BodyWaves
5Rhythms with Meghan LeBorious

If possible, please access your QR registration code to sign in. When you register, a link is sent to your email. You just have to agree to the waiver, then you'll receive your ticket with QR code in your email. You can forward it to your text messages, take a picture or screenshot of the QR code, or just show the email. This really helps us manage waivers and check-in, and eases the process. We can help you access the QR code if you have trouble finding it.

Friday, 7–8:45pm at the Center for Creativity and Dance (Joyce East Village), 287 East 10th Street (enter on 10th Street, near Avenue A). For GPS, use "287 East 10th Street, NYC." Please plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before 7 to check in. Stretching music starts between 6:50–6:55, and the first wave starts right at 7. (Insider tip: the best song of the night is often right at 7.)

There is street parking available nearby. Download the ParkNYC app to pay for parking. Parking is free after 7pm.

There is filtered water on the second floor — turn right and go through the doors.

Please store belongings in the holding room outside the studio. Valuables can come into the studio and be stored on any of the windowsills.

It can be loud! There are earplugs at the sign-in table in case you need them.

Welcome! You really can't do anything wrong in the 5Rhythms — you were born already knowing exactly what to do. There are a few things that can help support your practice, though. 1. Take a break from talking with words once you’re inside the studio to give the body a chance to take the lead. 2. Try to keep yourself moving for the whole class — it's okay if it gets quiet or subtle at times, but staying in motion helps you avoid getting stuck so you’re ready when the currents do come to sweep you away. 3. There will be some prompts and suggestions, something including the invitation to take a partner. Remember that you are the one who knows your own needs the best, and that every prompt is a suggestion. If the prompt doesn’t feel right for you in a given moment, move with what your body needs. Here's a brief intro video if you want more info before stepping in.

The 5Rhythms is a dance and movement meditation practice created by Gabrielle Roth. The five rhythms are Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and Stillness — and the basic idea is that the more we investigate and embody each of those fundamental energies, the more we can step into the creative process of our life. You don't need to know anything — all that's needed is an attitude of curiosity. You can also visit 5Rhythms.com or check out notesonpractice.com for more information and inspiration.

Unfortunately, there is not yet an elevator. Class is either on the first or third floor. When on the first floor, there are five steps up from the street into the space — there's a handrail, but it starts on the second step. Once inside, there's a small step up onto the dance floor. If you require support to attend, please email in advance so we can prepare for you.

Wear anything you're comfortable moving and sweating in. Personal flair is celebrated, and many choose to dress in alignment with the changing BodyWaves themes.

Sometimes the teacher will offer invitations to partner — usually we just turn to whoever is closest to us. Each person is always encouraged to decide whether or not partnering is right for them in a given moment.

The teacher offers prompts and invitations designed to engage and open up new ways to move. Each person is encouraged to decide whether responding to a prompt is right for them in the moment — you know your own needs best.

A few things we ask everyone to hold: everyone has gifts, and everyone is needed for what they bring. Everyone is at a different place in their process — holding each other with respect and sensitivity allows each person to move as they need to. We don't speak with words during practice, but consent is always a consideration — please move with awareness that people carry different levels of privilege, and give space when it's needed or asked for. Move with the medicine you need, while staying mindful of the impact your actions may have on others. Use affirming language around race, gender, LGBTQIA+, ability, and all matters of identity — take the lead from whoever you're speaking with, and treat honest mistakes as a chance to grow. And please don't take pictures or videos of participants — it helps everyone stay present rather than performing for a camera.

Many of us carry trauma in the body, and it's possible to get triggered even after a lot of healing work. A few guidelines: notice your "window of tolerance" — the amount you can handle before your nervous system reacts. If you move outside it: (1) notice that you feel something, (2) pause and name what you're noticing (heart racing, sweating, etc.), (3) decide whether to keep going or shift to something different, (4) get support if needed — you can go to whoever checked you in, or check in with the teacher after class. If you choose to shift, some options: look around the room for a certain color, focus on the space itself, return to a concrete prompt, or move to the floor. Every emotion that comes up is correct and normal — and if something external in the class feels triggering, please let us know so it can be addressed.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have feedback, suggestions, questions, or just want to connect. Email me at meghan@notesonpractice.com

There are often available crew positions. Each crew job takes about 30 minutes, and then the class is free — a great way to save money, connect with friends, and deepen your commitment to the practice (and it's genuinely appreciated). Reach out if you're interested!

BodyWaves meets every Friday night. Please register by clicking here.