BIO
After many years of dedicated dance practice, Panu discovered Contact Improvisation in 2003 and fell in love with it immediately. Over the past two decades, he has practiced and studied CI extensively, both in Finland and internationally. While he greatly values the learning and inspiration gained from the wider international CI scene, much of his growth has been nurtured within the vibrant Helsinki contact community, where he has been an active participant for many years.
Alongside his journey in Contact Improvisation, Panu has explored movement deeply through Pilates, capoeira, and a wide range of movement practices. In recent years, he has reconnected with the circus scene, where his main interest lies in partner acrobatics. By day, he is involved in university life, and in the evenings works as a Pilates and movement teacher. He approaches his practice with both curiosity and analytical insight, while also valuing the non-analytical flow and spontaneity inherent in movement and in life.
Leaning Into Motion
Teacher: Panu
Pathway: Mechanics of Contact Improvisation
Class description
What happens when we dare to give more weight, move farther off balance, or let go of knowing exactly where we are? This class explores the core principles of Contact Improvisation through progressive exercises in weight-sharing, momentum, orientation, disorientation, and collective exploration.