Chris Aiken is a leading performer and teacher in the field of dance improvisation and Contact Improvisation. His work has evolved through ongoing investigations of performance, learning, perception and imagination. His work has been significantly influenced through the somatic practices of the Alexander Technique, ideokinesis, yoga and structural integration. Chris has performed and collaborated with many renowned dance artists including Steve Paxton, Kirstie Simson, Nancy Stark Smith, Peter Bingham, Andrew Harwood, Ray Chung and Angie Hauser. He has received numerous awards for his artistic work, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, as well as commissions from the Walker Art Center, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, Dance Theater Workshop and the National Performance Network. Chris is an Assistant Professor of Dance at Smith College and the Five College Dance Department.
Ray Chung is a performer, teacher, engineer, and artist with a passion for dancing which he likes to share with other people. His main focus is improvisation. He has worked with Contact Improvisation since 1979 as part of his improvisational performance practice. Ray integrates other movement forms into his work, including martial arts, bodywork and Authentic Movement. He has worked with the leading proponents of Contact Improvisation and regularly collaborates with dancers, musicians, and other artists. Ray’s work has been featured at numerous national and international festivals and venues. Currently based in San Francisco & Sweden, he regularly teaches abroad.ay Chung is a performer, teacher, engineer, and artist with a passion for dancing which he likes to share with other people. His main focus is improvisation. He has worked with Contact Improvisation since 1979 as part of his improvisational performance practice. Ray integrates other movement forms into his work, including martial arts, bodywork and Authentic Movement. He has worked with the leading proponents of Contact Improvisation and regularly collaborates with dancers, musicians, and other artists. Ray’s work has been featured at numerous national and international festivals and venues. Currently based in San Francisco & Sweden, he regularly teaches abroad.