Victoria Contact Improvisation Festival 2026 (VCIF2026)

Explore, Practice, Dance

Dates

July 1st to 4th, 2026 (4-Day Festival)

Location

Baumann Centre
925 Balmoral Rd, Victoria, BC

Festival Highlights

• Renowned Instructors:
  Andrew Harwood,
  Anne Cooper,
  Francesca Frewer,
  Manuel Rochette,
  Bryn Thompson,
  Ange Vander Schilden,
  Farley Johansson,
  and Shannon Moreno.
• Workshops & Intensives: Structured classes and free-flowing jams supporting technical skill, listening, and embodied inquiry.
• Breathwork & After Hours Jam: Evening offerings dedicated to nervous system regulation, embodied listening, consent-based touch, and deep relational practice.
• Inclusive Environment: Rooted in respect, consent, accessibility, and non-discrimination.

Registration

• Pricing:
  • Early Bird — $350 (full festival)
  • Regular — $425 (full festival)
• Contact / e-transfer: shmo.rmt@gmail.com

What to Expect

Space

A large 74 × 47 ft studio with wheelchair accessibility.
Close to restaurants, grocery stores, and coffee shops.

Classes & Jams

• Morning Intensives: Led by Andrew Harwood.
• Afternoon Workshops: Learn from Anne Cooper, Francesca Frewer, Farley Johansson, and Manuel Rochette.
• Evening Jams: Practice, connect, and deepen your knowledge in a focused and supportive atmosphere.

Schedule

Featured Teacher

COMPOSITIONAL AWARENESS IN CONTACT IMPROVISATION

Instructor: Andrew Harwood

Contact improvisation offers us a container for the practice of non-verbal communication, of expanded awareness, and for creative expression while allowing what is unexpected to emerge. As we ground ourselves in the core principles of Contact Improvisation and focus on the dynamic subtleties of touch, tone and weight, we will expand our awareness to include space, time, image, gesture and design through duet, trio and ensemble dancing. Seeking a quality of attention that shifts from self to other, to the environment and the ever-changing atmospheres in the room, we will consider how a lightly held compositional awareness and feeling can support our efforts to connect, find meaning when we are dancing, and engage with innovative possibilities for individual and collective improvisation. This work can be viewed not only as a means for creative expression but as a process for developing our capacity to collaborate and build a community that holds space for each individual.

Click here to see his bio.

Instructor Spotlight: Farley Johansson

• For dancers with some Contact Improvisation experience looking to enhance their skills.
• Focus on:
  • Partner connection (rolling/sliding point of contact).
  • Techniques for lifts, support, and safety.
  • Consent and trust in partnered movements.
• Includes warm-ups, exercises, and creative improvisation.

Breathwork & After Hours Jam

VCIF 2026 includes dedicated evening spaces for breathwork and After Hours Jam, offering participants time to slow down, integrate learning, and deepen relational awareness.

Breathwork sessions support nervous system regulation, embodied presence, and sensory clarity, creating fertile ground for improvisation and connection.

After Hours Jam is a facilitated, consent-based ritual space rooted in contact improvisation principles. Participants are guided into clear boundaries, respectful touch, and attentive listening within a held and structured environment.

These offerings emphasize care, integration, and community — supporting both individual inquiry and collective coherence throughout the festival.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included, but assistance is available for finding:

• Hotels
• Homestays
• Backyard camping options

Inquiries: shmo.rmt@gmail.com

Join Us in Victoria This Summer!

Experience a dynamic and inclusive festival designed to inspire, connect, and celebrate the art of Contact Improvisation.

Venue Partner – Dance Victoria.