When we gather, our sense of confidence, ease, pleasure, and responsibility can be enhanced or degraded.
It's in our hands to create a good space through self care and attention to others. If you have questions, please ask me.
No previous experience required.
No pressure to move like others or live up to any notion of “dancing”. This space is for 5Rhythms/Open Floor practice: using body sensing to play with movements, pauses, shapes and locations.
No pressure, period. Consent is our standard (e.g. to partner or group dance, touch, or try a specific guided activity).
By definition, consent is extended & withdrawn with no need for explanation.
No body is preferred or disdained. We practice mutual respect. My responsibility includes active care & equity. I keep learning about barriers & harms faced by many in group settings. When there is rupture, we practice repair. If there’s an issue arising for you, please address it with those concerned or raise it with me.
This is an emotion, spirit, mind, body, and sex positive space.
Sounds are welcome; screaming is not. Noticing & engaging with your whole self is a big yes; exiting practice to make out is a no.
You're welcome and encouraged to dance with others. Part of our practice is learning to approach, and to say no or yes for as long as we choose. To say no, turn or move away/shake your head/hold up a “no thank you” hand. To say yes, turn toward/give eye contact/nod. To move on, use a parting gesture that feels natural and clear to you.
:::::
Practical agreements for everyone
Arrive on time and stay for the whole practice, with the odd exception (because life!) If your situation makes this impossible, please let me know.
Inform the teacher if you leave early. I need to know you're okay before you go.
Ask the teacher for orientation or support if desired, including physical/emotional first aid.
Silence in the space where others are practicing. Leave the dance floor to chat.
To communicate when gestures don’t work, just use simple words: Are you okay? Sorry I bumped you. No. Stop. Give me space. I’m injured. I need the teacher.
We put away phones and leave them be. Those who use tech to monitor health conditions or who are medics or caregivers on call are, of course, exceptions.
No photography, video, or Shazam. It punctures the container and others' boundaries.
It's okay to use a blanket for body-on-floor movement if you're dealing with injuries or chronic illness. Put it away when not dancing on it—to keep the floor open to all.
This is not a spectator sport. When we take a break, we stay engaged because we're still part of the group and practice. No need to separate ourselves or go to the wall.
We shift between movement and conscious body rest anywhere on the floor.
Don't use intoxicants before or during class. If we use CBD/THC for medical reasons, we favour non fresh-smoke delivery.
Bare feet or clean indoor shoes, please. Socks without sticky bottoms = falls. Dirty shoes = ouch and yuck for others' bare feet.
Minimize scented products on body and laundry. People have allergies.
Please wash and use deodorant. (There is some onsite in the washrooms.)
:::::
Self care measures
Bring water in your own container. (And take it home with you.)
Wear non-restricting layers that make it easy for you to cool down or warm up.
Indoors, there will be *a lot* of fresh-air ventilation in all seasons. Come with warm, loose layers.
Outdoors, come prepared for cold, wind, rain, and hot sun. Weather changes. A lot.
If you have tender joints or injuries, it's a great idea to wear cushioned shoes.
Chairs are available for seated practice. If you don't see a seat you can use, ask me or a crew member.
If you are prone to blood-sugar dives, bring an easy-access snack.
5Rhythms Teacher Joanne Winstanley offers wonderful "Points for Practice", a very helpful orientation.
It's in our hands to create a good space through self care and attention to others. If you have questions, please ask me.
No previous experience required.
No pressure to move like others or live up to any notion of “dancing”. This space is for 5Rhythms/Open Floor practice: using body sensing to play with movements, pauses, shapes and locations.
No pressure, period. Consent is our standard (e.g. to partner or group dance, touch, or try a specific guided activity).
By definition, consent is extended & withdrawn with no need for explanation.
No body is preferred or disdained. We practice mutual respect. My responsibility includes active care & equity. I keep learning about barriers & harms faced by many in group settings. When there is rupture, we practice repair. If there’s an issue arising for you, please address it with those concerned or raise it with me.
This is an emotion, spirit, mind, body, and sex positive space.
Sounds are welcome; screaming is not. Noticing & engaging with your whole self is a big yes; exiting practice to make out is a no.
You're welcome and encouraged to dance with others. Part of our practice is learning to approach, and to say no or yes for as long as we choose. To say no, turn or move away/shake your head/hold up a “no thank you” hand. To say yes, turn toward/give eye contact/nod. To move on, use a parting gesture that feels natural and clear to you.
:::::
Practical agreements for everyone
Arrive on time and stay for the whole practice, with the odd exception (because life!) If your situation makes this impossible, please let me know.
Inform the teacher if you leave early. I need to know you're okay before you go.
Ask the teacher for orientation or support if desired, including physical/emotional first aid.
Silence in the space where others are practicing. Leave the dance floor to chat.
To communicate when gestures don’t work, just use simple words: Are you okay? Sorry I bumped you. No. Stop. Give me space. I’m injured. I need the teacher.
We put away phones and leave them be. Those who use tech to monitor health conditions or who are medics or caregivers on call are, of course, exceptions.
No photography, video, or Shazam. It punctures the container and others' boundaries.
It's okay to use a blanket for body-on-floor movement if you're dealing with injuries or chronic illness. Put it away when not dancing on it—to keep the floor open to all.
This is not a spectator sport. When we take a break, we stay engaged because we're still part of the group and practice. No need to separate ourselves or go to the wall.
We shift between movement and conscious body rest anywhere on the floor.
Don't use intoxicants before or during class. If we use CBD/THC for medical reasons, we favour non fresh-smoke delivery.
Bare feet or clean indoor shoes, please. Socks without sticky bottoms = falls. Dirty shoes = ouch and yuck for others' bare feet.
Minimize scented products on body and laundry. People have allergies.
Please wash and use deodorant. (There is some onsite in the washrooms.)
:::::
Self care measures
Bring water in your own container. (And take it home with you.)
Wear non-restricting layers that make it easy for you to cool down or warm up.
Indoors, there will be *a lot* of fresh-air ventilation in all seasons. Come with warm, loose layers.
Outdoors, come prepared for cold, wind, rain, and hot sun. Weather changes. A lot.
If you have tender joints or injuries, it's a great idea to wear cushioned shoes.
Chairs are available for seated practice. If you don't see a seat you can use, ask me or a crew member.
If you are prone to blood-sugar dives, bring an easy-access snack.
5Rhythms Teacher Joanne Winstanley offers wonderful "Points for Practice", a very helpful orientation.