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What is AbunDANCE?
AbunDANCE (uh·buhn·dns): A spirited invitation to (re)awaken your inner child and (re)discover joy through movement.
What is AbunDANCE? Open to all bodies and levels of dance experience, AbunDANCE is a safe and welcoming space to let loose and wiggle it out. This guided DANCE PARTY is all about FEELING GOOD! It's about reconnecting to the playful, uninhibited energy of your inner child. You know who I mean! That twirling, jumping, ninja-kicking kiddo who lives deep down inside you! The one who frolicked around freely before the world told you that you were "too much" or "not enough."
With the help of some bouncy electronic dance beats, playful costumes, light toys, and props, together we’ll make mischief, celebrate the unique, vibrant energies that we each bring to the table, and rediscover the rhythm and flow that’s been inside of us all along. Picture dancing in your kitchen with a friendly little dance fairy by your side to guide and inspire you!
AbunDANCE is not about what you look like…it’s about how you FEEL.
Come wiggle with us!
What is AbunDANCE? Open to all bodies and levels of dance experience, AbunDANCE is a safe and welcoming space to let loose and wiggle it out. This guided DANCE PARTY is all about FEELING GOOD! It's about reconnecting to the playful, uninhibited energy of your inner child. You know who I mean! That twirling, jumping, ninja-kicking kiddo who lives deep down inside you! The one who frolicked around freely before the world told you that you were "too much" or "not enough."
With the help of some bouncy electronic dance beats, playful costumes, light toys, and props, together we’ll make mischief, celebrate the unique, vibrant energies that we each bring to the table, and rediscover the rhythm and flow that’s been inside of us all along. Picture dancing in your kitchen with a friendly little dance fairy by your side to guide and inspire you!
AbunDANCE is not about what you look like…it’s about how you FEEL.
Come wiggle with us!
Schedule and Location
AbunDANCE happens on select Sunday afternoons in Gravity B-2. See the Calendar of Events for dates and location information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need dance experience?
Not at all! AbunDANCE is for all levels of movement experience. It’s about reconnecting with your inner child—the playful, carefree part of you that knows how YOU want to move YOUR body. The focus is on having fun and letting the music flow through you.
What should I wear?
Wear comfy, sweat-friendly clothes that allow you to move freely, and sneakers or supportive street shoes to protect your feet. Remember AbunDANCE is about how you FEEL not how you look. So come ready to move, play, and have fun!
Is there anything else I should bring?
Please bring water, an open mind, and an open heart! You may also wish to bring a journal and writing implement to capture your experience after class.
What’s the philosophy behind AbunDANCE?
AbunDANCE is rooted in the belief that we are all assets with unique gifts to share. It invites us to reconnect with our bodies by channeling the curiosity and wisdom of our inner-children. Inspired by the spirit of generosity, play, and loving acceptance (much like one might find in say…a magical Forest), AbunDANCE celebrates the vibrant creatures that live inside us all.
What kind of music will we dance to?
Music is an instrumental component of AbunDANCE (pun intended). It's all about letting the rhythmic layers (and bass…we can’t forget bass) move through you. Expect energetic, bouncy electronic dance music that makes you want to move and groove.
This is my first dance class. I’m feeling hesitant to try it out. Any words of encouragement for first-timers?
Yes! AbunDANCE is a judgment-free space. We welcome all bodies and levels of experience. Everyone is encouraged to move at their own pace and get what they need from each class. (This will look different for everyone and might even differ from class to class.)
What happens in a typical class?
Each class starts with a gathering circle to begin to build community and connection. We cover important concepts like consent and embracing a “yes, and…” mentality that honors everyone’s inherent creative energy! We then get to move, play, explore, and connect with the music and one another for an hour. Each participant is empowered to sit, stand, take breaks, and make the experience their own. The class ends with a cool-down and closing circle to offer an opportunity for reflection before we part ways.
Is this class for all ages?
