Open Floor: Embodied Dance & Movement

Welcome!

This weekly 90-minute class is a space to move, groove, arrive in your body, meet yourself in the “here and now,” and cocreate community.

We'll engage the practice of Open Floor, engaging dance, movement, and guided inquiry/reflection as a form of connection, meditation, awareness practice and learning.

There are no steps to follow, no performance, no “right or wrong” — just showing up. A dance might look like wild, sweaty expression or the gentle tapping of a finger.

We explore new ways of moving and responding to life with intention and curiosity. As we play with different movement options, we learn more about our patterns and expand our capacity for flexibility, resilience, and ease — both on and off the dance floor. It's like group therapy - in motion! It's how human beings have gathered since the beginning of time.

The Specifics
With music and guidance, we practice bringing attention to our physical sensations, thoughts, and feelings as we "move and include". Classes include a mix of structured exercises, verbal guidance, open dancing, and music — something different each week. We follow the gestalt movement cycle:

• Open Attention: Arrive and warm up, preparing the body.
• Entering: Drop into your body, the theme, and the present moment.
• Exploring: Deepen into movement resources through guided and self-led dance.
• Settling: Integrate and digest, supporting the nervous system to encode new possibilities and pathways.

Exercises may be solo, paired, or in small groups. Partner or group work is always optional, and physical contact only happens with clear consent. Some dancers enjoy touch; others do not. Both choices are welcome. We recognize that initiating or declining contact can feel vulnerable, and Shelley actively supports these conversations and tracks group safety throughout class.

Open Floor is an inclusive space. We honor all bodies, lineages, and paces. Chairs are available in the movement space for sitting as desired. In our inquiry map, we use the terms "soul" and "spirit" broadly, referring to a connection with something larger than ourselves. We sometimes include a visual focal point — some see it as an altar, others as an art installation.

What to Bring?

• A water bottle and a journal/notebook if you want to record your experiences.
• Many people like to dance barefoot. Soft shoes are also good. Avoid socks and outdoor shoes. Socks make it easier to slip and get injured.
• We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and layers so you can adjust temperature.

Sliding Scale
To support accessibility and community care, we offer a three-tier sliding scale. Choose the tier that feels right for you — no explanation needed.

• Community Supported: $5–10
  For those needing a lower rate so it can be accessible.
  *If the minimum isn't accessible, please talk with Shelley about energy exchange (e.g., help with set-up/break down; greeter; posting)
• Sustainer: $15–20
  Covers the costs of class. Choose this tier if you're able to pay the standard rate.
• Supporter: $25–30
  For those with more financial ease. Choosing this tier helps fund Community Supported dancers.

Getting Here & Parking Tips

Come early for easy parking and enjoy North Park's farmers' market (Thursdays from 3-7:30p) just one block down North Park Way from the Lodge.

Our dance doors open at 6:15p so you can settle in and stretch and take your precious time. The entry door to the dance hall is on North Park Way.

If you can't easily find street parking, there's a parking garage one block away on North Park Way and 29th ($5 for the evening).

***
It bears repeating . . . You are welcome exactly as you are. We look forward to moving and being moved, together. Resourced by our embodiment practices, may we create adaptive and regenerative relationships with ourselves, each other, and our planet.