Chicago Contact Improvisation
Sunday Jam @ Links Hall
3111 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
www.facebook.com/groups/chicagocontactimprov
Sunday Jam Dates: 2024
DATE - Teacher - masking status
Sept 8th - Mo - required
Sept 22nd - Rad - required
Sept 29th - Tim - OPTIONAL
Oct 6th - No Class - Long Jam - mask required
Oct 20th - Kellyn - mask required
Oct 27th - Naomi - mask optional - MUSIC JAM
Next BIPOC Affinity Jam date: Nov 17th
Are masks required? It depends
One jam every month is mask-optional. All others require high quality masks to be worn at all times within the studio at Links Hall, lowered only briefly for food or drink if necessary
Whenever Illinois Wastewater Viral Activity Level (as reported by the CDC) goes above 8, masks are required
If there is only one jam in a month, it will be a masked jam
How will I know if a jam is masked or mask-optional?
Typically, the last jam of each month will be mask-optional. This information will be posted in the Upcoming Jams section of the website
How do I register for the jam?
Fill out the Registration Form once or anytime your basic info changes, then show up to dance!
Sign Up before the jam is no-longer required.
Dancers will be asked to sign in upon arriving at the jam
Waitlist and 30-person capacity is also no longer in effect
Newcomers and those who have not attended the space in 6 months are required to attend class before the jam.
What happens at the jam?
The Sunday jam opens with a structured class with a teacher, followed by a minimally structured “Open Jam” typically without music, facilitated by members of Jam Support.
Brand new folks are encouraged to attend!
Location
Links Hall: 3111 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Schedule
Most Sundays, see dates above
11:30 -11:55 Arrive
11:55 -1:00 Opening Circle and Class
1:00 - 2:15 Open Jam
2:15 - 2:30 Closing Circle
Requirement to attend class
Fill out the Registration Form once or anytime your basic info changes
Newcomers and those who have not attended the space in 6 months are required to attend class before the jam.
Actively observing from off the dance floor is a valid way to participate in class!
Circle up!
The Opening Circle is a place to state your name, your pronouns, your access needs for the day (conditions that will allow you to fully participate), any wishes you might have for future dances, and other useful information for people to know, such as recent injuries you’d like others to be mindful of. One might offer “My left ankle is injured, please be gentle when sharing weight with me” or “I do not want to be lifted today.” This is a place to practice saying what you might say again during a dance.
The Closing Circle is a place to reflect, connect, and make announcements before parting.
Why jam?
The purpose of the jam is to practice contact improvisation (CI), an evolving movement practice in which we communicate spontaneously “through touch, weight, balance, impulse and movement, in partnership with the physical forces” often by following the rolling point where two bodies connect (From Caught Falling, p. 77).
Who organizes the jam?
This jam is run by a collective of volunteers who work within committees and make decisions by consensus. To learn more about how we are organized, see Collective Governance. To contact us, please see Contact the Jam.
How should I prepare the day of to dance?
The Opening Circle will begin at 11:55 am with a 45 min to 1-hr warm-up class, led by rotating teachers.
Bring a KF94, KN95, or N95 mask or $2 to purchase one (limited supply, please bring your own if you can).
See latest COVID-19 protocol - We now have one jam per month that is mask optional! read the updated doc for info about unmasking for those jams!
Bring cash if you're able to make a donation ($10-20 suggested, no one turned away for lack of funds)
If you come down with any COVID, monkeypox (rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, aches), or other cold/flu symptoms, please stay home (if you're able, delete your name from the sign up sheet)
Choose clothing that will help you dance with ease. See What should I wear?