Question 1

Do I need to register in advance?

Accepted Answer

Advance registration isn’t required for jams. You’re more than welcome to drop in and pay via cash or etransfer at the door. That said, we do encourage registering in advance when possible, as it helps us plan the space and ensure the best experience for everyone. Learning series and specific workshops do require registration, so please look through specific event descriptions for more details.

Question 2

I’m not used to a lot of contact, is that ok?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many people coming into the space for the first time are used to less physical contact than what can be present at Colours in Contact. Part of the practice is gently increasing our comfort with platonic touch in a way that is grounded, consensual, and supportive. This can take time, and we intentionally make space for breaks and for moving at a pace that feels right for you.
The contact at Colours in Contact is always platonic and does not invite romantic or sexual interaction. Being in this space is also a practice of listening to yourself by taking breaks, communicating your needs, and expressing your comfort levels. You’ll be guided through this process slowly and with care.

Question 3

What if I feel awkward or don’t know what to do?

Accepted Answer

That’s completely normal and very common, especially at the beginning. Rest assured that we don’t require you to know steps or “do it right.” It’s also not a lead/follow dance; movement is co-created moment by moment. Feeling unsure, curious, or even awkward is part of the process!
You’ll be offered simple guidance and structures to help you get started, and you’re always welcome to pause, observe, or move in a way that feels natural to you. There’s no expectation to perform or be creative in a certain way. The practice of dancing at Colours in Contact is about listening - to yourself, to gravity, and to each other. Over time, what once felt awkward often becomes playful and fascinating.

Question 4

Contact improv seems very intimate, is there a lot of romance or intimacy involved?

Accepted Answer

It can look intimate from the outside because it involves physical closeness and touch, but at Colours in Contact the practice is not intended as romantic or sexual. Touch is platonic and grounded in movement, weight-sharing, and listening. There’s no expectation - or invitation - for romance, flirting, or sexualized interaction.
Contact improv is about awareness, responsiveness, and shared movement, not about finding romantic partners. Clear boundaries, consent, and mutual respect are central to the space, and you’re always encouraged to communicate your comfort level, take breaks, or step away at any time.We recommend attending at least three jams to get used to the feeling of the space and practice getting more comfortable with the touch that is present.

Question 5

What are some of the top benefits of contact improv?

Accepted Answer

Contact improv offers a wide range of physical, mental, and social benefits, helping dancers move more freely, connect with others, and explore movement with curiosity and confidence. Here are just some of the top ones:

- Builds body awareness and physical intelligence through listening, touch, and movement 
- Improves balance, coordination, and strength in a natural, adaptable way 
- Supports healthy aging by maintaining mobility, balance, and adaptability 
- Encourages creativity and spontaneity without the pressure of choreography 
- Develops trust, communication, and relational skills through non-verbal dialogue 
- Supports nervous system regulation and stress release through embodied presence 
- Increases confidence in movement and comfort with uncertainty 
- Cultivates consent, boundaries, and respectful connection through shared practice 
- Fosters a sense of community, play, and belonging

Question 6

Do you have any tips for beginners to contact improv?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Come with curiosity and kindness toward yourself. You don’t need prior experience, and listening to your body, moving at your own pace, and taking breaks when needed are all part of the practice. It’s completely okay to spend time observing, moving slowly, or opting out of a dance at any point. Clear communication, consent, and mutual respect are central to the space.

For first-time attendees, we’ll also offer a short briefing when you arrive, where we’ll go over the jam structure, shared agreements, and what to expect, so you can feel oriented and supported before jumping in.

Question 7

What if I feel uncomfortable or want to stop at any point?

Accepted Answer

You’re always welcome to stop, pause, or step away at any time. Listening to your boundaries is encouraged and respected. You can say no, disengage from a dance, or choose to rest or observe, with no explanation is needed.

If something doesn’t feel right, you’re invited to trust that feeling. Facilitators are also present and available throughout jam if you need support or want to check in.

