Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from expandance!

This year was busy! We:

* hosted several pop-up Danceypants classes in Sebastopol, California
* gave free expandance and sound healing workshops, in conjunction with St. Joseph's Health and Bala Healing Arts, to survivors of, caretakers of, and those currently living with cancer in Sonoma County, CA
* taught private expandance classes
* hosted ''Release and Restore'' workshops
* choreographed for 6th Street School of Drama musical classes and performances
* taught some ballet classes
* started working on some exciting new projects for 2020

Thank you for showing up to classes, workshops, and performances this year, and in doing so, keeping the arts alive! 

See you on the dance floor in 2020 

"The EARTH without ART is just EH" - Demetri Martin

Danceypants this Thursday Dec 19th - last of the decade!

Feel like dancing? 

Danceypants is a monthly pop-up dance class where you'll learn new and retro dance moves to fun music in a welcoming atmosphere. The aim is that you feel safe enough to make mistakes and laugh about it, that you get a bit of a workout, and that you leave feeling uplifted.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 19TH 7-8PM

This month ***come in your Santa Hat, Hanukkah sweater etc! :D ***

PLEASE RSVP to rachel@expandance.com

WHERE: West County Martial Arts (down the hall, in the SoCo Aerial studio at the back)
7231 Healdsburg Avenue, Sebastopol, California
*** go in the side door by sukkhothai ***

HOW MUCH: $15-20

PayPal in advance (up to the day before) to rachel@expandance.com or on CashApp $ expandance
OR on the day in cash
*NO PAYPAL DAY OF*

Every time someone pays $20, $5 goes into our scholarship pot.

PARKING: There is free on street parking a block away, and Safeway parking lot is two blocks away

WHAT TO WEAR: Workout clothes / yoga clothes / sweat pants and sneakers - not jeans! Bring water and something to tie long hair back if you like

INTROVERTS: Scared of showing up to something where there are a bunch of people? ME TOO! That's right, your teacher is an introvert and totally gets it, which is why I aim to create a welcoming environment for everyone. I or my door person will personally welcome you, show you where you can put your stuff, and where the bathroom is, and answer any questions you may have in the moment.

HELP I AM A BEGINNER: No problemo, this class is open to beginners! It's a mixed level class; just come ready to sweat a bit :-)

CAN MY KIDS COME? Everyone over 18 is welcome

WHO ARE YOU? I'm Rachel, and I've been working as a dance artist for almost 20 years. I'm trained in classical, jazz and modern dance as well as others. I work professionally as a choreographer and dance teacher and have taught and performed around the world. I'm originally from Ireland, where I was awarded National Dance Awards for choreography and Artistic Development Awards from the Arts Council of Ireland. I currently live in Northern California. Danceypants is the absolute funnest class I teach, and I hope you'll join me for it.

Free expandance and sound healing workshop

Free event ❤️

***expandance and sound healing workshop***

Wednesday December 11th
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Finley Center, Person Senior Wing, 2nd floor room 21
2060 W College Ave, Santa Rosa, CA
Free

Sarah Jenness (Bala Healing Arts) and I are facilitating another expandance and sound healing workshop in conjunction with St. Joseph Health. This is a free workshop for those living with cancer, survivors, and their care givers. We had a truly beautiful and healing workshop last time. Feel free to share this with anyone who would be interested.

To register e-mail Sharon: Sharon.doughty@stjoe.org

For the first hour we will be exploring our connection to our bodies through Rachel's gentle movement and meditation, and for the second hour we will relax in restorative poses while Sarah's singing bowls wash blissful sounds over us.

Danceypants this Thursday! November 21st

Join us! Please RSVP if you can, it makes things quicker on the night. Thanks!

Ballet barre tonight

Hi everyone, 

Elana has a cold so I'm subbing for her tonight

Ballet barre
6-7pm
$15 cash or check 
Sebastopol Ballet 
964 Gravenstein Hwy S, Sebastopol, CA 95472

Open level; some experience is helpful (even if it was a long time ago)

No ballet shoes necessary; socks are fine

See you there! I promise to use Hedwig's Theme from Harry Potter for tandus. 

:-)

Rachel 

Finley Class canceled owing to PG&E power shut off

Hi everyone, 

I just heard that because of the PG&E shut offs in the Bay Area, our class at the Finley Center tomorrow is canceled. I'm sorry, and I'll see you all soon.

Rachel 

October!

Well, it's ''fall'' as they say here in the States, but it has been so hot it barely feels like it! Happy fall!

It's also my birthday month! And because I LOVE birthdays, I want to spread the birthday love and invite any of you who share my birthday month to come to Danceypants this month for just $5. YUP. Just show Sophia your ID at the door.

Wednesday October 16th 7pm-8pm  At SoCo Aerial Collective studio (down the hall, in the back) 7231 Healdsburg Ave, Sebastopol, CA  $15-$20 sliding scale  Every time someone pays $20, we add $5 to the scholarship pot, to give a scholarship place to someone who needs a bit of help coming to class. We have a scholarship place to give away this month to someone who needs it - if you'd like it, please e-mail rachel@expandance.com with the subject line ''Danceypants October Scholarship" and I'll pick a name at random before this weekend. Please pay in advance if you can, it helps us greatly on the night getting everyone checked in! You can pay by PayPal to rachel@expandance.com or Cash App $ expandance Cash only on the door - No PayPal day of Wear comfy clothes, and bring water.

ALSO: This Wednesday October 9th I'm giving a 2 hour expandance workshop at Finley Center in Santa Rosa in conjunction with St. Joseph Health. This is a free workshop for those living with cancer, survivors, and their care givers. We had a truly beautiful and healing workshop last time. Feel free to share this with anyone who would be interested. Wednesday October 9th 5:30pm - 7:30pm Finley Center, Person Senior Wing, 2nd floor room 21 2060 W College Ave, Santa Rosa, CA

September goings on!

Hello and happy September!

I'm just back from a great trip home in Ireland, so getting this out to you all a little later than usual this month. I missed you all in August! It was so lovely to see family and friends, and one in particular: I got to spend time with my dear old friend, fellow dancer and co-founder of expandance, Laurie Schneider! It's always incredible to spend time with those you creatively ''click'' with. If you haven't spent time with a creative friend recently, I highly recommend it. It's a balm to the soul.

Rachel and Laurie, expandance founders

Here's what's going on this month

We have a special free Release and Restore workshop for people living with cancer, Danceypants, another R&R workshop, AND info on my children's class at 6th Street Playhouse. Phew! Let's go!

Sarah Jenness of Bala Healing Arts

First up: Gentle Movement and Sound Therapy for Cancer Patients and Survivors

An hour of expandance movement with me, followed by  an hour of beautiful singing bowls and relaxation with Sarah Jenness of Bala Healing Arts.

"A re-treat that feels like a waterfall of nourishment" - Megan M.

Wednesday September 18th 5:30pm - 7:30pm 
At the Finley Community Center
2060 W College Ave, Santa Rosa

*** This is a free workshop *** 

Please register with the organizer Sharon by e-mailing her at Sharon.doughty@stjoe.org

Next: Danceypants

As the great Lizzo says "Growing up is acting less childish and being more child-like" and I love this quote because being child-like can bring so much openness and joy into our lives. And to me, that's a big part of what Danceypants is all about. Join me and let's be silly.

Thursday September 19th 7pm 
At SoCo Aerial Collective studio (down the hall, in the back)
7231 Healdsburg Ave, Sebastopol, CA 
$15-$20 sliding scale 

Every time someone pays $20, we add $5 to the scholarship pot, to give a scholarship place to someone who needs a bit of help coming to class

Please pay in advance if you can, it helps us greatly on the night getting everyone checked in! You can pay by PayPal to rachel@expandance.com or Cash App $ expandance

Cash only on the door - No PayPal day of

Wear comfy clothes, and bring water.

As some of you know I am part of the faculty at 6th Street Playhouse School of Drama in Santa Rosa. Our term of classes at 6th Street starts this week! I'm teaching choreography once again for Musical Theatre Songsters, which is a class for 7-12 year olds on Tuesday afternoons. If you know a young thespian who might be interested, check out the info here (it's the third class down) and sign up, or e-mail Juliet at education@6thStreetPlayhouse.com to register. I look forward to dancing with your kiddos!

And lastly, Sarah and I are teaching another Release and Restore at her studio in South Sebastopol, California at the end of September:

A two hour dive into relaxation. First we'll move from within through Rachel's expandance technique - guided movement exercises, then we'll relax into restorative poses while Sarah's singing bowls wash over us in a beautiful sound bath

Monday September 30th 2019

6:30pm - 9pm
$45 payable in advance

*** Very limited space available. Advance booking only ***

No refunds; however, payments can be exchanged for another date or transferred to another person.

TO RESERVE: PayPal rachel@expandance.com $45

You will receive a confirmation e-mail containing the studio address (South Sebastopol) and parking directions.

"Release and Restore was exactly what I needed. It is true to its name: I was gifted with the space, safety, freedom, and encouragement to listen deeply to my body, contact my inner experience, and move and release what had been stagnating within; then, I got to melt into a warm, cozy sound bath while resting in regenerative yoga poses. Really, what more could I ask for?! I have been twice already, and will go again. Every time is a different experience. As a mom of a toddler, taking this time to care for myself is invaluable (not only for me, but for my family who receives a more grounded and rejuvenated me afterward!) and worth every penny. Thank you again!" - Erin

"A beautiful healing experience! Truly love your work! Thank you!" - Nicole

No dance, yoga or meditation experience required.

Danceypants June and July dates

Put them in your calendar! 

Thursdays

June 20th

July 25th 

Sebastopol, California 

Release and Restore

Dear friends,

We changed the name of "A Moment of Self Care" to "Release and Restore" as we liked it a lot better. It's the same blissful class, and we hope you can join us for our next one!

RSVP by PayPal $45 to rachel@expandance.com 

Non-refundable; however, you may transfer your payment to someone else. 

Danceypants April 18th

Join me for the next Danceypants! Thursday April 18th. 

WHERE: West County Martial Arts (down the hall, in the SoCo Aerial studio at the back)

7231 Healdsburg Avenue, Sebastopol, California

WHEN: Thursday March 14th 2019 7-8pm 

HOW MUCH: $15-$20 sliding scale

For every 3 people who pay $20, we can gift a scholarship to someone in need.

PayPal in advance (up to the day before) to rachel@expandance.com 
OR on the day in cash

*** NO PAYPAL DAY OF PLEASE ***

PARKING: There is free on street parking a block away, and Safeway parking is two blocks away

WHAT TO WEAR: Workout clothes / yoga clothes / sweat pants and sneakers - not jeans! Bring water

INTROVERTS: Scared of showing up to something where there are a bunch of people? ME TOO! That's right, your teacher is an introvert and totally gets it, which is why I aim to create a welcoming environment for everyone. I or my door person will personally welcome you, show you where you can put your stuff, and where the bathroom is, and answer any questions you may have in the moment.

HELP I AM A BEGINNER: No problemo, this class is open to beginners! It's a mixed level class so there may be some things you don't ''get'' right away, so it's just as well I have a ''There Are No Mistakes'' policy! (Partly because I make mistakes too!) It's more important that you're having fun than Getting It Right. Just come ready to sweat a bit :-)

Questions? E-mail me! Rachel@expandance.com

See you soon!

-Rachel

Galentine's Day Danceypants!

Looking forward to seeing those of you who like to laugh and sweat next Wednesday 13th at Danceypants!

Danceypants is a 1 hour dance class, led by me, Rachel, where you'll learn new and retro dance moves to fun music in a welcoming atmosphere. My aim is always that you feel safe enough to make mistakes and laugh about it, that you get a bit of a workout, and that you feel uplifted. 

Here's the facebook event page - let your friends know you're coming!

WHERE: West County Martial Arts (down the hall, in the SoCo Aerial studio at the back)

7231 Healdsburg Avenue, Sebastopol, California

WHEN: Wednesday Jan 13th 7-8pm 

HOW MUCH: $15 - see below for special $5 offer!

PARKING: There is free on street parking a block away, and Safeway parking is two blocks away

WHAT TO WEAR: Workout clothes / yoga clothes / sweat pants and sneakers - not jeans! Bring water

INTROVERTS: Scared of showing up to something where there are a bunch of people? ME TOO! That's right, your teacher is an introvert and totally gets it, which is why I aim to create a welcoming environment for everyone. I or my door person will personally welcome you, show you where you can put your stuff, and where the bathroom is, and answer any questions you may have in the moment.

HELP I AM A BEGINNER: No problemo, this class is open to beginners! It's a mixed level class so there may be some things you don't ''get'' right away, so it's just as well I have a ''There Are No Mistakes'' policy! (Partly because I make mistakes too!) It's more important that you're having fun than Getting It Right. Just come ready to sweat a bit :-)

WHAT IS GALENTINE'S? It's a made-up Day of Friendship of Ladies Celebrating Ladies by Leslie Knope from Parks & Recreation, the day before Valentine's Day. Or, as she calls it "Only the best day of the year"

SO IS THIS JUST FOR WOMEN? Nope! Danceypants is always open to all genders ♥ It just happens to fall on Feb 13th this month.

*** Special offer! Because Feb 13th is Galentine's Day which is a day of friendship, I have a special offer. IF you have been to Danceypants before and would like to bring a friend who hasn't, your friend can come for just $5! Just RSVP to me in advance, cc your friend, and let me know you're coming with them. That's it! ***

Any questions just let me know at rachel@expandance.com 

See you next week,

Rachel :-) 

SOLD OUT: A Moment of Self Care

Join us Monday January 28th 2019 

A two hour dive into relaxation. First we'll move from within through Rachel's expandance technique -  guided movement exercises, then we'll relax into restorative poses while Sarah's singing bowls wash over us in a beautiful sound bath.

"When I walked into the studio on Monday evening for ExpanDance, I didn't know quite what to expect, but I had a feeling I was going to experience something special. 

As the experience unfolded, I could feel the women in the room slowly open their hearts to the moment, the movement, and the music. Rachel's gentle and playful invitations to move with heart inspired deep surrender, and joyful expression. 

Following the vibrant dance exercises, Sarah guided us gently into a restorative yoga session - Within the first few breaths, I could feel myself relaxing deeply as Sarah played her unique array of instruments guiding us sweetly into a state of ease and bliss. It was so so lovely. We moved through three or four restorative asanas and each one was so delicious. 

The combination of dance, yoga and the sound healing was divine and I can't wait to gather with this group of women again next month."

- 

Lindsey Dyer, A Moment of Self Care, December 2018

No experience necessary. Mamas welcome! We are both mothers and have safely taught our classes to pregnant and post-partum / nursing mothers. 

South Sebastopol, California. Address upon registration.

This event has very limited space; please pre-register at rachel@expandance.com
$45 Payment reserves your space, and is non-refundable but transferable: if you cannot make it, you can give your space to someone else.