Yes! AbunDANCE is for folks of all ages and abilities. Everyone can participate in their own way. We welcome and encourage modifications to enjoy class on your feet OR in a seat!
Do I need to know any moves?
Nope! There’s no choreography, and we won’t be focusing on any specific dance styles or techniques—just come ready to play, connect, express, and move freely. AbunDANCE is all about the energy of giving and receiving, so the more open you are to receiving the better!
Can I come alone?
Of course! Many people attend solo. Trust that you will find a supportive, welcoming community when you arrive. Fun fact…one of Abby’s favorite things to do is try out new classes all over Columbus and meet new people in the process!
What if I’m not feeling energetic?
That’s totally okay! Move at your own pace and listen to your body. AbunDANCE is about prioritizing self-care and doing what feels right for you at any given moment.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes, please! AbunDANCE is more fun with friends—everyone is welcome.
Is there a class motto?
Why yes, there is! Thank you so much for asking! Our motto is “When in doubt…wiggle it out!”
Not at all! AbunDANCE is for all levels of movement experience. It’s about reconnecting with your inner child—the playful, carefree part of you that knows how YOU want to move YOUR body. The focus is on having fun and letting the music flow through you.
What should I wear?
Wear comfy, sweat-friendly clothes that allow you to move freely, and sneakers or supportive street shoes to protect your feet. Remember AbunDANCE is about how you FEEL not how you look. So come ready to move, play, and have fun!
Is there anything else I should bring?
Please bring water, an open mind, and an open heart! You may also wish to bring a journal and writing implement to capture your experience after class.
What’s the philosophy behind AbunDANCE?
AbunDANCE is rooted in the belief that we are all assets with unique gifts to share. It invites us to reconnect with our bodies by channeling the curiosity and wisdom of our inner-children. Inspired by the spirit of generosity, play, and loving acceptance (much like one might find in say…a magical Forest), AbunDANCE celebrates the vibrant creatures that live inside us all.
What kind of music will we dance to?
Music is an instrumental component of AbunDANCE (pun intended). It's all about letting the rhythmic layers (and bass…we can’t forget bass) move through you. Expect energetic, bouncy electronic dance music that makes you want to move and groove.
This is my first dance class. I’m feeling hesitant to try it out. Any words of encouragement for first-timers?
Yes! AbunDANCE is a judgment-free space. We welcome all bodies and levels of experience. Everyone is encouraged to move at their own pace and get what they need from each class. (This will look different for everyone and might even differ from class to class.)
What happens in a typical class?
Each class starts with a gathering circle to begin to build community and connection. We cover important concepts like consent and embracing a “yes, and…” mentality that honors everyone’s inherent creative energy! We then get to move, play, explore, and connect with the music and one another for an hour. Each participant is empowered to sit, stand, take breaks, and make the experience their own. The class ends with a cool-down and closing circle to offer an opportunity for reflection before we part ways.
Is this class for all ages?
Yes! AbunDANCE is for folks of all ages and abilities. Everyone can participate in their own way. We welcome and encourage modifications to enjoy class on your feet OR in a seat!
Do I need to know any moves?
Nope! There’s no choreography, and we won’t be focusing on any specific dance styles or techniques—just come ready to play, connect, express, and move freely. AbunDANCE is all about the energy of giving and receiving, so the more open you are to receiving the better!
Can I come alone?
Of course! Many people attend solo. Trust that you will find a supportive, welcoming community when you arrive. Fun fact…one of Abby’s favorite things to do is try out new classes all over Columbus and meet new people in the process!
What if I’m not feeling energetic?
That’s totally okay! Move at your own pace and listen to your body. AbunDANCE is about prioritizing self-care and doing what feels right for you at any given moment.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes, please! AbunDANCE is more fun with friends—everyone is welcome.
Is there a class motto?
Why yes, there is! Thank you so much for asking! Our motto is “When in doubt…wiggle it out!”
