Dance Temple CV: Kinship, with facilitation by Mel

Kinship. Tender friendships, connections that go beyond words, beyond blood, beyond family, the community we hold dear. In this dance you're invited to explore dynamic connection alongside agency in your own being. There will be a very brief opening circle and warm up, giving us lots of time for dancing <3 ~~~~ Reaching altered states of consciousness, dancing with the spirit world, delighting in shadows and light... Mel aka Shamanatrix invites you into a journey woven from threads of soul and a collage of melody that will leave you transformed. Global nomad, cultural rebel, social misfit, lover of music and movement: Mel studied performing arts and musical theatre before finding a new expression for their creativity in event production. Feeling something was often missing for them on the dance floor, they realised the only answer was to start mixing music themselves. As co-facilitator of Dance Temple Comox Valley they have been honing their art and are honored to share this magic and medicine for everyone. Mel is grateful to live, love, and dance, on the traditional territories of the K’òmoks First Nation. ~~~~ Every Sunday morning we open a space for community to gather and celebrate. We release what’s ready to be shaken off and cultivate New Energy for the coming week! Dance temple is a sacred space for free flow dancing. It begins with an opening circle to connect the group energy and intention. From there a live DJ or a curated playlist will take you on a journey of dance. There are no rules or guidance on how to dance. We invite you to connect with your body, your expression and move in whatever way feels right to you. After the music we will have a brief closing circle to ground in the experience. In this space we collectively agree to: Develop compassion, awareness, acceptance Deepen into a body-centered meditation Practice no talking on the dance floor. When approaching others: Make no assumptions! Look for a yes, look for eye contact Respect any no (including when someone is ignoring you or moves away from you) Respect a Solo Dancer’s right to their space. Do not engage in physical touch without clear consent. On boundaries & touch: We recognize that touch and physical proximity can mean different things to different people. In this space we practice self-awareness of our own bodies, and the ways in which we engage with the moving bodies of others. No outdoor shoes, talking, or cellphones on the dance floor. Absolutely no photography without consent. No drugs, alcohol, or other intoxicants: we respect this as a sober space. We define consent as freely given, enthusiastic agreement for mutual participation. Do not touch, hug, or grab others without clear established consent: we honor that everyone has the right to their personal boundaries, personal space, and the right to connect if and how they wish to, no matter their gender, age, orientation, or ability. . This is a transformational space for dance, healing, prayer, laughter, joy, sadness, pain and everything in between. We give thanks to the K’omox Nation on whose land we gather today, and dance in gratitude to the forest, rivers, mountains, ocean and all of creation who nourish this land. Thank You. All ages, all genders, all bodies welcome. *wear comfortable clothes *no shoes on dance floor *bring a water bottle *bring a friend (optional) Doors open at 1015 Opening circle at 1030 Dance Closing circle 12 Sliding scale $10-$20. Kids free. Teens by donation. *** Accessibility information: The entrance to Buchanan Hall is located on the bottom floor of the Cumberland Cultural Centre, across the parking area from the new Harmonic Arts building. There are no stairs to access the main door. Wheelchair accessible washroom is available in the building, but isn't part of what we normally have access too (ie you'd need to let us know so we can make sure we can unlock the door for it). Washrooms in the hall are gendered male and female (we will support your choice of washroom). The Hall is a scent-free space, please be considerate of allergens and scent-sensitivities. Drinkable tap water is available in the kitchen, please bring your own water bottle.