f.a.q.

so what are we practicing?
that's up to you! we offer a cozy space with wood floors, good music and kind people. the floor is yours. if you already have a practice with dance, yoga, meditation, do your thing. if you simply want to freestyle dance in your socks, by all means. there are no instructions and few rules, but the space is well suited for:

movement meditationyoga stretchingpracticing moves contact improv with a frienddeep listening‍
can I dance with a partner?
yes! just be aware that some may wish to dance solo.

is it okay to speak?
yes, though please try to keep your voice to a low volume. there will be time to socialize before & after.

what if I feel self-conscious?
the social expectations are like a group meditation, in that you will come as you are. maybe you're not in the mood for the social environment of a party but you want to get something out on the dancefloor. you'll find that there's a mutual respect among the people who attend.

that said, most people feel uncomfortable dancing around others, especially without the context of a party. and it can be challenging to get out of your head when dealing with feelings of self-consciousness.

try closing your eyes. if this is something you want to explore, you can try asking yourself some questions with your eyes closed. when you're self-conscious, where do you feel it in your body? can you pay attention to that part? can you relax where you're holding tension? what happens when you open your eyes?

also, you always have the option of leaving early, with no need for permission or explanation.

how is it like a meditation?
like with meditation, the dancefloor can be a great place to move through thoughts and feelings, give your thinking mind a break, and practice a gentler relationship with yourself.

with classic meditation, the goal is not to stop your thoughts or feelings. it's to watch them pass like clouds, to practice being an observer. you can start by choosing something to keep returning your attention to, like the sensation of your breath, as the anchor of your meditation. notice a thought, gently return to your breath, notice a feeling, gently return to your breath.

the process of allowing all thoughts & feelings, noticing them, and gently returning, can help in a few ways. if you're stuck in your head, each time you gently return to your breath you are teaching yourself that can return to your body. if you're fixated on a feeling like pain, it can help you become aware of everything else that's still there.

you can try using the sound of the music or the sensation of your feet on the floor as the anchor of your meditation. or not! maybe you want to let your mind wander, or follow a train of thought.

can I arrive late or leave early?
everyone is encouraged to arrive on time to minimize disruption, but if you have to come or go, please do so quietly!

should I bring anything?
bring a water bottle, and dress to dance :)

upcoming

♫ monday november 25, 7-8:30pm ♫
** bushwick dance studio **‍
join the mailing list for location info

this edition starts with yoga and somatics with Domenick Schiavone, that will transition into free movement dance session. concon will play the duration, following an arc of rhythmic intensity, starting & ending with a sound bath.
please try to arrive before 7 to get settled!

suggested donation $10-20, cash or:venmo

future dates: tues, december 10 with somatic educator Natan Daskal & special guest DJ *greenpoint*