PARTNER DANCE FOUNDATIONS
(A Practical Embodied Foundations experience)
Partner Dance Foundations is a movement session that helps regulate the nervous system through partnered movement. This offering includes a range of formats, from small group classes to private sessions.
Many people find partnered movement surprisingly effective for building ease and steadiness in their bodies. These sessions are not about learning steps or “doing it right.” They are about discovering what you notice within yourself when you move from sensation instead of from your head.
So often we initiate movement mentally. We decide how something should look, anticipate what comes next, or try to perform it correctly. When movement begins in the head, the body often follows with subtle bracing. The shoulders lift. The jaw tightens. The breath becomes shallow. We rush. We strive for precision or approval. Over time, this way of moving can leave us feeling tense, stressed, burnt out, and quietly disconnected from ourselves.
Here, we explore something different. What happens when you understand how to be moved to move? The ocean is moved to move. There is a reason we feel calm watching waves roll in and out. When we witness something moved by its own rhythm, there is an effortlessness to it, an ease that feels like a quiet sigh of relief. Imagine feeling that in your own body.
Through simple guided activities, you explore leading and responsiveness in real time. You have full control: work on your own, partner with someone you bring, or try partnering with others only if you want to. Sessions are held with clear boundaries and care for individual comfort.
The emphasis is on learning to listen and respond to sensation, moving from a cue you feel rather than from the thoughts of the mind.
We acknowledge that most of us are used to living in our heads, so this way of moving may feel unfamiliar at first. That is not a problem. In fact, it means you are in the right place.
We also acknowledge that moving with others can feel vulnerable. That’s normal. Some people find this surprisingly comfortable right away; others need time to feel at ease. All experiences are welcome.
You might leave feeling more aware of how you move, a bit more grounded, or more acutely responsive to the moment. Or you might simply leave having tried something new.
There is no right way to experience this.
Participants often describe feeling lighter and freer afterward, with more ease in their nervous systems, more steadiness within themselves, and a greater sense of presence as they move through the rest of their day.
This class may be for you if:
You often feel tension in your shoulders, jaw, or breath.
You tend to anticipate what’s coming next rather than respond to what is happening.
You are curious about partner dance but do not want to memorize choreography.
You already dance and want a clearer, more embodied foundation for partnering.
You want to feel more steady and natural moving with another person.
You are interested in nervous system regulation but prefer learning through movement rather than discussion.
You enjoy trying new experiences in a consent-based, low-pressure environment.
FAQ
Do I need a partner?
No. You're welcome to come on your own. Most of the class arrives solo, and you'll have the option to work entirely on your own, or try partnering with others in the class if you choose. If you bring someone, you can stay together the whole time.
What if I'm nervous about touch or partnering?
That's welcome here. You have full control: work entirely solo, observe, or try partnering only when and if it feels right. I provide options throughout, and you can say no to any activity at any time. Many people begin with solo practice and expand from there at their own pace.
What happens in the first 5 minutes?
I'll welcome everyone, explain the structure of the class, and review how consent works. Then we'll start with simple solo movement to help you arrive in your body. No one will be put on the spot or asked to share.
Is this for dancers?
Both dancers and non-dancers are welcome. If you already dance, this offers foundations that can make partnering feel clearer and more connected. If you have no dance background or interest in dance at all, this class is equally for you. To everyone: You are invited to simply explore the experience for what it is and notice what you discover.
Ways to Work Together
You can experience Partner Dance Foundations in several ways:
• One-on-one sessions with Laura
• As a pair, with Laura facilitating your experience
• In a small group class
A group session is currently being planned for early March in Ventura, CA.
To get a sense of how participants feel after a session, visit the testimonials page here → and watch videos 1 and 2.