July 30-August 2, 2026 | Labas Noras, Antaviešė, Labanoras Forest

I am delighted to invite you to the 4-day Contact Improvisation retreat Rooting.

During these four days, we will invite you to take root in the practice of Contact Improvisation and explore what it means to experience yourself as a living, pulsating, creative body, which is a natural phenomenon in itself.

Registration: https://forms.gle/27dwyAFaUR17X67a8

The retreat consists of two parts

Part one: we will dive deep into Contact Improvisation (CI) with Aistė. This dance form, more than any other, allows for a deep exploration of movement through touch, weight-sharing and genuine connection. Having practiced for over a decade, Aistė will guide you into this language of bodily movement, sharing the knowledge and experience she has accumulated over the years.

Part two: Živilė will invite you to connect with nature through somatic walks. This is the fruit of her authentic, long-standing experience in somatic therapy and dance exploration. Živilė will guide you into a poetic, mythological, physical and ecological experience - a story about a pulsating, living connection with the environment and how this connection directly affects us and our biology.

By merging these two practices, I believe we will spark the magic of being: pure joy of movement without judgment, creativity arising from spontaneous togetherness, and the experience of a dance that connects us all.

The program

  • 🧘‍♀️ Morning yoga - to prepare our bodies and minds for the day ahead.
  • 🕺 Contact Improvisation sessions - we will explore weight, balance, soft falling and rolling, learning to cooperate with the force of gravity.
  • 🌲 Somatic walks - a deep and sensitive immersion into nature.
  • 🎶 Evening jams - a space to freely practice what we've learned and integrate the day's experiences.
  • 🪵 Sauna and bonfire - we will have the opportunity to heat up the sauna and unwind by the fire in good company.
  • 🍲 Amazing food - our bodies will be pampered by Raminta Janulienė, a true CI lover.

Expect both dynamic, endurance-testing movements and slow somatic movement - subtle practices to help you listen deeply to your own and your partner's movement.

What is Contact Improvisation?

It is a postmodern dance practice rooted in 1972 America. It was originally developed by an improvisational dance and performance group led by Steve Paxton, with significant contributions to its growth and expansion from Nancy Stark Smith, Lisa Nelson, Nita Little and many others.

This dance was born out of an experiment to understand how bodies in physical contact can move under the influence of physical laws such as gravity, inertia and acceleration, alongside natural bodily reflexes. Touch and playing with your own and another's body weight form the essential foundation for improvising together.

This dance teaches you to listen closely to your own and your partner's movement, expands your physical possibilities, and allows you to experience the pure joy of co-creation.

What is a somatic connection with nature?

Our relationship with nature begins in the body. Through interoceptive senses - the ability to feel ourselves from within - we can build a true, reciprocal bond with the environment. When we feel ourselves, we begin to feel nature. Not just to use it, but to remember how to be a part of it.

Just as trees root into the earth, we will look for ways to root into ourselves - into a living, spontaneous, joyful and flowing sensation.

Who is this retreat for?

  • 🌱 For beginners - a perfect opportunity to get familiar with the fundamentals of Contact Improvisation and discover an exciting new way to move. Somatic walks and yoga sessions will help you gently ease into the process.
  • 🌳 For experienced movers - an invitation to expand your movement vocabulary and enrich the roots of your practice, combining CI with Živilė's ecological and poetic nature experiences.
  • ✨ For anyone who wants to experience themselves as a living, pulsating, creative body; feel the pure joy of movement; rest in the nature of the Labanoras Forest; unwind in the warmth of the sauna; and enjoy Raminta's amazing food.

More about us

Aistė: Instagram @contactimpro_aistejanciute
Živilė: Instagram @zivilevirkutyte, https://thelessstress.com/

What do you need to know?

  • 📍 Location: the retreat takes place at the "Labas Noras" homestead in Antaviešė, Labanoras Forest. More info about the venue: labasnoras.lt/apie-mus/
  • 🏡 Accommodation: we will stay in a cozy house on mattresses or outside in your own tents. The number of indoor spots is limited.
  • 🍲 Food: vegetarian and vegan options are available. If you have favorite treats or drinks, please bring them along.
  • 📅 Participation: you can join for all 4 days, or choose a 1-day / 2-day option.

Regular prices after June 21st

Four days, food and accommodation included:

  • 🛌 1 spot - indoor with mattress and bedding: 300 €
  • 🧘‍♂️ 6 spots - indoor, bring your own mattress and sleeping bag: 280 €
  • ⛺ 6 spots - outdoor, bring your own tent: 250 €
  • ☀️ 2-day participation, bring your own mattress and sleeping bag or tent: 280 €

Registration: https://forms.gle/27dwyAFaUR17X67a8