Robin Berkelmans is a seasoned performer, dancer, choreographer, and teacher with over 25 years of experience in contemporary dance. He has taught and teaches at the University of Theatre and Dance in Amsterdam and the Fontys Academy for Dance Education in Tilburg, specializing in contemporary dance technique, floorwork, performance, choreography, dance improvisation, Instant Composition, and - of course - Contact Improvisation.

Robin's teaching approach is informed by his experience in Feldenkrais and Alexander Technique, as well as his ongoing practice of Tai Chi, Chi Kung, and Thai massage. This multidisciplinary foundation, combined with his artistic approach to the world, allows him to guide dancers toward a more profound connection with themselves through natural mobility and presence while enabling them to use the inner landscape as a source.

Robin regularly shares his expertise through workshops and classes across Europe. As a teacher of CI, he is currently offering an in-depth program of diving into the quality of dancing of participants, plus the history and practices of CI, while moving towards Underscore. Next to this he is the co-organizer of the Netherlands Contact Improvisation Festival and the 4 day CI Gathering.

https://robinberkelmans.nl
Instagram: @robinberkelmans

I am interested in the quality of dance that feels embodied, rich, connected and inspired. I feel this as a state of presence, there is flow and joy, and the dance becomes more fulfilling and enjoyable. Movement evolves organically, connections deepen, and there is a sense of ease and inspiration in the dancing. A good part of my research is to be able to access and sustain this possibility - it is an ongoing question with wonderful experiences for myself along the way.

This workshop offers an approach to make this inspired state more accessible through conscious choice rather than leaving it to coincidence, developing a skill that allows dancers to connect more consistently to the richness and spontaneity available in contact improvisation. One side of the workshop will be about mobility and following through, the other side will be about trusting yourself and following your creative spirit.