Awaken + Embody

An all bodies, all level movement class, Awaken + Embody is crafted in alignment with a theme (somatic, seasonal, emotional, etc.). Incorporating a blend of sound, meditation, breath-work, and guided movement, participants shift from an internal focus to a collective focus, culminating the class with improvisational tasks and consensual contact improv games. Through becoming attuned to the body, we integrate the heart, mind, and natural world as a means for participants to feel collective interconnectedness. Come experience a safe and playful environment while exploring ways to free your mind/body through movement and sound.

All are welcome

- No prior experience necessary
- Come as you are
- In clothes in which you can move
- Classes range from 60-120 minutes

Class includes:

- Sound-bath and meditation
- Gentle breath-work
- An intentional and alignment-based physical warm up
- Guided improvisational play
- Consensual contact improvisation

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  • In addition to being Artistic Director of HOLDTIGHT, Gwendolyn Gussman is an experienced teacher, facilitator of experiences, choreographer & performing artist. Gussman is a certified Pilates & Yoga instructor and has extensive teaching experience of pilates, yoga, dance, and somatic practices to a range of bodies, abilities, injuries, & ages 13-85 years old. She maintains a thriving private practice as well as teaching at prestigious studios & schools.

  • Johnny Butler is a Brooklyn-based, Grammy & Obie-award winning musician & arranger. Butler plays the saxophone, flute, clarinet, piano, guitar, in addition to composing, engineering audio, dancing, teaching, and making films.

Upcoming Awaken + Embody Workshops

POSTPONED

HOLDTIGHT Company presents Awaken + Embody: An Experiential Class
Details:
Open to all bodies and levels, no prior experience necessary. 
Come as you are, in clothes in which you can move. 
Please bring a mat or blanket for the portion of class spent lying down. 

testimonials

  • "Whether you have a lot, some, or no movement experience, there is something for you to gain from the Awaken + Embody class! I have taken Gwen and Johnny's Awaken + Embody class twice. Both times, I was apprehensive going into the contact improv portion of the class, and both times it was easier and way more fun than I expected. Prior to any partner or group movement, Gwen did a wonderful job of guiding us through a series of meditations and warm ups that were accessible at any experience level, while we were surrounded and comforted by Johnny's beautiful music and sound bath. By the time we arrived at the partnering portion of class, I felt safe knowing that we would continue to be clearly guided by Gwen's prompts, which encouraged me to stretch my boundaries without needing to take a radical step outside of my comfort zone. I left feeling more in tune with my body, and proud of myself and my fellow classmates!"

  • "I walked into Gwen’s Awaken & Embody class feeling run down, a little fragile, and just overall depleted. Gwen guided us through a meditation and then slowly brought us into movement, small at first and then bigger, bolder, more open and expressive. There was no judgment here, just beautiful human bodies of all sizes moving and weaving through space together. By the time we finished, we were a cohesive group, trusting each other, our bodies working together. I left feeling grounded and centered. Thank you, Gwen, for such a beautiful experience."

  • "Gwen’s class and teaching methods are so ingrained in her. She creates a natural and disarming environment from the second you enter her space. She has such a heightened awareness of space and the body and it is truly a pleasure filled exploration taking guidance from her. She is spirited and encouraging yet considerate and tender. The class progression was so natural it felt like a comfortable/ therapeutic conversation with a friend."

  • “As someone who does not consider themselves a dancer, i LOVED this class. Gwen is a great movement facilitator, and I felt safe with her guidance. The class felt approachable but still expansive - I would do it again!”