fREQUENTLY aSKED qUESTIONS
I'm still confused....is this movement, is this dance? What does it look like?
It's all movement and it's all dance. Often times we think of dance as something graceful, that keeps beat with the music....we have a mental image of how that looks. Your movement may look like that, it may look quite different, it may be on the floor, in a chair, or jumping around. All are welcome....we all have days of feeling inspired to do each of those things, and all of those movements have space on the dance floor. When it's inspired from your curiosity, respectful of the space, and attuned to your needs...that's all that matters. There is no judgement, this is a safe space to play and learn.
It may look like rest, pause, expansion, contraction....it may feel big, small, emotional, physical, spiritual....all of these elements are welcomed as a space to explore.
Do I have to know how to dance to attend? What if I have no rhythm?
You'll learn how to tune in to your body....give it time.. There is the external beat of the music you may be attending to or the internal beat of your heart, your breath. You don't have to be in tune with the music. Your dance, your movement, is your own to explore and express.
What do I wear?
Once again, this is about you. Choose something comfortable to move in, comfortable for you! Layers are great. Let your body pick what it prefers on the day of our event!
What kind of music can I expect?
It will vary....diverse and danceable. Some songs you will love, some may not resonate with you. The music has been chosen to set a mood, to evoke emotion and energy. Maybe some African drums, an old Motown hit, some disco, classical piano, Bossa Nova, a waltzy tune.....lots of variety.
Another way this practice is practice for life.....sometimes things are amazing, sometimes less than inspiring....how do you show up regardless? The music will start slow, then will take you on a fun path, returning you to a calm place to head out the door.
Do I have to be in shape? Is this exercise?
Everyone is welcome. You may be injured and need to dance in a chair or on the floor. It's about movement.....however small or big. Sometimes the dance is happening more on the inside than anyone would be able to see on the outside.
Is there a dance floor etiquette? What should I expect?
Please help us maintain a fragrance free space by not wearing scented lotions, perfumes, or detergents...it's helpful for those who are sensitive (of whom I am one!).
Most folks dance in bare feet, if your feet need support you may choose some shoes that have non-marking soles.
This is a substance-free space....the invitation is to practice without the influence of drugs or alcohol.
We'll hold a nonverbal space....eliminating talking on the dance floor allows us to move out of our heads and into our bodies, hearts, and souls. We leave behind the words and worries of the day and connect with ourselves and other in new ways.
Because this is a mindfulness practice and space, I've limited attendance to those aged 16+.
Openings and closings are important in group coherence and the experience of all involved. Arrive a few minutes early if possible and stay until the end. Let the me know if you are unable to do so.
Listen to your body. This practice is about being "conscious", moving in ways that are right for you. It is an invitation to discover your own ways of being, where you get stuck, and where you resist.
Experiment, play, explore, and also be aware of your own limitations and what your body may need. If you decide to take a break from moving, you are welcome to sit and observe all that is going on in the room or all that is going on within you.
Use your dance as a practice in presence. When you find your mind wandering to how you look, judgment about the other dancers or the music, thinking about your plans for after the event, bring your attention back to your feet, your breath, the beat of the music.
I do not facilitate contact improv or other forms of dance, so I can't support/guide those modes of movement. Seek out spaces that do, if you're interested.
What is your training, who are your influences?
I've been dancing as a practice for the past decade, but more intensely with Soul Motion™, who I became a certified teacher with in November 2022.
My primary teachers and influences include Vincent Martinez Grieco, the founder of Soul Motion™. He has gone on to teach his Next Steps and continues to be an inspiration and to have an impact on how I teach.
Michael Molin-Skelton has also had a huge impact on me....I've admired his teaching, his connection with ritual, his ability to hold a dance floor while inviting movement with challenging topics, and his dedication to this practice and leadership in Soul Motion™. I'm honored to call him my teacher and mentor.
Winky Wheeler is another star in my sky....my first teacher in Soul Motion™, she truly embodies her work and is able to share in words and movement what she is trying to convey so beautifully. We've done one online series together and our hope is to collaborate more regularly.
Zuza Engler is who I'm moving with the most these days....always inspiring! She has beautifully combined her work as a psychotherapist with her long time work as a Soul Motion™ teacher, mindfulness practitioner, and wild lover of life. I'm currently in a year long program with her that has had a huge impact on my work.