Risk and flow in contact improvisation: Pleasure, play and presence

Grounded in Csikszentmihalyi’s flow theory, the focus of this study was to examine the role of flow as a framework for optimizing the practice of risk-taking in the teaching and learning of contact improvisation in higher education, and to better enable students to take the creative, physical and psychological risks associated with that practice. A range of qualitative methodologies were employed including observation, analysis, writing, drawing and focus group discussions. Findings of this study included: establishing shared learning environments, attending to language and tone of delivery, and ensuring the development of scaffolded tasks for trust, non-judgement, optimal experience and pleasure to flourish.