PRE - FESTIVAL WORKSHOPS
24 - 25 - 26 AUGUST 2026
GRAVITY MOVES - Feldenkrais & Contact Improvisation
with Thomas Kampe
In this workshop, we integrate gentle somatic principles from the Feldenkrais Method® with Contact Improvisation, using movement experiments and detailed partner-work to develop awareness, spontaneity, and ease in our CI dancing. Through Feldenkrais-based explorations, we will deepen our self-awareness, refine our sensitivity to touch and weight, and discover new pathways of movement and complexity in coordination that support creativity and connection in partnership.
​
​We will use ‘Awareness Through Movement’® lessons and guided touch-based explorations, to develop ease in fluid coordination of our core and torso, and on fine-tuning our ability to relate creatively to gravity and our living environment.
​
The Feldenkrais Method®, developed by Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais (1904–1984), is a somatic learning process that enhances mobility, self-discovery, and creative well-being. It in gentle and playful ways, invites us to listen to ourselves and to explore the world of our internal sensation. It activates our organic intelligence & relational partnering skills. It supports somatic communication through touch, a readiness for being-with and re-orientation in gravity, allowing for gentle, sensorial and exhilarating dancing.
​
This Intensive is accessible to anyone interested in somatic Movement and Contact Improvisation, and also suited for beginners.
​
Dates: 24 - 25 - 26 August 2026
Times: 3 hours/day (exact times to be announced soon)
Location: Gayatri Mandir, Arillas, Corfu
______________
​
Price: 150 euros
Price discount if joining the Festival: 125 euros
Register: corfucontactfestival@gmail.com
​
______________
​
Facilitator: Thomas Kampe
Thomas Kampe (PhD; UK/GER) lives in London and has worked with dance, theatre, performance and movement for the last 45 years. He has worked as performer, choreographer and director in Germany and Britain, and was Professor for Somatic Performance and Education at Bath Spa University, UK until 2022. Since the late 1980’s Thomas has taught somatic approaches towards Movement Education, Theatre and Contact Improvisation in different settings around the world. Thomas is a qualified teacher of the Feldenkrais Method® which forms a foundation for his teaching of dance and movement. His numerous research writings and performance works have been published internationally.
Thomas recently co-edited JDSP Vol. 13.1 &2 (2022): ‘Embodying Eco- Consciousness: Somatics, Aesthetic Practice and Social Action’, and was guest editor of the IFF Journal Vol. 6 (2019): ‘Practices of Freedom: The Feldenkrais Method and Creativity’. He was co-editor of the book ‘Beyond forgetting – persecution/exile/memory: transdisciplinary perspectives on design, performance and education’ (2021). He is a member of the ‘CI@Goldsmiths’ collective, London, and of the ‘International Forum for Eco-Embodied Arts’ (IFEEA).
​
DANCE YOURSELF DEEP - Improvisation Principles of Water Contact
with Manuela Blanchard
for Beginners and All Levels
We will go into aquatic and interactive explorations, based on listening and perception. Since no one is
leading the dance, each one engages deeply in a real connection, which allows for something common
to take over and guide us through space.
We use the aquatic motion techniques as improvisational tools to compose with the unexpected. Our
body becomes a fluid moving support, inviting our partner(s) to ride on waves created by the common
momentum. The warm water invites you to experience effortless relaxing underwater.
​
​
​
​
Goals:
- liven up your body and raise your sensory awareness, reconnect you to whatever wants to express more fully in your life
- help you to connect you to yourself and others in full awareness
- melt together in the silence of meditation, inhaling the time that unfolds infinitely in every cell
Approach:
Alone, in duets or in the group, you will nourish yourself through touch, movement and playful interactions. Somatic explorations, dance improvisations in the 34°C pool will be doorways to explore personal themes in a relaxed atmosphere.
​
Link for more pictures and impressions: https://www.earthandwaterdance.com/deep2.html
​​​
______________
​
Dates: 24 - 25 - 26 August 2026
Times: 3 hours/day (exact times to be announced)
Location: Flying Pool, Arillas, Corfu
Max 12 participants
______________
​
Price: 250 euros
Price discount if joining the Festival: 220 euros
Register: corfucontactfestival@gmail.com
​
______________
​
Facilitator: Manuela Blanchard
Dancer, WaterDance® teacher, Watsu® practitioner with a large experience in Healing Dance®, Manuela Blanchard has been teaching Contact & Dance Improvisation in Switzerland since 20 years. CI in water grew out of her wish to combine the interactive intelligence of contact improv with some techniques of aquatic bodywork. She was one of the first to share in international festivals (f.ex. Thai Water-Land that she co-grounded).
In 2017 she created "Aquatic Bodywaves", involving dance improvisation as a way to learn aquatic bodywork more playfully and intuitively than the classic water trainings. Her work links intimately emotional process and tantric tools to aquatic research.
Fascinated by fluidity, whether in human relationships or in body language, she likes to combine improvised dance with a search for a connection to one’s deepest nature. Her teaching supports everyone in their own discovery of vitality, authenticity, openness and presence.
Her enthusiasm for organic and expressive qualities of movement led her to explore Butoh, Authentic Movement, Body Mind Centering, Synchronized Swimming (intensively as a teenager) and Tango among many other artistic fields. She is also Esalen Massage practitioner with experience in emotion coaching process.