Welcome!

Every Thursday we run an all-level open contact improv and movement jam from 8:30-11pm at 7th Heaven Yoga in Berkeley. The studio features hardwood floors, high ceilings, yoga mats and props. This is a big space, so we’re excited to also welcome other somatic arts (like acro-yoga, capoeira, tai chi) into the creative soup. The soundscape is varied, with a mix of silence, downtempo/ambient recorded tracks, and occasionally, tasteful improvised live music.

The jam consists of un-facilitated open space movement time. Newcomers are welcome! If you are new to contact or wanting to improve your skills, you might benefit from our pre-jam class from 7:30-8:30 pm. Please visit our calendar of events for featured teachers and/or musicians updates and changes (always recommended due to potential scheduling shifts). Come join us for some great dance and be sure to spread the word!

*Scott (jam coordinator):

(510) 390-6213

*To join our mailing list

(thursdayjam7thheaven@gmail.com)

*For general questions and jam updates feel free to join our Facebook group

Comments?




  1. valerie Says:

    is dance happening tonight January 26th?

  2. Rosemary Says:

    Enjoying teaching at Thurs. jam. Next week will be my partner in CI teaching Vitali Kononov, then I’ll be back for the rest of December. Come dance with us! :) For more info. about our teaching visit our web site http://nono.artsomatic.org/

  3. Maegan Says:

    I hope to dance this Thursday. Is it happening?
    Mae

  4. stu lips Says:

    hi scott, i can run this thursday thanksgiving if that’s ok, can do jam, sure people would be interested, for dancing this thursday thanksgiving 11/24 for sure, i’m available to run it, if wanted, i do. bless. stu

  5. scott Says:

    Hi Lovely Dancers,

    Here is the class description for this month taught by the wonderful Rossana Alves:

    Support and release in Contact Improvisation with Rossana Alves

    We will work with principals of developmental movement as a way to bring more
    internal support and strength to our dancing. Exploring the Basic Neurological Patterns,
    which underlie and support all human movement, we will find release, effortless and
    efficiency, as well as sensory awareness and increased perception. In this way, we can
    deepen our Contact Improvisation skills, opening up new possibilities for creativity and
    expression in our dances in solos, duos and group improvisation.

    When: August 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th , 7:30-8:30 pm
    Location: 7th Heaven Yoga
    Address: 2820 7th St @ Heinz, Berkeley near Ashby BART
    Cost: $10 Class, $5-10 Jam 8:30-midnight
    Thursday Jam INFO: thursdayjam.org and facebook.com/groups/thursdayjam

    Bios

    Born and raised in Brazil, Rossana Alves is a dancer, dance teacher and performer.
    She has been practicing Contact Improvisation for 13 years, teaching classes and
    participating in festivals in Brazil, Argentina and USA. Currently based in the Bay Area,
    she is graduated from Moving On Center and has been studying at the School of Body
    Centering, as well as performing with the group Oakland Improv Collective.

  6. chetana Says:

    is there any liftshares going from fairfax marin to the berkley thurs jam ? im from uk without a vehicle but can share gas x love chetanathorntonart@gmail.com 925 4870024

  7. Marguerite Says:

    Dear Dancing Friends,

    Scott has decided he would like full executive control over the Thurs Jam so I am stepping down from my position as co-facilitator and Pre-Jam Class host. For anyone scheduled for teaching, please contact Scott. I am uncertain whether he will continue the pre-jam class. It has been a pleasure serving all of you.

    Hugs,

    Marguerite

  8. Marguerite Says:

    Please note: There will be NO pre-jam class tonight due to another scheduled event! Please do not knock or enter until we open the door at 8:30PM. See you at the jam!

  9. Marguerite Says:

    Please note: There will be NO Pre-Jam Class this Thursday, June 16. Class will resume next Thursday, June 23. The jam is still on though! Please join us, 8:30-11pm!

  10. Marguerite Says:

    Effort and Perception in CI with Ali Woolwich June & July 2011

    The brain perceives 1 degree of tipping the head the same as a steep
    degree fall. It will send a desperate (but inaccurate) message to the torso & limbs: “brace for impact, you’re falling!”

    We’ll explore other related mental images vs. kinesthetic realities such as:

    - What % of effort works (and doesn’t) for low-effort rides?
    - How do my eyes affect my torso?
    - Why do I always do the same thing dancing with partners bigger or smaller than me?

    We will examine and debunk effort-related (mis)perceptions to install a wider range of dance responses, creating a more momentum-ready body
    and accurate mental image of what’s really happening in your dance at those critical moments of choice and readiness.

    Ali Woolwich
    HumilitySwim Dance/Media Arts & Production, Lighting Design, A/V
    info@humilityswim.org
    http://humilityswim.org

    Director, CIRF: Contact Improvisation Research Forum
    http://ci-rf.org
    —-
    Tech Staff, CounterPULSE
    http://counterpulse.org

  11. Anonymous Says:

    PLEASE NOTE: Class and jam are separate entities. There is a charge for both. The class is $10. The jam is $5-10 sliding scale. You are welcome to offer a combined price for the 2. AND no one is turned away for lack of funds.

