)

• 1pm – Talk  Through

• 2 pm – Underscore

• 5pm – closure

The Talk Through is a critical part of the program, and we ask all participants to attend.

Please plan to bring a dish for the potluck if you are joining us. Be in touch if you would opt to clean rather than prepare food contributions.