Leila McMillan’s Soft Lock 4-day workshop focuses on a system integrating improvisation tools from passing through (DZ) and martial arts jiu jitsu.
Where: b12, Eden Studios, Berlin, Germany
When: 26-29 July 2026
Deadline for applications: you can apply up until one day prior to the start of the workshop
In this workshop, we will work with duality and how two truths can occupy the same space at the same time. We will build a system where movement and jiu jitsu intersect through engaging and disengaging in physical contact and distance. We will practise tools from solo/duo improvisation, jiu jitsu drills/concepts and passing through (DZ) specific partner tools for our physical approach. We will work with hands as grips, feet as hooks, pushing and pulling, looping arms and legs, different ways to carry the body, to float on top. How to interlock limbs forming different body entanglements, how to go under and over, moving through states of tension and asserting physicality. Duality is present in how two elements can coexist, whether this be abstract or tangible, opposite or complementary, working to form a dynamic system. we will work with visible and invisible partners, entering a shadow system with the memory of our partner. You will be led through different improvisation tasks, game- and goal-based structures, working with physical states, submissive and dominant structures, change of tension, invading and escaping one’s space, and restrictions to create freedom. We will work in pairs, creating a space for a witness, a support, a director, an instigator, a shadow. this practice has been developing through the choreographic processes linked to 3 fingers at arm’s length (2017), Curl of hair (2021), Chasing Ghosts (2023) and In the shade (2025/6).
How to apply:
1st option – direct application
on each workshop page, you will find an “add to my summer workshops”, “add to my spring workshops”, or “add to my fall workshops” button. click on it and this workshop will be added to the list of workshops that you are interested in taking. to access this list, click on the icon “my spring workshops”, “my summer workshops”, or “my fall workshops” next to the menu button, and a pop-up window will open. you will now be able to start the application process.
2nd option – email application
send us an email at researchordie[at]b12.space with the workshops that you would like to take. please provide us with your full name, full address (including country), a video link and a biography. if you would like, you can add a short motivation letter for each workshop.
Costs for participants:
4 days / 14 h total w.t. / €210 – early bird* / €230 – regular / €195 – ten years of prof. exp.
Contact details: researchordie@b12.space
For further information, please visit https://b12.space/summer/4-day-research/leila-mcmillan
For more dance WORKSHOPS, visit https://dancingopportunities.com/category/workshop/rogram.fr
