New Zealand Contact Retreat

Come and join us in the beautiful gateway of Nelson Lakes National Park in the alpine village of St Arnaud to unite body, spirit and nature.

This retreat is for all people of all backgrounds who wish to learn and deepen their connection to self and others, through Contact Improvisation. The theme this year is to explore the 3 centres or Dan Tians of the body. Classes will range from Qi Gong, Yoga and Pilates for warm ups, Basic Contact Improvisation Skills.

Enquiry Workshops into the Three Centres, Open Jamming, and well as some fun and games around it all. This event is fully catered vegetarian by the amazing Linda Ross from Nourishing Ways. There will be time for self reflection and meditation and swimming in the most beautiful Lake Rotoiti.

Dan Tian is energetic centre or in translation 'Elixir Field’ or 'Sea of Essence'. In our body according to Taoist tradition we have Three Centres also known as Three Treasures.

According to Taoist teachings we can cultivate and store Qi (energy) in the Three Treasures. These areas can also be interpreted as focal points of different physical and psychological functions of the body.

The upper Dan Tian, located in the center of the forehead, corresponds to the physical functioning of the brain and sensory organs and to the psychological processes of thinking and contemplation.

The middle Dan Tian, located in the center of the chest between the breasts, corresponds to the physical functions of respiration and the circulation of qi and blood. Psychologically it functions as the emotional and interaction center of the body.

The lower Dan Tian, located in the lower abdomen between the navel and the pubic bone, corresponds to the physical functions of digestion, elimination and reproduction. Psychologically it functions as our sense of stability and balance and as the connection of our sexuality.

We wish to approach this work as dynamically as possible, pushing ideas, and exploring deeply into the body and what it can mean for our CI practice.

Beginners to Contact Improvisation are welcome, however, we encourage you to take a few classes prior to coming. Participants need to source there own accommodation in the local area.