In Relation: Dancing as a Living System

We look forward to offering this event next year in Spring 2021. Sign-up to be notified when we have new dates. You may also find details on Hollyhock’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic here. 

Experience your body as a living system in relation to nature and our wider social-political-cultural landscape. Explore embodiment practices, dance technique, and movement research to expand your range and capacity for interconnection. Elements include western contemporary dance, solo and contact improvisation, anatomy, and nature immersion.

“With Loretta, every class is a new journey. Wherever I am, she provides the grounds for me to work on what I need. I gain insight into my body in each class, but more importantly, I’ve gotten the answers to some of my toughest life questions while moving with her!” –A. Bozorgzadeh, Past Participant

Your body is a wholistic and dynamic system. We can take inspiration from natural ecosystems and bring more spaciousness, flow, rootedness, and awe into our relationships with our bodies and somatic understanding of ourselves.

Your body is also not separate from the external environments that you operate in. Our nervous systems are affected by oppressive systems such as patriarchy, racism, and colonialism. Our capacity for physical range supports deeper resiliency in facing these challenges. The ability to release, soften, and let go; finding pleasure and ease. As much as the ability to adapt, re-orient, and resource strength and community when needed.

“Laura June is an amazing teacher who has made a profound impact on my life. I have learnt an incredible deal about myself, my body, movement, creativity, and being in the world. I also greatly appreciate the fact that she brings the social justice perspective into her teaching. It has been a truly transformative experience working with her.”  -A. Gaisenok, Past Participant

In this immersive program we will dance in relation to:

• Ourselves. Deepen your awareness of your personal, unique anatomy, and explore functional movement sequences.
• Each other. Widen your self-perception and enhance kinetic and spacial awareness with other dancers.
• The land. Find inspiration and connection through outdoor nature immersions.
• Wider systems. Increase your resiliency by expanding your tonal range (release technique and centring practices). Dive into study, learning from voices at the forefront of more interconnected understandings of the body.