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Permission to Move: A Movement Workshop for Joy & Release

  • Refinery Hotel 63 West 38th Street New York, NY, 10018 United States (map)

What does the idea of dancing bring to mind for you?

For so many, it's something that provides joy and fulfillment and yet for others, it can be a source of anxiety or embarrassment.

Even those that danced as kids often fear the possibility of having to dance as an adult and still others are convinced they are equipped with 'two left feet.' But the truth is, dance is nothing more than movement — and if you can move, you can dance — and even find a way to enjoy it!

Led by Women of Culture Founder, Alexandra Harper, this creative connection workshop is especially designed for those who are convinced they can't dance; those who have lost touch with their natural ability to dance, or those who simply want to re-connect with their bodies and the simple joy of movement.

It is all about letting go of any pre-conceived ideas about what dance should be or look like and finding the movement that feels right for you and your body, giving yourself permission to move, without expectation or judgement. It is an invitation to listen to the music and to your body, letting them (rather than your mind) lead the way.

This will be a great opportunity to (re)discover the pure & simple joy of movement while (re)connecting to yourself and the community in a safe and welcoming environment.

The workshop is geared toward female-identifying movers, but all genders and first-timers are welcome. No dance training necessary and no judgement allowed.

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When: Friday March 24th from 6:30-8pm
Where: the Hatbox, inside the lobby of the Refinery Hotel, 63 West 38th St.

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Tickets:
Art-full members: $10 early bird through 3/10; $15 thereafter
Non-members: $20 early bird through 3/10; $25 thereafter

FREE for Premier members - email me to RSVP


What to expect:

  • The evening will start with some grounding exercises to get out of your head and into your body. You will be led through some basic warm-ups and stretches, as well as a few very basic steps that can be adapted to your body and style as the evening progresses.

  • You won’t have to learn any specific choreography but instead, you will be invited to dance freely to a curated playlist with verbal cues for healing and release

  • Please bring water and wear comfortable clothing, including sneakers (layers recommended). Journals and yoga mats will be provided. Bathrooms available for changing though no showers/formal changing rooms.

  • There will also be time for (optional) sharing and reflection in order to better integrate the experience and connect with the others in attendance.

About your Facilitator:

Alexandra Harper is a creative entrepreneur and community builder who founded Women of Culture as a way to connect, empower and inspire women through meaningful engagement with the arts. She has created over 300 art-based events for a community of 4,500+ women and seeks to help create a more open, empathic and equal society through her work.

With over 20 years of training in everything from ballet to modern and tap to hip hop, she took a step back from her practice after deciding not to pursue a professional career in dance. Yet the deep desire to move never left her, and after years of denying it, she reconnected to her inner groove by finally giving herself permission to move, without needing "movement" to look a certain way.

As a natural teacher and nurturer, she created the Sisterhood of Discovery online women's circle to help others reconnect with their deepest desires and innate creativity and is passionate about continuing this mission in the form of movement and dance. She believes that dance is one of life’s greatest joys and that it enables us to heal, release and move through whatever situations arise.