But… what’s it gonna feel like?

For a long time, I took the same few dance classes religiously. I loved the teachers, the style, the music, the people. I knew what to expect. I had a good idea of how I’d feel inside class, and afterward.

When I started challenging myself to try new classes, I always had anxiety. What would it feel like? What would happen? Would I feel lost? Would it trigger shame or insecurity in me? Would it be right for my needs, my body?

In asking new friends and strangers if they’d like to come take my new-to-them Joyful Movement class, I am aware that you may be feeling some of those same fears and doubts.

So in this email, I am offering some answers to questions I imagine you may have.

Q: I am “out of shape.” Is this class going to be too much for me?

A: The idea of “out of shape” depends upon the idea that there is a shape ideal. I have no goal for what your body will look like, feel like, how much stamina or flexibility you’ll have, or what your movement will look like. I believe everyone is as they should be at any given moment. That doesn’t mean we won’t shift and change, but it does mean that there are NO expectations of what you’ll want to do on any given day. And, while I treasure seeing everyone, if having a camera on is not what you want some days, that’s fine too. Move, sit, lie down, listen to the music, do as much as feels right for you each class, and learn about yourself by making those choices.

Q: I have two left feet. Will I feel lost or awkward?

A: Wait, literally, two left feet? That’s so interesting! Shoes must be challenging, though…
But seriously, this movement is organic, natural, and easy. I do it with you. I accumulate it, so you are only adding one thing at a time. And, again, you do what you can do in the way you want to do it at any moment. The students in my classes are dancing for fun, not for vanity or competition. We are all moving together to music, while I talk you through each change. I come from a place of invitations, not expectations, and when I say every body, I mean it. That means every ability, every age, every size. Every. Body.

Q: You said some parts are improvisation. What does that mean?

A: Improvisation means you make it up. It means staying in flow and just letting yourself move any way you like. But I also give prompts and suggestions, and ways to help spark your body into movement. So, it is not a stressful event. It is a chance to recuperate from moving with steps to moving from your instinct, desire, and inspiration.