June 5th is Bring a Friend for FREE Day at Danceypants!

 

 

Our next Danceypants class will be Monday June 5th

And it's Bring a Friend for FREE Day!

Bring a friend with you who has never been to Danceypants before, and they get in free!

Terms:

* Offer only valid on June 5th 2023

* You must sign up online in advance (so our door person isn't overwhelmed)

* Your friend will register at the door - please arrive with your friend and tell our door person they're with you (like in the movies ''it's ok, she's with me") 

Danceypants

 is most

Mondays 

 

7:15pm - 8:15pm 

 

* We start on time, West County! *

 

Youth Annex Studio

Building to the left of the main Cultural Community Center 

425 Morris St, Sebastopol, CA 95472, USA

 

$15 in advance / $20 on the door (unless you're coming for FREE!) 

 

SIGN UP NOW!

 

 

Reminder: NO CLASS MEMORIAL DAY

 

 

Thank you, 2022. Here's to 2023!

 

THANK YOU! Friends, thank you so much for moving, grooving, healing and howling with me in 2022. I'm so grateful for all of you - our expandance and Danceypants communities are only what they are because of what you bring to the dance floor. In 2022 I... ✨  Choreographed “Hair” for 6th Street Theatre. "Rachel Wynne’s choreography is vigorous and uninhibited" - Cari Pace for Aisle Seat Review ✨ Celebrated expandance becoming a registered Trademark - yeah baby! That R in a circle is ours, finally! ®®® ✨  Was interviewed about choreography for Gay Sonoma ✨  Taught many Danceypants classes in Sebastopol and got to meet so many new and fabulous friends (you!) ✨  Taught online expandance classes to five different countries around the world, as well as in-person private sessions here locally  ✨  Started working on the new expandance membership ✨ Continued to codify and record each exercise in the expandance canon - we're now at over 65 exercises And Laurie (co-founder of expandance) ✨ Opened her own Pilates and Slings studio in Derry, Northern Ireland (Yes, she's a real Derry Girl!) ✨ Was awarded and undertook artist residencies for expandance on both sides of the boarder ✨ Kept me focused and motivated in continuing to develop the expandance technique and practice from 4,000 miles away 2023 will bring: ✨  The launch of our expandance BETA membership later this month - stay tuned! I'm working on the back-end techy stuff and will let you know when registration opens in the next couple of weeks! ✨  More Danceypants classes! And I've some some fun Danceypants-related ideas up my sleeve ;) ✨  More expandance classes and workshops, possibly even a retreat (ideas in the works) ✨  And who knows what else? I'm excited and very much looking forward to how expandance (and I) can grow this year and connect with more of you all Thank you all for your support of my work; whether you came to a performance, worked with me in theatre, came to a class or had private sessions... you are not only showing up for yourself, your body and your mental and emotional health by moving, you're also supporting a small, single-mum-owned business that in turn supports me and my 5 year old child. p.s. I made a couple of videos on the Instagram page this past week with clips from a lot of my expandance classes throughout 2022 - check them out: Part 1 / Part 2

We're back with Danceypants on Jan 9th! New year, new routine, new pink posters 😀 I’ve missed all your smiling faces and I can’t wait to sing along off key with you all again while we shake our bits, Sonoma County 💖 Remember: it’s cheaper to sign up online! Registration is now open here. Most* Mondays *always check the website schedule - holidays may affect class dates 7:15pm - 8:15pm Community Center Youth Annex 425 Morris St, Sebastopol, CA 95472 USA EASIER: SIGN UP FOR THE WHOLE MONTH AT ONCE HERE. My little one dancing with abandon in one of the studios I use for expandance private sessions here in Sebastopol A poem for the new year I saw this last week and wanted to share it with you all... Why do we start a new year, with promises to improve? Who began this tradition of never-ending pressure? I say, the end of a year, should be filled with congratulation, for all we survived. And I say a new year should start with promises to be kinder to ourselves, to understand better just how much we bear, as humans on this exhausting treadmill of life. And if we are to promise more, let’s pledge to rest, before our bodies force us. Let’s pledge to stop, and drink in life as it happens. Let’s pledge to strip away a layer of perfection to reveal the flawed and wondrous humanity we truly are inside. Why start another year, gifted to us on this earth, with demands on our already over-strained humanity. When we could be learning to accept, that we were always supposed to be imperfect. And that is where the beauty lives, actually. And if we can only find that beauty, we would also find peace. I wish you peace in 2023. Everything else is all just a part of it. Let it be so. - Donna Ashworth

