The power of presence, touch, and letting go in building authentic relationships
When I went to my first Touch&Play, and in fact in many places where I go to find connection or dance, I had to let go—let go of my expectations of the event, let go of trying to get what I think I need from the event, from the people in the room. As I approached the event with a more open, giving, feeling, trying to bring whatever positive energy I had into the space, I started to find more connections, sensuality, and ease.
By Ryan (he/him), organiser of T&P Cologne 2026.
As a child, I had a strong focus on meditation, Aikido, Chi Gung, and yoga. After spending 10 years studying Aikido, I fell in love with Contact Improv, and have now been dancing (very often) and teaching (occasionally) CI for 25 years. My main job is in biofeedback (measuring and changing emotional, mental, and physical states), where I founded a clinical biofeedback company, and also manage a home-use biofeedback company which combines meditation with biofeedback and AI.
I often find it hard to approach new people and start a conversation, or use words to ask for things that feel vulnerable, and am more comfortable connecting through touch and movement. Letting go of words, expectations, and control has allowed me to find deeper connection, sensuality, and authenticity—especially in spaces like Touch&Play.
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