To a bystander, contact improvisational dance may seem like an orgy … or a gentler version of human bumper cars. But Adams Berzins, a Philadelphia contact-improv legend, rents out space at The Parlor to show dancers the true art of body play. A handful of attendees roll around on the studio’s wooden floor, reaching and extending until they collide with each other’s body parts — all body parts. Hips gyrate hips. Hands drape around waists. Moans escape students' mouths. Dance, huh?
The tight-knit group of bikers and artisans shed clothing and inhibitions as they stretch in preparation. They welcome newcomers but with strong caution. Watching heads rest only inches above the floor, we get the picture. The trust involved with the bizarre dance is evident and daunting for guarded Penn students with zero coordination. But the patient Berzins makes sure to pause the erotic dance for a few teaching moments. Roll over his tush like a table and fly into freedom!
Contact improv has been around since the '60s and is popular with few in Philadelphia — namely Berzins' students.
With reasonable prices and friendly offbeat faces, Berzin’s class is worth the trek and borderline humiliation. It might be time to get out of your comfort zone and into someone else’s.
Philadelphia Contact Improvisation
The Parlor: 1170 S. Broad St. at Federal St.
Mondays 7-10
$9-$15 for class regular
adberzins@mac.com
