OPEN FLOOR EMBODIMENT
LABS & WORKSHOPS
This ain’t no ordinary dance class!
To tell you the truth, these aren’t classes at all, they’re labs!
Movement labs (and workshops) where you can:
Slow down and listen to how your body actually wants to move
Experiment with different types of movement
Breathe into and explore any emotions you encounter along the way
Connect and collaborate with other people in the room
These labs are a place to rest, integrate, inhale and exhale. To turn up the heat, dream big, and connect the dots between your head, heart, and body (aka: get your dance on)! To remember—you are way more connected than these times of isolation might lead you to believe.
It’s okay if you: are new to dancing, have danced 1,000 times before, feel awkward, intimidated, bold, excited, neutral, sorrowful, or pretty damn good. It’s okay if you are navigating injury, chronic illness or pain, or late-stage-capitalism-nervous-system-overload. These offerings are for people of all abilities.
Unless directly stated, they are open to people with all levels of experience.
Dance photos and video THANKS to Taber Darland
“There’s just nothing else like it,” -Jessie, Feeding the Flame lab participant (2024)
“Kelsey held the space with so much tenderness, gentleness, and care. Her facilitation allowed me to feel safe enough to shed my layers, take risks, and reach deeper levels of intimacy with others.” -Lab participant (2023)
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Kelsey is one of the finest teachers/leaders I have known. She brings a balance of gravitas and humor that create a safe, welcoming, warm space for everyone. She is incredibly loving and clear in her communications, and leads with heart and vulnerability. I can't say enough good things about Kelsey's teaching. —Carolyn McCarthy, lab participant and mindfulness teacher (2023)
It has been a delight to participate in Kelsey's labs. A smile comes to my face as I think back on all of the moments where I lost myself to the process of movement in a gentle surrender. It's clearly evident how much heart and soul Kelsey puts into cultivating a nourishing container for the depth of work explored in the labs. Kelsey's ability to provide subtle direction, to weave together powerful music, architect bonding activities, and tell engaging tales is impressive! —JC Coughlin, lab participant (2023)
I hope to be even half as good of a facilitator as Kelsey in any future facilitation endeavors. Thank you for the inspiration and example. -Lab participant (2023)
The (movement lab) container was thoughtfully structured, allowing me to settle into the experience. I connected with deep parts of myself and felt companionship in the connection. The labs helped me process personal blocks I carry that make embodied movement challenging. The theme encouraged me to lean into grief from trauma that I am working on healing. —Lab participant (2023)
Kelsey has a presence as a facilitator that finds the edge of comfort, pushes you a little over it (respectfully and with care and permission to hold back), with the safest, softest reminder to be true to and aligned with self. Even in the stretching beyond, she navigates the complexity of the human experience with a kind, educated heart. —Liza Mindemann, lab participant (2023)
It is a gift from the gods to be human, fully human in this space. I learned how to love myself and be brave here. I am refining my gifts each lab. -Ave, lab participant (2024)
It’s rare for me to feel free to be open. Thanks for providing a safe space for that. -Lab Participant (2024)
You get what you give. Still now I wish I had done this or that, had another dance with another person..don’t be afraid to be yourself and you may be surprised at who you find. -Curtis, lab participant (2024)
If you want to move your bones and inhabit your body and soul like never before, show up open and shameless. Delightful things might happen. -Sara, lab participant (2024)
An amazing way to deepen your understanding of self and connect with others. -Lab Participant (2024)
To walk into a room of strangers and feel at home is a rare experience, yet it is cultivated from the start in these groups. A space to move the way you’re called with room/literal space to do so is a gift and an experience I would recommend to all the people I know (and also those I don’t)! -Brook, lab participant (2024)
Kelsey has a strong, calm, nurturing presence that really holds the group. Her direction of theme, readings, and voice are vital components. -Mary, lab participant (2024)
UPCOMING EMBODIMENT OFFERINGS
Monday Night Dance
w/ the Bellingham Embodiment Collective
7:15-8:45pm at The Majestic Ballroom
$15-$25 at the door
Nov. 25: Azul w/ Denise Skinner
Dec. 2: 5Rhythms w/ Scotty Lewis
Dec. 9: Azul w/ Denise Skinner
Dec. 16: The 360 Emergence w/ Danielle Pfaff
Dec. 23: NO BEC
Dec. 30: Open Floor w/ Kelsey Maloney
EMBODIED GRIEF CIRCLE: November 22, 2024, 6-9pm
WINTER WELLSPRING
An Open Floor Residential Workshop
at Aldermarsh, Whidbey Island
Guided by Kelsey Maloney and Monika Denise.
January 23—26, 2025
THE MOMENTUM OF MYSTERY
Thursdays Oct. 24-Dec. 12, 6:30-9pm
and Saturday Nov. 2, 11-6:30pm
Registration for this group has closed.