A five-day progression of daily practice. Move or be still in a community of respect, compassion and support. Practice inner and outer witnessing. Daily warm-ups with live music to enliven consciousness in the body. Sessions using imagination in other media. Time in nature.

Week I is designed to introduce Contemplative Dance/Authentic Movement to people with no previous experience. Through a carefully designed progression we will explore various dimensions of the practice. We will provide close faculty guidance in small groups, honoring the uniqueness of each person. The workshop is both restful and enlivening, playful and meaningful. Those with experience in Contemplative Dance/Authentic Movement are welcome and invited to return to the essential "beginner's mind" of this practice. 

Wednesday schedule: Registration 1-2pm; Introductory Session 2:30-4pm; Movement Session: 4:30-6:30pm

Limited to 18 participants.

Mornings

Guided Movement Meditation
Preparing the body/mind. Releasing tensions, opening channels, and enlivening consciousness in the physical body. Live musical accompaniment.

The Core of Contemplative Dance/Authentic Movement
Following the body’s impulses into deeper streams of consciousness through movement and stillness. Practicing attention and acceptance, inner and outer witnessing. Safely entering our own inner worlds in a community of respect, compassion and support. Reflecting on the experiences to ground and amplify discoveries.

Afternoons

Creative Forming
Inviting the imagination to play in other media – writing, clay, color, story. Diffusing the power of the inner critics.

Dancing in the Collective
The dance of the inner being, playing in community, active witnessing in movement.

Spirit Of Place
Exploring our relation to nature, its cycles, images, demands, possibilities. We will spend time in the natural world and be nourished by it in ways that enhance it as well. Reflecting on inner and outer ecology through movement, meditation and writing.

Evenings

Some evenings we will play and celebrate together. There will be a pot-luck meal, an evening of live music and sacred play, and a ritual closing of the week. There will also be evenings with no programming, giving you an opportunity to explore the surrounding area. 

Setting – Hampshire College, Amherst, MA

FEES

Tuition: $600

Housing: $200/4 nights

Additional nights of housing are available on campus the night before and night after: $50/night

Program can fill quickly! Secure your space by registering and sending a non-refundable tuition deposit of $200 by May 15. After May 15 ask us about the availability of spaces.

Balance of fees for tuition and housing due by June 5. 

Financial Aid: We have a limited number of work study scholarships to help with tuition. Send us your Financial Aid request by May 15 (see below for application details). 

For work study, we especially need help with set up the day before (morning/early afternoon) the workshop starts and pack up the afternoon the workshop closes. 

Payment Plan: See online payment page for option to make monthly payments towards Week I fees. 

Donations welcome! See online payment page for link to make a contribution to support another person's attendance.

Registration

Online Payment

Cancellations: 

For cancellations by June 12, 2020, we will refund all but $200 deposit. 

For cancellations after June 12, 2020, we will refund all but $200 deposit IF your space is filled by another participant or in special circumstances.