Class Tenants
1. ALL who enter are here home. And I’m Sicilian, so you best believe I’m gonna feed you while you’re here (energetically speaking). This is a safe space of love, acceptance, and non-judgment. (This must begin within ourselves before we can radiate this energy outward.) Here, we take care of ourselves so that we can care for one another.
2. Consent is critical. Always check in and seek permission before engaging in any action with others, regardless of whether or not it involves touch. If you ask someone, “Do you want to spin around in a circle with me?” and they say no, respect their answer and frolic away. No need to take it personally!
3. Embrace a “yes, and...” mentality. The improv concept of "yes, and..." is about accepting another person’s creative offering and building on it. When you say "yes," you acknowledge and embrace their idea, and when you say "and…" you add something new to move the idea forward. This creates a collaborative and open flow of creativity. You still reserve the right to say “no” at any time. “Yes, and…” is about approaching the experience with an open heart and open mind!
4. Check in with yourself along the way, and be sure to get what you need. Water. A break to sit on the periphery and bear witness. You have FREE WILL.
5. Laughter is not only appropriate, it’s both welcome and encouraged. It’s not that serious. (As a former teacher of mine would say, “It’s dance! Not rocket science.”)
6. Remember, dance = joy. Pay attention. If we sense this changing, it’s a sign to pause, reflect, and recalibrate.
7. Please do your best to embrace a mentality of abundance. Abundance is NOT excess or greed or hoarding resources. Abundance = enoughness. Abundance means that there are enough resources for us to use in a regenerative, creative fashion to keep us all healthy and thriving. Abundance looks different for everyone (because everyone is different), but here are some key principles that I’ve gathered for myself over the years and want to invite us all to lean into:
2. Consent is critical. Always check in and seek permission before engaging in any action with others, regardless of whether or not it involves touch. If you ask someone, “Do you want to spin around in a circle with me?” and they say no, respect their answer and frolic away. No need to take it personally!
3. Embrace a “yes, and...” mentality. The improv concept of "yes, and..." is about accepting another person’s creative offering and building on it. When you say "yes," you acknowledge and embrace their idea, and when you say "and…" you add something new to move the idea forward. This creates a collaborative and open flow of creativity. You still reserve the right to say “no” at any time. “Yes, and…” is about approaching the experience with an open heart and open mind!
4. Check in with yourself along the way, and be sure to get what you need. Water. A break to sit on the periphery and bear witness. You have FREE WILL.
5. Laughter is not only appropriate, it’s both welcome and encouraged. It’s not that serious. (As a former teacher of mine would say, “It’s dance! Not rocket science.”)
6. Remember, dance = joy. Pay attention. If we sense this changing, it’s a sign to pause, reflect, and recalibrate.
7. Please do your best to embrace a mentality of abundance. Abundance is NOT excess or greed or hoarding resources. Abundance = enoughness. Abundance means that there are enough resources for us to use in a regenerative, creative fashion to keep us all healthy and thriving. Abundance looks different for everyone (because everyone is different), but here are some key principles that I’ve gathered for myself over the years and want to invite us all to lean into:
- a. There is more than enough to go around.
- b. Lean into the flow of giving and receiving.
- c. Sharing IS caring.
- d. You are an asset. We all are.
- e. You have everything you need.
- f. It’s ok if you find yourself with a scarcity mindset every now and then. In fact, one cannot exist without the other. It’s about growing and adapting alongside one another and shifting the culture as we ourselves begin to shift.
About me (Abby)
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Abby (she/her) is a humble, loving, queer, and sometimes mischievous creature of the Forest. She is in love with Columbus, Ohio and is committed to honoring its diverse and vibrant communities. A self-proclaimed wiggle worm, Abby loves to move!
With over 30 years of dance experience and two dance degrees in the bag, she is quite literally invested in the art of the wiggle. When she’s not dancing, you can catch her in yoga, out for a quick run along the river, or frolicking at a rave near you. Other interests include writing, trees, sunshine, citrus, making art with friends and fam, and sleuthing to learn more about her Sicilian roots. She can’t wait to connect with you in class…or out in our beautiful city! |