Laying the Ground: Contact Improvisation Training
with Hugh Stanier & Vega Luukkonen
📍 Taiji Tao Temple, San Marcos La Laguna — Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
📅 February 2 – 8, 2026
About the Training
Contact Improvisation (CI) is a multidimensional movement practice that blends physical intelligence with deep listening, creativity, and relational awareness.
Born from postmodern dance, CI has evolved into a living, breathing form that touches artistic, somatic, spiritual, and social spheres.
This intensive is an invitation to explore the breadth and depth of CI in a grounded, integrative, and embodied way. Set against the volcanic backdrop of Lake Atitlán, the training offers a full journey — from foundational principles to advanced partnering and group improvisation.
Whether you come from yoga, martial arts, acrobatics, contemporary dance, or are simply body-curious, you’ll find fertile ground for cross-disciplinary learning and self-discovery through touch, play, and presence.
🌀 Training Overview
February 2–5 → Beginner / Intermediate
February 5–8 → Intermediate / Advanced
You may join for either module or the full week.
Throughout the training we’ll move from ground to air, stillness to momentum, and solo to ensemble — building a layered, responsive foundation for CI.
We’ll explore:
Gravity, breath, and embodied awareness
Spirals and pathways of the spine
Falling, lifting, and catching with safety and ease
Relational listening and shared momentum
Improvisational group dynamics and collective intuition
Rest, reflection, and embodied integration
Daily Schedule:
Morning session
9:30-12:30
Lunch Break 12:30-2:00
Afternoon session
2-5
The Venue — Taiji Tao Temple
Nestled above San Marcos La Laguna on the shores of Lake Atitlán, the Taiji Tao Temple is a tranquil practice space surrounded by forest and expansive volcano views.
Originally founded as a Taoist retreat center, it now serves as a community of mindful residents and a venue for embodiment, meditation, and creative arts.
The open-air practice hall overlooks the lake and provides an inspiring setting for movement, presence, and connection with nature.
Its peaceful atmosphere, quiet surroundings, and simplicity make it an ideal space for immersive somatic work and dance exploration.
Please note:
This training does not include meals or accommodation.
Participants are invited to bring a light prepared lunch each day and are responsible for arranging their own lodging and travel to Lake Atitlán.
San Marcos and the surrounding villages offer a wide range of options — from budget hostels to lakeside eco-lodges — all within walking or short boat distance from the venue.
Your Facilitators
Hugh Stanier (UK)
Dance Artist & Movement Educator specializing in Contact Improvisation and Floor Work, with 20+ years of teaching and performance experience.
Hugh combines contemporary dance, breakdance, and Tai Chi principles into a fluid and intuitive approach to movement.
He has taught at international festivals (Goa, Berlin, Portugal, Thailand) and performed with companies such as Wim Vandekeybus / Ultima Vez and National Dance Company Wales.
His teaching emphasizes presence, play, and organic expression, encouraging participants to discover balance and freedom through movement.
Vega Luukkonen (Finland)
Dancer, teacher, performance artist, and bodyworker with over 30 years in Contact Improvisation.
Holding a Master’s in Dance & Theatre Pedagogy from the Theatre Academy of Finland, Vega’s work weaves somatics, experiential anatomy, and technical clarity into her teaching.
Her approach invites deep listening and curiosity — exploring how breath, attention, and choice can open new pathways for movement and play.
Practicalities & Registration
Dates: February 2–8, 2026
Location: Taiji Tao Temple, San Marcos La Laguna (Lake Atitlán, Guatemala)
Language: English, Spanish translation available
Meals: Not included — please bring your own light lunch
Accommodation: Self-organized
Group Size: Limited for depth and connection
Pricing
We offer a tiered contribution system to keep this training accessible while honoring the value of the work.
Please choose the tier that best reflects your financial reality. Early bird pricing (10% off) only until December 7th.
🌀 FULL WEEK
Low Income: $657
Standard: $702
Abundant / Generous Support: $747
🌿 3-DAY WORKSHOP + JAM
Low Income: $329
Standard: $347
Abundant / Generous Support: $374
Tuition includes all classes and guided jams.
Accommodation, meals, and travel are organized independently.
Registration
📩 To register or inquire: Email Monica at
bW9uaWNhZGNhcnIgfCBnbWFpbCAhIGNvbQ== or via WhatsApp +502 4625 9953
“Laying the Ground” invites us to return to the body as a listening instrument — to meet gravity, momentum, and each other with curiosity and trust.
Through movement and stillness, solo and contact, we rediscover what it means to be fully alive in our dance.
Also check out other Workshops in SOLOLA, Arts events in SOLOLA, Health & Wellness events in SOLOLA.
