Each rhythm in the 5Rhythms® practice is a teacher, a mirror, and a doorway into our authentic self. 

In this 4-hour workshop, we’ll explore the physical gateways that lead us into each rhythm—how they connect, the space in-between, what they reveal, and who you are in the spaciousness of your authenticity.  Gail will guide us on a map of the rhythms that uses the body (feet, hips, head, hands, and breath) as a gateway from which to enter and explore each rhythm. If you’ve been curious about the 5Rhythms practice, this workshop is for you.  

What is the 5Rhythms Practice

The 5Rhythms comprise a simple movement practice designed to release the dancer that lives in every body, no matter what its shape, size, age, limitations and experience. The 5Rhythms dance practice was founded by Gabrielle Roth; an urban shaman. The practice itself is simple, there are no steps to follow. The teaching is deep. And it comes from the dancer's wisdom and embodied insight. In each dance, we explore each of the 5 rhythms, not for its mastery, but for its medicine. We will co-create a space to experience the rhythms of FLOWING STACCATO CHAOS LYRICAL STILLNESS® (also known as a 5Rhythms Wave). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cYYzcTzm6Y&t=60s

What to Expect

Each class will focus on one of the 5 rhythms and at the same time move through all of the 5 rhythms. Expect to have time to settle in, and move on your own, while also being gently guided by music; verbal prompts or invitations. Dancers may be invited to deepen their inner dance, or prompted to dance in partnership – brief or extended – or to move as part of a larger group. Each class is emergent. The rhythms themselves are gateways to literally thousands of different movement landscapes. Like the body, they are alive and designed to catalyze the dancer’s movement expression in the moment. You are different every time you walk into the dance space; so is the group and so is your teacher. Therefore, each class holds completely unique possibilities.

Some words about touch, courtesy & consent

By participating in this class you agree to be a partner in co-creating a safe and brave space for our collective dance practice. Since this dance practice is non-verbal, please make eye contact and receive consent with other dancers before physical touch. Even if it’s your best friend or partner, on the dance floor we honor sovereignty. Someone may be having a deep experience, and touch could be disruptive or dis-regulating.  Thank you for supporting a safe and brave dance space by keeping your eyes open and establishing consent before touch.   If you are not open to touch, please say or signal by offering a Namaste  or arms crossed or by returning to your attention back to you own dance)

To respect dancers with chemical or scent sensitivities, please be scent free -- avoid wearing clothing with scented laundry detergents, scented hair or body lotions, and essential oils to the extent possible. Thank you. 

Welcome Statement

We recognize and welcome all. All races, all religions, all gender identities, all sexual orientations, all abilities, all shapes and sizes, all languages, all ages. The space is accessible to all bodies.  However, children under 18 years of age are not invited to this 4 hour workshop. 

Land acknowledgment

This is land belonging to the Nipmuc, Pocumtuc, Nonotuc people. The Native American settlement at what is now Northampton was called Norwottuck, or Nonotuck, meaning: "the midst of the river." see The Nolumbeka Project, https://nolumbekaproject.org/pocumtuck-homelands-festival/

Dancers have the option to join the first two hours (11 am - 1 pm) of the class or all four hours (11 am - 3 pm) of the class.