Restorative Contact: Mindful Touch & Movement

Are you looking for a safe structure to explore interpersonal touch? Restorative Contact, developed by somatic educator Gabrielle Revlock, begins with the understanding that touch is an important part of human development and wellbeing. In this workshop participants will be guided through a primarily floor-based choreography of movement, touch and weight-sharing, using various surfaces of the body. While the structure is set, participants are invited to adjust the positions whenever needed for greatest comfort and ease. We work slowly and mindfully with care and respect for our body as well as our partner's. Joining with a chosen partner can be a great way to deepen a pre-existing relationship—romantic or platonic. Individuals are also welcome to sign up solo and will be partnered upon arrival. This works best for participants who have a base level of comfort with interpersonal touch. Please be aware: this workshop is strictly non-sexual. Central to the Restorative Contact pedagogy is the conceptualization of touching and being touched as a simultaneous, reciprocal exchange, promoting agency and consent literacy as essential elements of ethical and effective therapeutic touch. What to expect: Through this gentle attunement practice, participants often discover a renewed sense of calm and connection—to themselves and with others. Many leave feeling more grounded, present, and open, with effects that linger well beyond the session, whether working with a familiar or new partner. Testimonials: “I was taken to a place of healing that I was not aware would be possible with a total stranger.” – Roksana “The workshop stimulated a positive hormonal charge that lasted through the next few days.” – Lys The workshop is accessible to participants who can be on the ground for extended periods of time; however, many adaptations can be offered, and the practice uses supportive props for comfort. For questions about accessibility or whether this practice is right for you, contact Gabrielle at [email protected]. Facilitator Gabrielle Revlock is a Bessie Award–winning choreographer, professional dancer, somatic educator, restorative justice practitioner, and the creator of Restorative Contact, a mindful touch and movement practice synthesizing elements of Contact Improvisation, Restorative Yoga, MBSR, Klein Technique, Authentic Movement, and Deep Listening. A practitioner of Contact Improvisation for more than 20 years, her research on the therapeutic applications of Contact Improvisation appears in Resistance and Support: Contact Improvisation @ 50 (Oxford University Press, 2024) and has been presented at conferences including CI@50, the Embodiment Conference, the Dance & Somatics Conference, and the Future of CI Conference.

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