As you enter the dance space, the teacher will be playing music to warm up to. This is a time for you to arrive and warm up your body, from the inside out. Take some time to tune into your body, through gentle movement and stretching, your senses, and allow your body to lead the way. As we move deeper into the workshop or class, you will be guided to move, include, and explore through dance and self-reflection.

Please turn off your phone and honour the silence on the dance floor by keeping conversations outside the space. Take personal responsibility for your own needs, and remember that this is a drug and alcohol-free event.

You can view Henry’s Open Floor guidelines in more detail with some some tips about the practice here.

GUIDELINE 1 - YOU CAN'T GET IT WRONG
There are no steps to follow. On the Open Floor we don't learn to dance, we dance to learn.

GUIDELINE 2 - SILENCE
On the Open Floor we shift from speaking with words to speaking with movement.  It makes for very creative conversations and connection to body. Please honour the silence on the dance floor, and keep conversations outside of the space.

GUIDELINE 3 - BARE FEET
Bare feet or dance shoes only. This is to support us to connect to our bodies, look after each other's toes, and the floor.

GUIDELINE 4 - PHYSICAL CONTACT & SAFETY
Physical contact can enhance the dance, when welcomed and consensual. Please note this is a conscious dance space, not a contact improvisation jam. To ensure safety, please no lifting of others, and stay aware of those around you. Always hold your weight—please don’t expect others to support you.

GUIDELINE 5 - PHONE OFF
Please turn your phone off and leave it out of the space to avoid distractions.

GUIDELINE 6 - SOBER SPACE
Please respect that this is a drug and alcohol free space.

GUIDELINE 7 - RESPECT BOUNDARIES
On the Open Floor we are practising the art of healthy relating by respecting yourself and others. This includes our personal boundaries, kindness and care.

WHAT WE PRACTISE IN OPEN FLOOR
If you have no idea what to do, here are a few tips to try:

STAY WITH
As with any meditation practice, distractions and discomfort will happen – expect them. Just gently bring your attention back to movement. Even if you can only wiggle a finger or dance with your breathe.

PACE YOURSELF
No matter what the rest of the room is doing, listen to your body. If you relax on the beat, like a swimmer treading water, you’ll refuel.

STRETCH YOURSELF
If you always keep to yourself, include someone else in your dance.
If you prefer dancing with a partner, try going solo.
Slow down. Speed up.
Experiment. Break a habit. Imitate somebody and see how it feels. Create your own remix of others' moves.  

IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC
We use music to catalyse movement. Use everything as fuel for your dance.  

ENJOY YOURSELF
Excessive seriousness will slow you down. 

• “Henry's spaces are always so held and safe for me. I always feel alive and brought into spheres where I can challenge myself and my edges in the body. His work is embodied and delightful.” - Jessie Sanbrook,  Artist.

• “Henry is a wonderful and skilled facilitator who brings warmth, joy, and comfort in his offerings. He provides a rich scaffolding upon which dancers are able to move with ease, and in connection with themselves and others..”— Miranda,  participant in The Movement Rites series

• “Henry is a an especially talented facilitator and guide who is incredibly skilled at planting seeds for deep experience and profound connection.— Will, participant in The Movement Rites

By registering for and attending the organiser's Open Floor Movement Practice workshops or events, participants acknowledge and agree to these terms and conditions.