Question 8

Can I bring my child to a contact improv jam?

Accepted Answer

Yes, children are welcome, as long as they stay close to you and remain under your care at all times. Please be mindful that contact improv involves moving bodies, shifting levels, and limited visibility, so your child’s safety and comfort are your responsibility throughout the jam.
If you have any questions or are unsure whether a jam is the right fit for your child, feel free to check in with us in advance.

Question 9

What if I have an injury or physical limitations?

Accepted Answer

You’re welcome to attend while honouring your body and its limits. Contact improvisation can be adapted to many different capacities, and you’re encouraged to move gently, take breaks, or opt out of contact at any time. You’re never expected to push through pain or discomfort.

If you’re working with an injury or ongoing condition, please let the facilitators and your dance partners know so they’re aware and can adjust accordingly. This helps support clear communication, consent, and a safer experience for everyone.

Question 10

What should I wear and bring?

Accepted Answer

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Layers are recommended so you can adjust as your body warms up. Most people dance barefoot. Avoid clothing with zippers, sharp edges, or accessories that could scratch.

We also recommend bringing kneepads if you have them, as floor contact is common. If you don’t own a pair, kneepads are available for purchase at the jam.

Bring a water bottle, and anything else you need to stay comfortable and cared for during the session.

Question 11

What makes Colours in Contact different from other contact improv spaces?

Accepted Answer

Colours in Contact is rooted in an explicit commitment to welcoming all people, with particular care toward creating a space where BIPOC dancers feel genuinely invited, seen, and supported.
We place a strong emphasis on creativity and collective exploration, rather than performance, sequences or hierarchy. The jam is held as a community space, one where people are welcome to experiment, connect, rest, and grow relationships over time, in whatever way feels right for them.
Music is an integral part of the experience. Rather than dancing in silence, we work with curated music to support rhythm, expression, and emotional range, giving the jam a textured, playful, and alive quality.
And after each jam, we always head out together for food and/or drinks, creating an easy, informal way to unwind, share time, and continue building community beyond the dance floor!

Question 12

Is talking allowed at jams, or is it silent?

Accepted Answer

Yes, soft talking is allowed, unless a jam is explicitly advertised as silent (for example, blindfold ams). Gentle verbal communication can support consent, learning, and connection, and is welcome when it’s respectful of the space and those around you.
We encourage people to learn from one another, share discoveries, and  tinker together, too! As always, listening - both to each other and to the room - is part of the practice.

Question 13

What is the community vibe like?

Accepted Answer

Warm, playful, and  welcoming! We’re a fun-loving bunch who enjoy learning together, laughing together, and supporting one another through the ups and downs of life. Care and consideration for each other are woven into how we move, dance, and relate, on and off the floor.

We love hugs (with consent!), we’re genuinely happy to welcome new folks into the space, and we try to make it easy to feel included, whether it’s your first jam or your fiftieth. Sharing food is also a big part of how we connect. Potlucks, meals after jams, and lingering conversations are all part of the community fabric.

At its heart, Colours in Contact is about dancing, yes, but it’s also about belonging.

Question 14

What do you offer other than contact improv?

Accepted Answer

Colours in Contact is always evolving and expanding. In addition to contact improvisation jams, we offer specialized workshops and experiences, learning series and one-on-one support for those seeking more personalized guidance around movement, presence, and embodied well-being.
Our offerings grow in response to the community and the people involved, so you may see new classes, workshops, or collaborations emerge over time. We’re interested in creating spaces that support creativity, healing, and connection in many forms.

New to Colours in Contact? Welcome!

Kneepads & 3-Jam Pass for $70

NEW DANCER PROMO!

BOOK A LEARNING SERIES OR A JAM

EXPLORE OUR PROGRESSION FRAMEWORK

READ MORE ABOUT COLOURS IN CONTACT

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS