SACRED SPACES

THURSDAYS

7:45 - 9:40 p.m.
Church in Ocean Park
235 Hill Street
Santa Monica, California

Corner of 2nd St. & Hill,
1 block East of Main.

Limited parking in the church lot.
Additional Parking on 4th Street &
at meters behind the stores on the
ocean side of Main Street.

$15 or 4 passes for $50
Tea served after the workshop.

More Info: 323-468-9938
Email: trip@tripdance.org





Fantastic LIVE MUSIC from the
TRIP MUSIC ENSEMBLE!

The TRIP Music Ensemble plays live for every workshop, offering an improvisational journey inspired by and supporting the dance. The musicians offer gorgeous ambient landscapes, joyous world percussion and soulful vocals. Surprise instruments and guest players frequently add to the blend.

Ron Bartlett - Djembe & World Percussion
Charlie Campagna - Acoustic & Electric Guitar, Electronics, Bass, Singing Bowls
Eric Potter - Electric Guitar & Electronic Treatments
Andy Tabb - Guitar
Hector Torres - Box Drum (Cajon) & World Percussion
Monica Favand and Arlys Alford - Vocals







MAP:

WELCOME TO SACRED SPACES!

Our Sacred Spaces Workshops are for anyone who wants to enjoy the freeing, fun and communicative power of DANCE! Our workshops are enveloped in richly textured, improvised live music fusing guitar, atmospheric electronics, voice and poetic imagery with sizzling world rhythms. With inspiring music, a beautiful candle-lit atmosphere and sensitive guidance, we create a magical, safe space for people of all backgrounds to explore the freeing and powerful language of movement.

We begin each workshop with a breath meditation, designed to quite our minds, bring the focus inward and release tension. Moving from the meditation into movement, we leave a lot of space for participants to explore their own dances of stretching and awakening - giving plenty of time for dancers to sink into their movement.

As the night unfolds, with ever-changing music to support shifting moods and images, facilitators Monica Favand and Samantha Persoff offer various movement structures and imagery (that offer opportunities for dancers to explore solos as well as duet and group dances), as well as plenty of space for dancers to follow their own impulses and dive into the music.

Go deep, get wacky, vent stress, feel graceful, dance in pure joy - the music journeys through rhythmic, atmospheric and melodic passages, supporting continuously transforming moods.

No dance experience is required to attend the workshop, just a willingness to be in the moment and let the body take over!



WHAT OUR WORKSHOP FAMILY HAS TO SAY:

"Thursday night at Sacred Spaces has become a necessity in my life, a way to connect with my body and soul, and touch those of others who love the freedom of dance."

-Karl Syndulko, Neuropsychologist / Administrator

"Not only does attending the workshop provide an opportunity for me to dance, it also nourishes my soul. [The environment] is warm, welcoming, supportive, loving and has live music that moves you to new heights.

"No amount of money can give me what your workshop has given me. I've had numerous revelations, made resolutions, gained introspection, intensified my intuition and heightened my confidence to live the life I truly desire."

-Rachel Pusateri, Entrepreneur

"I sit in front of a computer all day . . . this is my chance to get back into my body. It's so therapeutic - a moving meditation. And I always look forward to the music."

-Sera Gamble, TV Writer

"How often do we find ourselves in a safe space deeply connecting to our heart's truth, gently bypassing the mind, and burning calories at the same time? The Sacred Spaces workshops have provided me with a safe haven to jump in joy, roll on the floor, surrender to the lead of a fellow dancer, or simply dance in a cocoon. Sacred Spaces is about permission to play, where authentic movement is the language spoken.

- Rina Daly-Goode, Educator

"I've never experienced a better setup for dancing: Live band (and a great one at that), with incredibly moving and uplifting tunes, beats and singing. Unobtrusive yet effective guidance, ambiance, and just the right amount of spirituality. Interaction with other dancers.

The workshop . . . keeps you healthy mentally and physically. Its importance to participants can't be underestimated."

-Alexei Gerulaitis, Computer Engineer, Business Owner

"I sleep better! Sacred Spaces is essential to my life! Many times people say 'when I arrived, I was exhausted and now, after dancing, I'm so awake!' It's total-thinking instead of spinning mental wheels."

-Patrisha Thomson, Artist/Art Educator

"[The workshop is] a space for deep connection with my inner life . . . a place to express in a profound and/or playful way, in movement and sound. . . that is unique to any other experience in the dance community. It's a great way to decompress, relieve tension and stress, as well as a positive avenue for creative expression. Its also a way to connect with community and spirit."

-Fred Kahane, Psychotherapist

"My life changes in surprising ways as I continue to explore, with courage, so much new territory! I learn something about myself every time."

-Mindia R., Writer / Artist

"At Sacred Spaces I can freely express, exhibit and explore any state of mind and being. Monica and gang provide a container in which I can connect with my body and spirit, and if I so choose, with the spirits of others. Thursday nights at Hill Street have become an important part of my ‘'taking care of self regime'."

-Sue Funkhouser, Management Consultant

"The workshop brings community, healing and energy to my life. I am so grateful!"

-Amy Pfannenstiel, Social Worker / Performer

WHY DO WE OFFER THIS WORKSHOP?

For thousands of years human beings have naturally included dance and music in their everyday existence, for pleasure, as a means to connect with the divine, to channel emotion, to experience mystery, and to connect with themselves and their communities. The Sacred Spaces Workshop was founded by Monica Favand (facilitator) and Charlie Campagna (music director) to provide this much needed outlet in today's stress-filled, often disconnected world. The workshop is a true means of connection with community for many people, including all of us who provide music and facilitation. We have offered the workshop since 1999.

Sacred Spaces was inspired by in part by the Group Motion Workshop developed by Brigitta Hermann and Manfred Fischbeck in Philadelphia over 25 years ago. Offered initially in the Hollywood area, our workshops have taken place in Santa Monica, California since 2001.



QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:


Who comes to the workshop?

One of the great things about the workshop is that it attracts a variety of people of many ages and backgrounds.We sometimes have people visiting from other cities or countries but most of our participants are local Angelinos. Participants range in age from 18 - 80. Some of the people who come regularly are social workers, librarians, teachers, body workers, artists, lawyers, designers and business people. The over riding factor is that people are friendly, supportive and there to dance. There are frequently opportunities for partner and group dances, but we always allow space for people to dance by themselves if that is what they are inspired to do.

Do I need to be a trained dancer to participate?

NO. The most important thing to remember is that there is no way of making a "mistake", since all the movement is coming from you. All that we ask is that you be ready to "listen" to the other people dancing with you and to your own impulses.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing that you feel free to move in and bare feet. If you would like to wear foot covering, socks or soft soled dance shoes are welcome. No street shoes please.

Is there a certain ettiquette I should know about?

We ask that once the workshop begins you refrain from talking in the space, and stay in participation as much as possible. If you need to take a break, it's best to stay "in" the moment by moving to the side to observe or just by becoming still in the space.

Can I come in late or leave early?

Yes, you can if you need to. We do recommend that you come on time, as the workshop has a beginning structured to get you into your breath and body gently. We end each evening with a "sound bath" (the musicians circle the dancers in the space, cacooning them in sound) and close with a short circle where we have a chance to introduce ourselves and share any thoughts about the night.

Where do I park?

There is a church parking lot a few doors East of the church on Hill. Once this fills up, we recommend either the metered parking on the "Ocean Side" of Main Street, or the parking lot that is three blocks East of the church at the corner of 2nd and Marine Streets. If parking in the lot, please do not block others in - as they may need to leave early, or they may not be affiliated with the workshop.

How do I get there?

The Church in Ocean Park is located at 235 Hill Street in Santa Monica, at the corner of 2nd and Hill.

From the 10 Freeway heading West: Exit 4th Street - turn left on 4th street heading south - Right onto Hill. Parking Lot for church is on your right side between 2nd and 3rd on Hill.

The church is very near to the beach, so feel free to take an evening stroll before or after you come over for the workshop.