Danceypants in Sebastopol, California

Danceypants is back, baby!

This Monday and most Mondays.

At the Youth Annex

425 Morris St, Sebastopol, CA 95472

7:15pm - 8:15pm 

Come get your groove on in a welcoming, friendly space. As always, we keep all the big windows open, and there's a nice cross breeze :) Please sign up in advance* at expandance.com/classes

See you there!

* Please note: From September onward, payment at the door will be increased to $20. Online advance sales stay the same at $15. 

 

 

Danceypants this Thursday! November 21st

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

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 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

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.

December Danceypants is next week!

A Moment of Self Care

Join me and Sarah Jenness for two blissful hours Monday November 19th.

Dance from within with guided expandance movement meditations from me, then enjoy restorative poses whilst being bathed in a sound bath led by Sarah. Sound luxurious? Sound like something you might need before the family arrives for Thanksgiving? Come re-set your nervous system and leave feeling refreshed and deeply relaxed. 

Space is very limited; please pre-register at rachel@expandance.com 

DANCEYPANTS

Sebastopol! Join me this Thursday for DANCEYPANTS

DANCEYPANTS is a fun, energetic, dance class designed to expand your dance vocabulary and make you sweat. Some song lyrics may not be suitable for kiddos so this class is 18+

Thursday August 16th 

7:30pm - 8:30pm

At: West County Martial Arts & Fitness (back studio)

7231 Healdsburg Avenue, Sebastopol 

$15

RSVP to rachel@expandance.com 

Entrance is beside SukhoThai restaurant.

Wear comfy things you can move in (workout gear / sneakers / no jeans!) and bring a hair tie / water. No experience necessary.

1 spot left for DANCEYPANTS in Sebastopol, CA this week

Hi all,

We have just 1 spot left for DANCEYPANTS this week, and that's because of a cancellation - who wants it? :)


- Rachel

1 spot left for DANCEYPANTS in Sebastopol, CA this week

Hi all,

We have just 1 spot left for DANCEYPANTS this week, and that's because of a cancellation - who wants it? :)


- Rachel

Next 3 classes, Sebastopol, CA

My greatest lessons from expandance have ultimately been about fearlessness. The meditative technique goes beyond other types of sitting or moving meditation I've practiced. That is, it accesses deep awareness, calm acceptance, and loving-kindness...and also manages to make me feel like a better communicator and more confident in general. This technique has allowed me to give myself permission to take risks...at work, at play, and in my relationships with other people.

- Erica Frankel, New York

First California expandance class, and "Album Dance"

We had a lovely class this morning at Dance Underground in Petaluma, California.

Today was a sampler class - I taught 30 minutes of ''Album Dance'' (a new class I'm starting up soon) and 30 minutes of expandance technique, before heading in to consult with a local theater company on some choreography for an upcoming show of theirs. 

First California expandance class!

And so, to Album Dance. You know, one way I've come to know lots of great music over the years is by hearing it in class, or stumbling across it while looking for something to dance / choreograph / teach to. Usually in a dance class you move to a playlist of carefully selected songs compiled by your teacher, and I often hear a song and think "That's a great track, I wonder what the rest of the album is like". So I thought it might be a fun idea to teach a series of dance classes to entire albums, so if there's an album you have been meaning to hear / get into / or just love, let me know, Sonoma! 

Coming to a town near you, Spring 2016! Watch this space :-)