Group shakes are durational collective somatic events. Shaking is a simple and individual task-based practice that is beneficial for circulation, nervous system and systemic health, and community building; it is one of the body’s natural tools to relieve tension. Shaking is (often) done to music and can be done standing, sitting, or laying down. It can look like dancing, but without concern for appearance, skill, or rhythm. Shaking itself does not come from a single lineage, but instead can be seen and experienced in many cultures, across lifeforms (think the shaking of leaves in the wind, dogs shaking water off…), and sub-atomically.

I learned shaking as a practice from Jared Williams at the Field Center, who learned it from Leslie Castellano and Tove Sahlin, which informs how I share the practice, but you are invited to follow your own inspirations.

Group shakes start with a talk-through and a demonstration of some simple ways into the practice, before starting a curated playlist and getting shaking. Practice ends with a few minutes of silence and stillness. The practice is lightly facilitated, and the space is held, but you will be doing self-directed movement for the duration.

Although this practice is done as a group, participants are dancing on their own—you are dancing near other people but not with other people. This is to allow folks to be free in expressing and moving themselves as fully as possible without the expectation of being pulled into a dance with another person, while still having the benefit of moving with a collective. Participants are encouraged to listen to their body and follow their own rhythm and intensity during the practice.

Durational shaking is at the core a somatic practice and through practicing we may literally shake things up - physical, emotional and otherwise. To prepare for this practice, I encourage you to connect with yourself and what you might be working with physically, emotionally, and otherwise. An area for rest is set up in the space; you are encouraged to drink plenty of water and take rest as needed!

Comfortable, layered clothing that you can move in is perfect. A water bottle is also encouraged. No phones or smart devices in the movement space please and thank you (you can keep them in the entry area on silent).

Anyone and everyone who wants to move their body on any scale in a group of people is so very welcome.

The aim is to make these collective spaces as safe, welcoming, and accessible as possible; if there is some reason that it does not feel that way, your feedback is appreciated.

No shakes are currently on the schedule; check back for updates.

Shakes are donation based; there is no suggested amount.