Tulsa Modern Movement

“This Car Up” is dance film and art installation about the relationship between Sarah Page and David “Dick” Rowland and their interaction in the Drexel Building elevator, the catalyzing event of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. In the mix are questions about the politics of these two bodies together (white woman and Black man).

Somatic movement is more about how we feel than what we look like. It’s accessible to anyone with a body who is willing to quiet down and approach the practice with attention, introspection, and a willingness to discover something. You might say it’s movement at the intersection of meditation and dance. The somatic practice videos we make generally take between 10-35 minutes to complete and require no more than a 10 ft x 10 ft space (usually less) in a distraction limited environment. They are HD, password protected Vimeo videos. At this time, they are only made available to monthly donors. Please get in touch via the contact page to get set up. We offer special workshops during the production season. Please join our mailing list for updates.

Practice Collectives form around texts that invite both a theoretical examination and practical application of movement-based performance methodologies. When possible, these will offer synchronous online/in-person hybrid sessions. We are currently forming a collaborative exploration of Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed (TO) . Each participant will contribute to a shared learning experience. In the spirit of a book club, members are encouraged to immerse themselves in the text, bringing personal reflections and ideas to our gatherings. Our sessions are not just about discussion; we will actively engage in exercises to interweave intellectual understanding with practical application and create a space where every member's contribution enriches the collective experience. We invite those interested in joining this collective to complete a short questionnaire to express their interest and availability. This will help us understand each potential member's expectations and schedule, ensuring that our collective is as cohesive and rewarding as possible. This is a unique opportunity for those passionate about physical theatre and improvisation to come together, learn, and grow in a mutually supportive environment.

We are practicing Ari’s Socialmodal Scores in civic spaces—engaging movement, presence, and collective action to reimagine how we relate to one another. Rather than adhering to traditional production biases, Storm centers collaboration and emergent strategies, embracing the unpredictable nature of public space as a site for relational inquiry. Rascals (dancers) Brandin Steffensen, Marie ReMalia, Natasha Abu-Fadel, Heidee Alsdorf, and Ari Christopher navigate ensemble-driven improvisation, allowing movement to arise in response to each site’s unique dynamics and the people who encounter it.

Contact Improv is a partner dance form based on the physical principles of touch, momentum, shared weight, and most quintessentially - following a shared point of contact. (Think acro-yoga and dance improvisation melted together.) The practice offers endless opportunities for choices, listening, sharing and generosity. This vibrant indoor/outdoor jam features a short class followed by an extended jam session. As the jam continues, you may choose to commun around the potluck or relax in the hot tub, sharing food and stories.

Contact Improvisation (CI) - a partner dance blending the physical principles of touch, momentum, shared weight, and maintaining a shared point of contact - is akin to a fusion of acro-yoga and dance improvisation. This practice offers endless opportunities for making choices, listening, sharing, and showing generosity, and welcomes anyone seeking to enhance their somatic awareness through touch. We are first respectful and reverent to the body in it's capacity for healing ourselves and others. You can bring the body you have, injuries and all. Ari Christopher will guide participants through the CI essentials, such as falling, safety, counterbalance, lifting using minimal effort, centering techniques, and responsiveness. This series is limited to just 8 participants, fostering a close-knit environment where trust and familiarity grow with each session. As we progress through our weeks together, you'll not only develop your skills but also form meaningful connections with fellow dancers. The Extended Jam & Potluck on Saturday May 4 wraps up our series with dance, relaxation, and community bonding. Celebrating the essence of relational community, this final session is an inclusive event open to the broader community of CI and wecomes both local participants and out-of-town guests. Session registration covers All 6 sessions.