Welcome to The Movement – London’s weekly ecstatic conscious dance event! Take a read through some frequently asked questions to get a feel for the event, and please reach out if you want to connect more.

Do I need to get a ticket in advance? Yes please! This means we can anticipate you joining us and be excited to see you! It also means that we keep events spacious because we know how many folks are planning to join us. Tickets are available online for Tune Up and The Movement.

Where do events take place? The Movement events happen at a multiuse studio called The Space, at 23 Heather Crescent, London, Ontario.

What should I bring? Comfortable clothing, a water bottle, and an open heart. Please make sure to bring water for yourself, and snacks if you think you’ll need them. You’re a responsible adult, and we need you to take good care of yourself please.

Is it okay to invite a friend? Absolutely! Please make sure they’re aware of our guidelines beforehand.

Can children join The Movement? Young ones are welcome to join if they are able to regulate themselves and engage with the event in a way that is not disruptive to others. Bring on the joy!

Who is welcome? The Movement welcomes all backgrounds, identities, and levels of dance experience. Events are co-ed open to all genders, unless otherwise stated.

Is there a place to store my belongings? We provide a designated area for shoes and bags in the cubby room upstairs. However, please avoid bringing valuables, as we cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items.

Is there parking available? Yes, free parking is in the lot outside the door or on the street. Please do not block the garage door.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible? No, the dance portion of the venue is on the second floor with a staircase. The bathroom and main entry are on the ground floor. If you have specific needs, please contact us ahead of time so we can best accommodate you. Service dogs are welcome, but not directly on the dance floor please. The lighting for The Movement is warm fairy lights on the ceiling, no fluorescents.

What’s the music? Here’s an example of a one hour Tune Up playlist! We do not have a live DJ at this time.

Is this event really “hippy?” What am I getting into? We like to keep the spiritually out of our events, because it’s about MOVEMENT… nothing else. Can movement be spiritual? Yes! Does hippy-dippy stuff matter too? Yes! The Movement is a place to come with no other bells and whistles, just bodies moving together in community.

Who curates The Movement? The Movement is organized and led by somatic educator Alexis Wild. Alexis promotes embodiment through movement, touch, sound, and sensation. She is an experienced event planner and educator, running workshops in topics including sexual and emotional health, dance, meditation, movement, and more for over a decade. She believes in personal responsibility above all, and is working to help create a community where people take into account consent in all aspects of life. Alexis enjoys creating powerful experiences where people can use their bodies and energy to move and flow with themselves and each other. Please use hello@alexiswild.com to connect.

Playlist for the Sunday events with The Movement is curated by Jenn Plourde. Jenn Plourde is a professional indigenous artist, dancer, and registered massage therapist. She has been involved in conscious dance for over twenty years. Jenn co-hosts Family Constellation circles – a guided experiential process to connect with your ancestors and explore family lineage blessings and burdens in the magic of the knowing field. As a health care professional, she has a deep interest in anatomy, nervous systems, the body and feelings. As an artist, her beading work often utilizes anatomical drawings and symbols to cast a new light on these subjects through the act of beading. She creates beaded pieces to explore anatomy, the body, joy and the ways we can bead ourselves towards healing. 

And of course… YOU also help to make this happen. Thank you for co-creating this sacred space of expression and freedom!

How do I reach you if I need to ask more questions? Please reach out here if you want to connect more.

Are there rules? Yes! To maintain a safe and respectful environment, we ask everyone to follow these guidelines:

1. Respect the Space and Each Other

• No Shoes: We dance barefoot or in soft, non-marking footwear. It helps us stay grounded and connected. There is a change room and a cubby storage room upstairs, and a bathroom downstairs.
• Silent Dance Floor: We practice silence on the dance floor to honor the collective experience. Conversations are welcome before or after the dance. No talking allowed during the dance please. This includes motioning to someone else, whispering in an ear, praising someone’s dancing, etc.
• Consent is Essential: Connection with others should be by mutual agreement. Eye contact or a gentle nod can invite connection, but a simple shake of the head means “no, thank you.”
• Scent Free Space: Many of our attendees are scent-sensitive. Please avoid wearing scented products of any type to The Movement.

2. No Substances or Electronics

• Substance-Free Zone: To support full presence and authentic connection, we ask that you come substance-free – no alcohol or drugs.
• No Phones, No Cameras: Please leave technology off the dance floor. This is a time to unplug and be fully present.

3. Freedom of Expression Within Boundaries

• Dance However YOU Feel: The Movement is a judgment-free zone! Express yourself in ways that feel right, whether that means flowing slow and steady or stomping things up! Please be mindful of others’ space and safety.
• Honor Physical Boundaries: High-energy movements are welcome but watch for those around you to avoid accidental contact.

4. Stay in the Space and Finish with the Group

• Event Container: Plan to stay with us for the whole event, so that you get the experience of the build and fall of the music list, and so that we stay in the flow of dance together as a group.
• Grounding Closing Circle: We usually end with a closing circle to reflect and integrate. Please join us for this moment of connection and community.

5. Practice Mindfulness

• Be Present: Breathe deeply, listen to the music, and let your body lead the way. Notice how you feel moment to moment, and be brave to follow whatever comes next.
• No Expectations: This is a place for exploration. Let go of expectations, embrace the unknown, and just allow yourself to be.

6. Respect the Music and the Flow

• Music Curation: Our playlist is thoughtfully created to guide your journey. Let the rhythms take you to unexpected places and keep dancing until the last beat fades.

7. Health and Safety

• Stay Home if You’re Unwell: For the well-being of our community, please take care of yourself and return when you’re feeling well.
• Hydrate and Rest: Feel free to take breaks and hydrate as needed. Water bottles are welcome in the main room. The back room can be used at any time if you need a quiet, dark area for a break.

Sum it up!

The Movement follows the Ecstatic Dance principles:

1. We Dance Barefoot
   This allows us to connect more fully with the ground
   
2. We Dance without Words
   This makes it easier to be in a meditative state
   
3. We Dance as We Are
   This allows us freedom to move however we feel.