February
Hello, moving people. Thank you for tuning in to this newsletter as it changes and shifts with the tides. You can now sign up for three different tiers of support—Free, $1 a month, or $5 a month. All proceeds go directly to the baseline fees of keeping this site and resource running. Any amount helps.
This is a space designed to share information in an effort to support and cultivate as much gathering and resource-sharing as possible in the dance and movement world.
It is a place of resistance through embodiment. It is a quiet gesture toward coming together to build a community that supports and nourishes each other.
CROWDSOURCING SPACE
Part of the idea of this space is to collect and share local resources for dancing and moving people. This being a list of movement spaces in the Triangle area. Here is a link to a live spreadsheet document that you , yes you, can add to. We are crowd sourcing this information so that everyone who is interested in tapping into different networks or looking to host a movement space or rehearsal can have access to the range of spaces that are available. Thank you so much for contributing, or sharing with those who have information to share.
UNDERCURRENT CONVERSATIONS
This month, a conversation with Anya Smolnikova – A dancer, painter, artist, facilitator and friend extraordinaire. She is one of the founding organizers of The Field Center in Vermont. It is a really incredible up and coming retreat and residency movement center that hosts workshops, jams and residencies. Please take a minute to look through their upcoming offerings and take a trip up north for dancing, learning, and nature.
GRANT AND RESIDENCY OPPORTUNITIES:
Here is a really cool list of upcoming Grant and Residency opportunities – many grant application cycles are currently open! Take a moment to look through to see if any might fit what you are looking for as far as funding goes. If you ever need a reference, reach out. We are happy to serve you in this way.
Upcoming:
Somatic Dimensions Study Group for Dedicated Improvisers with Ray Schwartz: Collective Care Approaches to Collaborative Improvisation7 Flavors of Jam, Traveling Edition: CI Jams with Live Improvised Music and Guided Warm-ups; Simple Contact Improvisation Jams
Type: Classes/Workshop
Date: Starting February 03, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Description: Somatic Dimensions Study Group for Dedicated Improvisers with Ray Schwartz: Collective Care Approaches to Collaborative Improvisation. This series will invite participants into engagement with Somatic principles while priming the body to respond safely and creatively to unpredictable moments of surprise in dancing. The class operates with and without contact and weight sharing, and includes dynamic listening, supported choice-making, strategies for warming up, embodying presence, attending to space, enacting physical duologues, and celebrating ensemble practices. 7-9pm, Mondays, February 3 - April 21, Shared Visions Retreat Center.
Spirit and Technique of Contact Improvisation, Intermediate, with Coda Badamo-Connors. This series is designed for dancers with some experience in CI who would like to deepen their practice in an intermediate-level context. We will study: 1) Principles of inversions, lifts, and falling together 2) Weight-sharing with momentum, and 3) Readiness and response-ability in solo, with a partner, and with the group. 7-9pm, Wednesdays, February 5 - April 23, Shared Visions Retreat Center.
Simple Contact Improvisation Jam. No guided warm-up or music, just a space dance and create beauty together. Space held by Coda Badamo-Connors. Thursday, February 20 from 7-9pm, Shared Visions Retreat Center.
7 Flavors of Jam, Traveling Edition: CI Jams with Live Improvised Music and Guided Warm-ups. This jam has its own unique “flavor,” with live accompaniment by musicians and a teacher-led warmup. Jams are woven into and included in our M-W evening series, or are open to drop-ins from those not registered for the series. Monday, February 24 from 7-9pm, Shared Visions Retreat Center.
Accessibility Information: Shared Visions Retreat Center is a wheelchair-accessible facility, with a ramp entrance, wide door frames, and a wheelchair-accessible bathroom.
Point of Contact: Toni Craige, tonicraige@gmail.com
Website: http://www.livingartscollective.com/contact-improvisation
(a)esthetic encountersType: Gathering
Date: February 04, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM
Description: Twice a month, starting on February 4th and 18th (and ongoing), a radical space for sharing, critique, and collectivity takes place. Whether at (perfect lovers) or at Shadowbox, time-based media artists are invited to offer a work-in-progress or pitch to be discussed during 30-minute time slots and the rest of us reciprocate with feedback and care.
Accessibility Information: Both (perfect lovers) and shadowbox are at the first floor and are wheelchair accessible.
Point of Contact: vidazamora.art@gmail.com
Website: http://bit.ly/aencounters
Group ShakeType: Classes/Workshop
Date: February 05, 2025 & February 14 , 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Description: Group Shake is a collective solo durational practice. We come together to tend to our own bodies, in community. It offers an alternative to ecstatic dance for those interested in movement without touch or interaction with others. We shake and move to music over an extended period, focusing on shaking and rocking, allowing the body to move naturally—free from concerns about appearance, skill, or rhythm. While it may resemble dancing, the true intention is to release tension and energy. This practice promotes circulation, supports the nervous system, enhances overall health, and fosters a sense of community.
Point of Contact: anna.maynard@gmail.com
Imaginative Series: Landscape of EmbodimentType: Classes/Workshop
Date: February 05, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM
Description: The Imaginative Series with Amanda K. Miller (Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 in Feb. and March) is an open, movement research platform for people who are interested in discovering deeper nuances in their imagination. By applying Rudolph Laban’s 9-points system and a mathematical approach to movement, participants will be encouraged to release old habits and explore new territories, stepping across the borders of one’s imaginations and exploring the body’s three-dimensional physicality and voice.
Accessibility Information: Navigate to 1612 Jordan Dr. Saxapahaw, NC. Parking is available directly out front and in the lot to the right of the building.
