2026 edition
Port
Townsend
Jam
A Contact Improvisation Retreat at Fort Worden State Park, December 16–20, 2026 (Wednesday–Sunday). Join dancers from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond for five days of movement, connection, and creative exploration immersed in the stillness and quiet of nature.
the discovery of dance
Contact Improvisation Dance Retreat
What to Expect
Five days unfold through shared labs, deep‑dive intensives, and spacious jams that invite exploration and embodied play.
Every level of experience has a place here, from curious beginners to long‑time practitioners ready to refine and expand their practice.
Surrounded by Fort Worden’s ocean‑side forests, your dancing is enriched by the presence of beaches, winding paths, and the wildlife that animates the landscape.
Labs
This year’s curated labs include returning favorites and new explorations:
The Blindfold Dance
CI Basics
Spontaneous Ensemble Composition
Barriers to Entry in CI
Acrobatic Principles in Weight-Sharing
Jams
Held in the USO Building (same as previous 4 years), the studio is open daily for silent jamming and evening sessions.
Opening Jam: Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 7pm
Evening Jams: Begin nightly around 7pm
Daytime Access: Space available for quiet jamming during labs
All
Levels
Welcome
Pre-jam workshop: Get the most out of your jam experience
Grounding the Dance: Foundations for Entering the Jam
On Wednesday, December 16 from 1–4pm, Cyrus Khambatta offers a fundamentals‑focused workshop designed to help movers step into the jam with ease. Through guided explorations of shared weight across different bodies, participants learn how to sense support, respond to shifting balance, and move with continuity—no matter their age or experience. The session also introduces practical, safe approaches to lifting and being lifted, giving dancers tools they can immediately apply in improvisation.
Perfect for newcomers, returning dancers, or anyone wanting to reconnect with the essentials, this workshop has consistently helped participants feel more grounded and attuned in the jam space. It is an optional add‑on; register via the main sign‑up page.
lodging & food
Lodging & Food
Stay onsite at Fort Worden’s rustic yet cozy housing (bed, bath, kitchen/kitchenette included), camp in the park, or arrange your own accommodations.
Check-in: After 5pm, Wednesday, Dec. 16
Closing Circle: Sunday morning, Dec. 20
Check-out: By 11am Sunday Housing is separate from jam registration. Details on the registration page.
Testimonials
Recent Comments
...the dedication to the form of a lot of people and of the labs