Lights Out and Exploring Movement

Where:  418 Front Street, Santa Cruz

About Lights Out (2nd Sunday):  We relate this to dancing in your living room in your underwear, singing in the shower, the uninhibited dance breakout that releases your stresses and is simply fun.  This is a 100 minute dimly lit dance-out set to a playlist. First 40 minutes is a revolving playlist made by participants, last hour designed by Nadine.  The intention is to offer a space where you can do your own thing in a safe container, lights off so inhibitions can be lowered, and just play.  Great for the less social dancer/mover, for the trained dancer that needs some studio space to play, and for everyone who needs to shake out the stresses of life the way dance does like no other.

Exploring Movement (4th Sunday):   This is a two hour sensory experience of led exercises in freeform/improvised expression that will explore the theme of sight and the absence of it.  Live/electronic music and video projections are our backdrop, journaling/drawing  conclude our practice. 

The emphasis is on a visual, movement and sound experience that goes intrinsically toward dance but can be any type of movement one feels inspired to do.  The intention set through the exercises offers a personal exploration and a recognition of the community presence in the room, the live performance of music and sound art supports and inspires the dance, and the space designed for safely letting go to the dance-self.  The class pulls from Butoh, modern, ritual, and improvisational dance as well as other movement exercises.  The exercises take us on a physical and creative journey through story and expression, helping us gain more physical, mental and emotional awareness, developing a deeper sense of self through movement play, supporting our presence in daily life.

About Freeform dance:  If you have questions about body language, effective ways to understand your dance partner and also how to communicate yes or no, reach out to Nadine.  We welcome participants of all ages who are able to show up, honor themselves and others, honor the altar, and the silences and the non-verbal aspects of this dance.

Freedom of expression is celebrated and honored, and so is sexuality. Consent culture is a part of keeping ecstatic dance spaces safe. Please communicate any challenges you have, we love to hear about your experience.