Accessible parking and entry is located in the lot to the right. Culture Mill has an accessible entrance and bathroom. Chairs will be available for anyone who would like to sit. Masking is welcomed, and there will be masks available at the door. The workshop will include speaking, standing, and moving throughout the space.
Point of Contact: Amanda Miller: amandakmiller413@gmail.com
Website: https://forms.gle/mykxW7bsviXtzgdy7
Solo is FictionType: Classes/Workshop
Date: February 09, 2025
Time: 3:30 - 5:30pm
Description:
A class series focusing on ensemble improvisation with Laura Grant and Londs Reuter, held at Living Arts Collective (410 W Geer St, Durham).
This workshop is open to individuals with experience dancing improvisationally, who are interested in expanding their consciousness to consider the larger designs that shape a dance. We will work to remain nimble to the realities of the room and each other, as it shifts and shifts and shifts again.
Accessibility Information: Living Arts Collective is located in a ground-floor space (no stairs) with an accessible restroom. The workshop is sliding scale $12/20/30 per class or $40/65/100 whole series.
Please reach out directly with any access requests/inquiries or refer to LAC's Braver Spaces Policy on their website.
Point of Contact: booking@livingartscollective.com
Website: https://livingartscollective.as.me/schedule/6064c372/?categories%5B%5D=SOLO%20IS%20FICTION
Jazz for QueersType: Classes/Workshop
Date: February 15, 2025
Time: 12:30 PM
Address: Barriskill Dance Theatre School - 3642 Shannon Rd, Durham, NC 27707
Description: I am stoked to be partnering with the folks at Cult of Queer Movement to offer a beginner level jazz dance class to our local queer community! The emphasis will be on moving together, expressing ourselves, and having FUN. This class will be 5 weeks 2/15-3/15 on Saturdays from 12:30-1:45 PM.
Accessibility Information: Venmo your name and pronouns to @cultofqueermovement along with your sliding scale option ($40-65), or drop in for $12/class!
Point of Contact: Alyssa Noble
Website: http://www.instagram.com/p/DFA3WWzPMdd/?img_index=1
RECITAL: Upcoming Call for ProposalsType: Call for Dancers
Date: February 17, 2025
Description: The rumors are true! RECITAL is back for its 4th annual run of performances June 5-7, and we will have an open call for performance proposals going live on Feb. 17! We're looking for proposals from folks working in all performing disciplines, and encourage you to pitch something that centers joy and nostalgia re: how you initially fell in love with your artform. We offer artist stipends, rehearsal space, and more to our performers!
Accessibility Information: Follow us at @recital_durham on IG for updates.
Point of Contact: Alyssa Noble
Website: http://alyssanobledance.com/recital
Cut The Sh!t: Ditch Social Media Dread & Build a Brand You LoveType: Classes/Workshop
Date: March 02, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM
Address: The Hightide Salon: 309 W. Martin Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
Description: I'm partnering with Hightide Salon & Suites Co-Owner Maggie Leonhardt to offer a social media strategy class full of tools to help you create a more easeful relationship with social media marketing. The class is hosted at the hair salon and will be heavily marketed to hair stylists and salon owners, BUT the info we are sharing is pretty universal across industries. Just expect a lot of examples that feature the salon.
Accessibility Information: We're offering early bird pricing through Feb. 15 that saves you 20% off per ticket, and we are also offering tickets for groups of 4 at an additional $20 off per person. No code needed for discounts to apply.
Point of Contact: Alyssa Noble
Ongoing:
Sunday Dances at Heartward Sanctuary Type: Gathering / Dance
Date: Every Sunday
Time: 12:00 PM
Description:
All are welcome to our 90 minute DanceWaves held on (most) Sunday mornings in the Barn Temple at Heartward Sanctuary.
Once held at The Flowjo in Carrboro, this community has been developing this form through shared Ecstatic Dance practice since 2011.
If you are new we recommend arriving early so that you have time to orient yourself, settle in and be on-time to our opening circle. Please bring a water bottle and refrain from wearing scents.
Sign up for our dance newsletter to stay in the loop about changes to dance times and special dance events!
Point of Contact: Julia Hartsel
Website: https://heartwardsanctuary.org/ecstatic-dance/
Save the Date :
Bliss BoogieType: Classes/Workshop
Date: May 29, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM
Description: A 4-day gathering filled with classes, workshops, dance, ritual, love, connection & exploration. This event is sober, adult-only and sex-positive. Come dive into juicy exploration of your connection to yourself, your lover(s), and the world around you. Hosted at Lakeside Retreats in Raleigh.
Accessibility Information: ADA friendly and deeply committed to supporting diversity of all kinds.
Point of Contact: Kai Baylis or Morgan Siem
Website: http://blissboogie.com/
Classifieds:
Brooks FredericksonDescription: Triangle Sound Service provides A/V rentals and production support for performances, workshops, festivals, and other events. Creative solutions for sound, lighting, and projections.
Point of Contact: Brooks Frederickson, owner
Website: http://www.trianglesoundservice.com
Anna M. Maynard Photography & Web Design
I create intimate, tactile portraits that capture movement, presence, and authenticity. My web design practice focuses on simple, functional, and visually striking sites for artists, creatives, and small businesses—built for ease of use and longevity.
New Analog Film Work
I’m expanding my practice into film photography and darkroom printing, exploring the physicality of images in an era of digital impermanence. This shift deepens my focus on tangible archives, slow processes, and the materiality of memory.
Point of Contact: Anna M. Maynard
Website: www.annamaynard.com
we move for peace.