  12. Marguerite Says:

    For the next 7 weeks, I will be teaching the pre-Thursday jam class 7:30-8:30pm - Chakra Contact - opening up the 7 major chakra centers, we will draw from qigong, martial arts and allied modalities to explore intersections of energy work and CI practice. $10, suitable for all levels.

    AND then, come to the jam! 8:30- 11-ish…. See you there!

  13. CI Lift class/lab Says:

    I’m scheduled as the CI teacher this week at the Thursday CI pre-jam class in Berkeley. Just a single class. I’ll be offering a whole series in May.

    This Thursday, I’d like to facilitate a lab with lifting as the focus. I’ll be linking the Core Energy Pattern called “SHAPE” to giving and receiving successful lifts. If you’ve wanted to discover the ’secret’ to effortless lifts, this is your chance.

    Come explore and Discover how light you can be!

    $12 for the lab/class. 7:30-8:30pm Thursday, March 3rd, at 7th Heaven Yoga in Berkeley.

    Check my website to see some of my ideas about CI, partner movement and relationship: http://www.BodyRide.net

    Hope to see you there!

  14. Marguerite Says:

    Class (7:30-8:30) and Jam (8:30- 10) are held as scheduled Dec. 23rd and Dec. 30th. Although please note: doors will be closing earlier… See you there!

  15. Marguerite Says:

    Many thanks to all who attended to support Rafe’s filming debut!!! Much gratitude for your support in furthering integrative and accessible CI!

  16. Marguerite Says:

    Hi Franz,

    Pre-jam class prices are set by the teachers. Typically they run by donation as well. I believe Yonti is asking a donation of $5-10.

    Hope to see you on Thursdays Franz!

    Hugs back,
    M

  17. Documentary Filming Mixed Abilities & CI Says:

    Come support a featured filming exploring a number of facets re: living with a disability, including… you got it… CONTACT IMPROV! Our jam will be a part of a documentary to be broadcasted on a future TLC show.

    Please help support our efforts to create integrative and accessible jam interaction. All level jam space will be held as usual, with mixed abilities & film crew. The studio and facilities are fully accessible. See you next Thursday!

    Thursday, December 16 · 8:30pm - 11:30pm
    7th Heaven Yoga Studio, Berkeley CA

  18. Franz Says:

    Hi Marguerite,

    Is there a cost for the 7:30 class separate from the jam donation?

    Hugs,
    Franz

  19. Marguerite Says:

    Thurs. Nov. 25 jam and class are cancelled for the Thanksgiving holiday. Class and jam will both be resuming Dec. 2. See you Thurs. Dec. 2! Happy Holidays everyone!

  20. Marguerite Says:

    There will be a class every Thurs. 7:30-8:30 for all of Nov and all of Dec.

  21. Karim Bishay Says:

    Will the class go on into November as well?

  22. Angie Says:

    Thanks for including me, loved my first jam!!! See you Thursday :)

  23. Marguerite Says:

    Hi Zach and other interested dancers:

    As per Rene’s post, YES we do have a class running for the remainder of Oct/10. It starts 7:30pm sharp. Jam starts at 8:30pm… See you there!

  24. Zach Pine Says:

    Hoping to come tomorrow 10/14. Is class planned at 7:30?

  25. Rene Says:

    There will now be an All Level class every thursday (except 9/23), by an all star cast of international teachers who are passing through the bay area!!
    it starts sharp at 730!

  26. Matt Says:

    Hi Teo,

    Although we don’t have any scheduled at the moment, we occasionally have pre-jam classes on Thursdays; check this website again or join the SFBACI Yahoo email list for more information.

    Here are a couple of links to information about current classes and jams:

    http://contactimprov.net/jams/list/United_States/California
    http://nono.artsomatic.org/contact-improvisation

    Matt

  27. Teo Says:

    Do you give or could suggest where can I get instructions, classes on CI for novice dancers?
    Thanks,
    Teo
    teosvet@gmail.com

  28. Matt McNeil Says:

    Hi Giovana,
    The jam is alive and well, happening each and every week. Hope to see you there!
    Matt

  29. Giovana Salas Says:

    Does this still go on on the regular??

  30. Matt McNeil Says:

    Hi Francine,
    Occasionally we have classes before the jam from 7:30 - 8:30. We don’t have any scheduled for the next month or so; check back here on the website for updates for classes in the fall or later in the summer.

  31. Francine Says:

    Is there a class before the jam begins?
    Thanks!

  32. David Says:

    I dig this jam! Good vibes.

  33. Andrew Says:

    Nice space/place/people/pace. I hope this jam grows.