Want to be active and creative in a supportive setting?
Move in new ways, release tension, connect and have fun.
Autumn 2016 community classes:
Thursdays 1:30pm-2:30pm,
Two more classes: Nov. 17- Nov. 24 (*No class Nov. 10th), drop-ins welcome,
at the Bayanihan Community Centre (1709 Blanshard St.).
Sliding scale $0-$15 per class.
Free for Salish people, in recognition that the class is taking place in Lekwungen (Songhees) and Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) Homelands.
No dance experience needed. Each session includes a variety of guided dance activities that encourage freedom of movement, where each person chooses how they feel like moving and interacting (dance improvisation). In this class there is no wrong move, and there are no routines to remember. “Two left feet” = No problem!
This class is focused on inclusivity. See below for accessibility details. Sessions are facilitated by Joanne Cuffe.
Please do not wear perfumes, colognes or scented products, as some participants have allergies. Thank-you.
Please be in touch to register or to sign up for the monthly Dancing for Wellbeing newsletter.
Accessibility details:
Dancing for Wellbeing sessions aim to be welcoming & inclusive of people with diverse abilities, gender identities, bodies, minds and backgrounds. The facilitator aims to facilitate in a way that is trauma-informed, queer-positive and fat-positive, and appreciates feedback about how to nurture a supportive space. Classes are focused on ages 19-85+.
All abilities: Activities are geared to the group who is present and adapted with that day’s participants. Chairs are available; you are welcome to sit or stand to dance. If you would like to lie down to dance, please bring something to lie on (e.g. mat/ blanket).
Wheelchair-accessible space: the dance space and an all-genders single-stall washroom are at ground level. Please note that, because the main door does not have an automatic button, the door will be propped open from 1:20pm-1:35pm or, if you arrive late we will come hold the door open.
Location: the Bayanihan Centre is at 1709 Blanshard Street, between Fisgard Street (a.k.a. Balmoral) and North Park Street.
–Bus: It is a couple blocks to Douglas Street (and stops for buses #4, 11, 14, 21, 22, 30, 31, 50, 72, 75), a couple blocks to Quadra Street (bus #6), and a few blocks to Pandora buses (#2, 27, 28).
–Car: Please note that there are no parking spots next to the building (although pulling in to get dropped off is welcome). There may be parking in the lot next to Serious Coffee and Intrepid Theatre at the corner of Fisgard & Blanshard.
–Bike: There are bike racks a block away on the road in front of 843 Fisgard (there are also lamp posts along Blanshard; please be mindful not to block accessibility of the sidewalk).
For further accessibility details and requests please be in touch.
More details:
Wearing comfortable clothes for movement is recommended. You are welcome to have bare feet or wear shoes or slippers; if you prefer to dance in socks or stockings please be careful not to slip.
Donations are very welcome, appreciated and will allow the community class to continue beyond November. For example, a donation of $100 will pay for 5 weeks of the space rental fee; $15 will subsidize a class for a low-income participant; and donations of bus tickets are also welcome. Thank-you!
For a longer description of the type of dance: see the overview page, the description on the page from previous sessions at Heart & Hands, or the frequently asked questions page.
Other opportunities to dance include:
–Adaptive Dance classes in partnership with MOVE Adapted Gym.
–50+ Dance Troupe at Cedar Hill Recreation Dance Studio.
–Dancing into Wellbeing: A Creative Toolkit for Stress workshop at Royal Roads on Saturday March 4, 2017.