Exploring Authentic Movement with West Liberty

Inside each of us is a dance that only we can call forth and express. This expression can re-connect us to a deeper understanding of ourselves, our desires, our fears and our dreams. In this class, we will each find that dance using Authentic Movement Practice as our guide. It is an improvisational practice that gently unveils our body’s unique expression and allows us to be witnessed in it. It is a practice that allows for participation regardless of experience level with dance, offering profound insight to beginners and advanced movers alike. This class is perfect for those interested in ecstatic dance but desiring more structure around how to access improvisational dance, or for those who already love ecstatic dance and are looking for more sharing and interaction in their improvisational movement.

About the Event

This workshop will take place in the comfort of a warm, well lit yurt on the Sacred Dwelling property. There is a wood chip path that leads from the parking area to the yurt (about 2-3 min. walk). We will begin with hellos and a warm up. The bulk of our time will be spent exploring Authentic Movement Practice together. Please wear clothes you can move easily in. Shoes will be removed upon entrance to the yurt.

A note on accessibility:

Although class participants may be asked to get up and down from the floor and/or to lay on the floor, this entire class can be done seated in a chair. However, the yurt is not wheelchair accessible.

West aims to make this workshop accessible to people of all ages and abilities. If you need wheelchair access, or plan to participate in a chair or if there is another specific accommodation that will make it easier for you to participate or if you have questions about accessibility, please email West (thebodyasteacher@gmail.com).

* Please take a COVID home test the morning of the workshop and do not participate if you test positive or have COVID like symptoms - you will be offered a full refund in the case of a positive COVID test or COVID like symptoms. Participants are not required to wear masks, but encouraged to if you are uncertain of your health status or have even a simple cold.

Pricing:

This class is offered on a sliding scale from $35-$65. We don’t want the cost of this workshop to hinder your participation if you are feeling deeply called to participate. If the low end of the sliding scale is still a barrier to your participation, please reach out to West.  Please select the 'Authentic Movement Pass' for the sliding scale options to come up.

About West Liberty:

West (they/them) has been teaching people to connect to their bodies through somatic movement since 2013. They are a lifelong dancer, and have performed everywhere from stages to cathedrals and under freeway overpasses. They are also a practicing astrologer, tarot practitioner and ritual guide. Their work combines somatics, divination and ritual practice to create healing at personal and collective levels.

West is a queer and non-binary, reconnecting Métis person. They are of Anishinaabe, French and Irish heritage, an enrolled member of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana and a descendant of Turtle Mountain Chippewa.These identities often place them at an ‘in-between’ place; not quite belonging here or there. These experiences, along with their relationship to their ancestors and lineages (both genetic and not) shape the worldview they hold and the energy they bring with them into their work.

You can find out more information about West and their work at https://thebodyasteacher.weebly.com/