​​​​​​​R.I.S.E.

research into somatic ensembles

February 28 - March 1, 2026

Hamburg, Germany

with Andrew Wass and Christos Litsios

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This performance lab examines how compositional intelligence emerges across solos, duets, and groups. Both Ensemble Thinking™ (ET) and Contact Improvisation (CI) originate from the same experimental tradition and share a central concern: composition in the moment. They approach this shared aim from different vantage points. ET considers the broader spatio-temporal dynamics of many bodies moving together, attending to patterns, relationships, and group decision-making. CI, in contrast, works from the tactile scale—tracking weight, momentum, shared surfaces, and the kinetic negotiation between two (and sometimes more) partners within shifting spatial contexts. Together, they offer complementary entry points into understanding how bodies co-create structure in real time.

 

In R.I.S.E., we will begin with precise solo tasks and move fluidly between ET- and CI-informed structures. Our inquiry will explore how ensemble awareness arises within solo and duet forms, and how the intimacy of partner work can sharpen the sensitivity and coherence of the larger group. By continually shifting scale—from the tactile to the panoramic—we loosen the boundaries between somatic attention, composition, performance, and witnessing.

 

Guiding questions for the lab include:

• How does observing another mover alter our own intention and action?

• Where do we sense the threshold between internal bodily experience and external spatial perception?

• What tacit hierarchies shape how we organize ourselves when dancing together?

 

This lab is designed for movers who already feel comfortable with foundational CI skills. Participants should expect to witness the dancing of others and to engage in being witnessed in return.

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Register by clicking this link

 

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Ensemble Thinking™ Lab

April 3-5 2026

facilitated by Nina Martin

Times:

Friday1-6pm / Saturday 10 - 6pm / Sunday 9 - 2pm

 

Location:

TCU SCCDance @ Lowe Hall

3000 South University Drive

Fort Worth, Texas 76109

 

Cost:

$250 to $400 sliding scale

Student scholarships available

to inquire: lowerleftcollective@gmail.com

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Payment options:

Venmo: @Nina-Martin-9​

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This performance lab qualifies for the Ensemble Thinking Certification prerequisites

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Swedish Contact Improvisation Festival

July 10-15, 2026

Ensemble Improvisation Intensive with Andrew Wass

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for more information follow this link

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​​Marfa Live Arts

presents

Ensemble Thinking™ Contact Improvisation ReWire Dancing States

@

Dance Ranch Marfa

​August 3-7, 2026

facilitated by Nina Martin, Margaret Paek, Andrew Wass

 

This performance lab is a rigorous investigation of the relationship between the self and the group in an art-making context. The workshop is intended to provide dedicated spaces for collective/individual learning and exploration. We use this time in Marfa to work, investigate, and collectively widen compositional, sensorial, and performance skills. Using Ensemble Thinking™, ReWire Movement States, and Contact Improvisation as points of departure, we will investigate the intra-relationships of the solo body, the weighted body and the ensemble. The days consist of two blocks of time in the studio. The performance lab will end with a performance that is open to the public.

 

Location: Marfa TX

USO Building, 302 S Highland Ave, Marfa, TX 79843, United States

 

Cost: $475 Pre-Registration Required 

Participant numbers are limited

Early Bird price: $400 by June 1, 2026

To register fill out this Google Form

For local Tricounty participants: contact ninamartinperformance@gmail.com for discount information

 

Refund Policy: if you ask for a refund before July 18, we keep 50$ handling feebetween July 18-July 25, we keep half of the fee. After July 25, no refund, but you can find someone to take your place

 

Payment, whichever method works for you: 

Please include note on all payments: "Lower Left"

Venmo: Marfa Live Arts @MarfaLiveArts  

Paypal via Marfa Live Arts 

Check/Money Order to "Marfa Live Arts" PO Box 1365 Marfa TX 79843

 

Schedule (subject to change):

Morning sessions:10-12:30pm

Lunch: 12:30 - 2:00

Afternoon sessions: 2:00-5pm

Free pilates mat class mornings: 9-9:50, open to the public

Performance August 5 - 6 pm, open to the public

Performance August 7 - 6 pm open to public

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Ensemble Thinking™ Lab - The Big Picture

August 24th - 30th, 2026

with Karen Mikalsen, Nina Martin, Margaret Sunghe Paek, Andrew Wass, Julie Lebel

@ National Theatre School, Oslo, Norway

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Stay Tuned for more Info

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