Mirva Makinen CI Training
Deeper diving into the practice of CI – “Horizon Falling”
28-30 August 2026 – Munich
Dynamic Flying
Step into the exhilarating world of dynamic flying in this contact improvisation workshop led by Mirva Mäkinen. Designed for movers with some prior experience in contact improvisation, this session focuses on the playful yet precise exploration of lifts, momentum, and shared flight.
Together, we will investigate how to generate and receive energy, moving in and out of the floor with efficiency and clarity. Through guided exercises, you’ll develop skills in timing, counterbalance, and responsive partnering—learning how to safely enter and exit lifts while maintaining a continuous flow.
Dynamic flying invites a balance of trust and technique. We’ll work with pathways into the air, exploring how spirals, weight shifts, and directional forces can support effortless lifting and landing. Attention will be given to listening through touch, refining sensitivity so that movement emerges collaboratively rather than through force.
Mirva creates a focused and encouraging environment where participants can expand their physical confidence while staying grounded in safety and awareness. Expect a mix of structured tasks and open improvisation, allowing space to integrate new material into your own movement language.
Requirements:
Some prior experience with contact improvisation or partner work is recommended.
Mirva Makinen
Contact dance teacher, choreographer
Mirva Mäkinen graduated as a Doctor of Dance from University of Arts in Helsinki in 2018. Her doctoral research is about Somaesthetics of Contact Improvisation. She graduated (MA) from the Dance Department from the University of Arts, Finland in 2000, before that she did Master of Physical Education from University of Jyväskylä.
She is a dance teacher, choreographer and lecturer for dance at the Kallio Upper Secondary School of Performing Arts (permanent position 2000 ->). She has been teaching in several dance companies, universities and international dance and contact improvisation festivals. Mirva has been working as a dancer with many different dance companies and choreographers, here few of them: Dancecompany Karttunen Kollektiv (choreographer Jyrki Karttunen), New Circus Company Circo Aereo, choreographer Joona Halonen, Echo Echo dance company (Ireland), collaboration with Katja Mustonen 2019-2024, collaboration with Frey Faust 2009-2012 and collaboration with Joerg Hassmann 2006-2012. Last ten years she has been working with finnish choreographer Valtteri Raekallio.
In dance I am interested in the feeling of flow and soft movement. I love to investigate movement, its rhythm and different ways of inhabiting the body. A feeling of dancing is created by being able to switch the body from total relaxation to extreme intensity and tension. I call this the body’s ability to breathe and create movement.
Link to my phd: https://actascenica.teak.fi/makinen-mirva
Link to my website: www.mirvamakinen.com
