Leaning-In 2026: A Western Australian Weekend of Contact Improvisation

We are back! BACK TO THE ROOTS. After such a wonderful time shared with the community last year we are returning to the shores of Perkins Beach to gather in 2026- with the theme 'Back to the Roots of CI'.

Set by the crystal waters of the Great Southern Ocean, Leaning-In invites dancers, movers, and curious beginners to immerse in four days of Contact Improvisation. Workshops, body-based practices, live-music jam, dancing with the ocean, The Underscore, and spontaneous play — with direct access to the beach for barefoot walks and ocean dips.

Join us to celebrate and deepen with the vibrant community of Contact Improvisation of Western Australia.

This year we are absolutely buzzing to announce that we will be joined by long-term teacher and practitioner Martin Hughes flying over from Naarm (Melbourne) to share his wisdom, knowledge and curiosity from over 30 years experience.

When : 3pm Friday 6th – 3pm Monday 9th November 2026

Where : Camp Kennedy- on the South Coast of Western Australia in the Torbay Area

(https://campkennedy.org)

359 Perkins Beach Rd, Albany WA 6330

What : Fully-catered, residential weekend of Contact Improvisation practice — dance-camp style gathering of Contact Improvisation, body-based movement and community.

Who : Whether you’re new to CI or a seasoned mover, this weekend is a chance to explore connection, listening, support, and flight within a supportive, joyful community.

Nourishing meals + shared dorm-style accommodation
Morning practices to awaken and attune
Daily workshops and masterclasses from experienced teachers to delve into the practice of Contact Improvisation
Live Music Jam
Performance Night
Archival Movies
The Underscore - focused CI container for deeper exploration of the practice developed by Nancy Stark Smith
Certain child-friendly workshops/jams

Full program schedule coming soon!

LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE- last year was sold out so get in quick...

Ticketing:

$390 General Admission ($360 Early Bird- available until 6th Oct) - Accommodation, all Workshops/ Practices from 3pm Friday to 3pm Monday, and Food (lunch and dinners- BYO brekkie).

$200 Family Support - For an adult (non-dancing) attending to support with care for children, covers the cost for food, accommodation, access to beach, playground and lawns.

$70 Kids (ages 4-16) - For children above the age of 4, covers the cost for accommodation, Leaning In will cover the kid's cost for food and any child-friendly workshops. Children under the age of 4 are Free.

Family Friendly - We don't want parents to have to miss out! There will be a playground, beach access, lawns and certain child-friendly workshops/jams as well as a special ticket option for carers (bring along a partner, friend or family member who can spend a quality weekend with the kids in a beautiful location, supporting you to dance).

Children will be the responsibility of parents/carers at all times. Though there will be certain times when they are welcome and invited to join the practice and dance space, they will need to be kept safe and supervised at all times (throughout the weekend). To respect the focus of the weekend the dance spaces will be child-free the rest of the time.

Camping Option- Camping is an option or bringing your own caravan if you prefer to dorm accomodation, pricing is the same. Please note that though it is dorm accomodation, there are many more beds than we will fill so the dorms are quite spacious.

Join the Crew- Interested in helping out? Get in touch with Myla to see if there is a role available in exchange for a discounted ticket.

Contact: Myla (0455 411 238) or Bugs (0491 888 122) with any questions.

Meet us here to dance where the ocean meets the land, and the known meets the unknown.

Contact the host of Leaning In 2026: A Western Australian Weekend of Contact Improvisation