Through the creation process of COSSOC, we developed a common language, which is based on a very specific approach to partnering. With the wish to define and articulate better the principals, we shaped a workshop, where we share our methods of contact work.
The workshop is based on the use of weight-shift and balance, as the two main topics. The focus is on awakening a sensitive body, which is very readable as well as transparent to reading the impulses that are transferred from the others. Giving attention to the way we approach the body of the other, with sensitivity and care, in order to open the channels between the bodies and create an environment where any kind of lift can happen without much effort or pain.
We build the tonicity of the body (strong, yet articulated and agile), which can constantly switch between the role of a ‘base’ and the ‘flyer’ in order to get the full understanding of each situation. This is an important concept, which is constantly reminded throughout the workshop.
The work is underlined by building the trust to fully let go of the weight and giving in to the responsibility for the other. Only through such an environment, can true playfulness emerge and imagination starts taking place.
The workshop is built on a gradual development, going from the detailed basic principles, to concrete physical situations, which slowly grow in complexity. What follows is a phase of investigation and exploration through guided improvisation, ending in setting short phrases through the given tasks.
The language we deal with is on the border between contact, partnering and circus. The proposed time is a minimum of 3 hours and the workshop has versions for professionals as well as for amateurs.