Contact JAM
 

Open Jam to practice the form Contact Improvisation. 
Some Jams will have live music, some will be silent. 
Beginners are recommended to also visit the classes. Mixed Level (ML).

JAM GUIDELINES – Friday Jam Berlin

Our Jam is the space for the practice of Contact Improvisation. The
Jam is based on trust and the freedom of doing but also
responsibility. The facilitators are responsible for the event as a
whole, but every participant is responsible for their own behaviour,
safety and own boundaries.
The Jam is a common creation, and everybody’s responsibility to
create a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for others.
Only follow what feels good at any moment. Try not to make other
people do something they are not ready to do. Let’s respect the
physical, mental, and emotional boundaries of others as well as
our own.

We begin and close the jam together in a circle, where anyone has
a chance to speak. At the end of the closing circle, there is also an
opportunity for a CI-related announcement.
The Jam is a non-verbal space. We sometimes have music or
musicians playing, or dance explicitly in silence.
You can always say no, stop, or leave the dance in any situation, at

any moment. You do not have to explain why you do that. Non-
consensual behaviour is not tolerated.

If you have experienced something uncomfortable or feeling
unsafe, it is encouraging to talk about it. You can always raise the
issue verbally with your dance partner/s or ask support from more
experienced dancers or the facilitators hosting the jam.
During the jam, you can always be on the side and witness other
people dancing.
Massage, bodywork and resting or lying down happens at the side
of the room, so we can create a maximum space for dancing.
Let your dance partner be free to catch themselves in case of
falling. Do not grab ankles and wrists, or restrict the movement of
your dance partner, especially during lifts.
Come to the jam only when you are feeling physically well to avoid
transmission of colds, flu and other viral or bacterial infections.

Wear soft, comfortable, and clean clothes. Do not wear big
jewellery, watches, belts or other sharp objects. Do not use strong
scents.
There are no pre-assumed power or gender roles in Contact
Improvisation. Let’s not assume the identity, sexuality, gender,
health and background of others.
Discrimination as homophobia, racism, sexism, ableism, fatphobia
including age and language etc. are not tolerated. Any kind of
harassment, sexual or otherwise is strictly forbidden. We do not
tolerate any racist, misogynist, anti-gender, or any hate speech.
Every person in the jam (participant, newcomer, musician, long
time dancer, facilitator etc.) is treated equally and respectfully.
Let’s respect the opinions, beliefs and experiences of others even
when they differ from ours.
The jam is not a space for sexual exploration and such should not
be the focus of participating in the jam. There are plenty of other
spaces and events in Berlin which are explicitly for that.
Filming and photography are prohibited without the consent of
everyone in the jam.

These guidelines are under constant development. They are
meant to be short and do not mention all possible details. If
you are curious about jam guidelines we invite you to check
the internet, where you can find various and very detailed
examples.
If you have questions about safety, touch, non-verbal
communication, or anything else, please speak to a facilitator,
but we also encourage you to share your questions with other
dancers. We recommend you to visit classes and workshops
to become familiar with Contact Improvisation skills, history
and culture.

We welcome feedback for the jam, please either contact any of the
facilitators after the jam directly or write to us via:
fridayjamberlin@gmail.com
Your Friday Jam team: Maria, Valentina, Jaime, Karthik, Heike, Jochen