Defne Erdur
I have received training in Contemporary Dance (PhD), Sociology (Master’s), Art Therapy and Creativity, Body Therapies, Meditation (WPI instructor), and Trauma Healing (SEP), and have been actively working in these areas for years.
Until 2010, I served as the coordinator of the Transit Festival, and since 2006, I have been working intensively to popularize Contact Improvisation in Turkey. I have worked with Nancy Stark Smith, Dany Lepkoff, and Kirstie Simson in this field for many years. I have also taken classes and participated in projects with instructors such as Nita Little, Andrew Harwood, Martin Keogh, Eva Karzag, Malcolm Manning, Alicia Grayson, and Sabine Parzer.
Today, I regularly give workshops representing Turkey at the Vienna International Dance Festival, ImPulsTanz. I have also taught at Contact Improvisation festivals in Malaysia, Freiburg, and Berlin, and I continue to work in many countries around the world. I also continue my work in the fields of Experiential Anatomy, Skinner Releasing Technique, and Authentic Movement.
I continue my therapeutic work in collaboration with psychologists, social workers, and physicians. The primary goal of my work is to support the physical and psychosocial development of individuals and to create safe and equitable environments. I am a founding board member and instructor of the ElimSende Association. I regularly participate in peace projects such as WinPeace, Beyond Borders, and MENA Salam, and I prioritize being active in the cause of peace in our region.
I am also one of the founders and editors of idocde.net, a website focused on documenting contemporary dance education and supporting instructors.
Dilek Üstünalan
I started dancing flamenco in 2009. I received various training in Istanbul and Spain, and I continue to do so. In 2014, I was introduced to contemporary dance through contemporary dance technique classes at the Çıplak Ayaklar Company. That same year, I also began attending workshops at ÇATI (Catholic Church of Turkey). At the end of 2014, I first encountered contact improvisation by attending Defne Erdur’s contact improvisation workshops. Since then, I’ve continued to participate in workshops and classes organized by Contact Improvisation Turkey (ci-turkey) and ÇATI. I’m also working on developing the ci-turkey website.
Hazal Kaya
I’ve loved dancing since childhood. My movement journey began with ballet in elementary school and continued with street skating. I took up volleyball in high school, went on to salsa in college, and then tried yoga, all while focusing on my own movement exploration. And finally, I discovered Contact Improvisation. I began by attending workshops led by Defne Erdur at the ÇATI Contemporary Dance Artists Association in 2013. Over the years, I’ve followed many of the Contact Improvisation Turkey events held domestically. I’ve participated in research retreats and Contact Labs led by Defne Erdur. In 2016, I participated in movement and dance workshops at the ImPulsTanz festival, where I had the opportunity to work with various instructors. My movement research continues with physiotherapists, body therapists, contemporary dancers, and fellow Contact Improvisation enthusiasts. I currently facilitate jams and share events, and continue to receive supervision from Defne Erdur during this process.
Yağmur Kutlar
After completing my undergraduate studies in Urban Planning and Master’s in Urban Design, I have been involved in various associations and projects focused on rural community life, sustainability, and participatory design. Since 2015, I have been teaching yoga and meditation regularly, assisting in various training programs, and offering individual physical therapies. Since 2018, I have been a member of the Contact Improvisation Turkey team, providing support in promotional and communication matters.
I have had a close relationship with movement since childhood. I played setter on various volleyball teams for about 10 years. I discovered yoga while participating in nature sports such as trekking, cycling, and caving. I have been practicing yoga and meditation regularly since 2011. In 2014, I discovered body therapies and began taking various training courses. Simultaneously, I discovered Contact Improvisation in my movement and body research and began attending various workshops. In 2016, I joined Defne Erdur and her research group, and I continue my individual research. I continue my movement research and learning process through Contact Improvisation workshops and jams within the Çatı Dance Artists Association, improvisation and contemporary dance workshops with various instructors within the Çıplak Ayaklar Company, and various festivals.