We are sad to announ

We are sad to announce that Nancy Stark Smith passed away on Friday 1. May 2020 at the age of 68. Together with the dance world we mourn the passing of an important pioneer and icon of Contact Improvisation. Her path led her from sport and gymnastics to modern and postmodern dance. In 1972, she danced with Steve Paxton in the first Contact Improvisation performances. Through her activities as dancer, teacher, performer, author, publisher and organiser she became a central figure in the development of Contact Improvisation. Besides Steve Paxton, she has worked with Ray Chung, Julyen Hamilton, Yeong Wen Lee, Andrew Harwood and the musician Mike Vargas, among others. In 1975, she co-founded the magazine Contact Quarterly, creating a platform for dance and improvisation with international appeal. We are thankful that we were able to get in touch with Nancy in 2016 and to welcome her to the festival! @contactquarterly has created a Facebook Group to share precious moments with Nancy. Let’s remember together the wonderful time we had with her! Our deepest sympathy goes out to her family and all those who mourn with us for Nancy. © Raisa Kyllikki Ranta