I was struck and moved by the POWER in the room, especially when we moved into the group portion of the dance. I think most of us as women feel fairly small in one way or another as we move through our lives in a world where we’re barely recognized; we restrict and constrict our Selves. (But together, as a group,) there was nothing that could have entered that space that we couldn’t have dealt with. We were (are) a force to be reckoned with and we keep each other safe.

— Tabitha Kot

Past Offerings

Past Offerings:

'Phenomenal Woman' Workshop 

Sunday, July 18, 2010   10am-5pm
Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd., 2nd floor, Toronto 

"Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me." 

-- Excerpt from Maya Angelou's poem, “Phenomenal Woman” 

Workshop Value: $100    
Registration fee: $20 to cover costs, and to save your spot.
Pay-What-U-Want for the workshop experience, to be paid at the end of the day.

Spots available: 30   Pre-registration needed.  REGISTER NOW!

Do you walk into a room feeling confident and beautiful?  Are you proud to witness other women in their radiance and power?  Want a safe space to practice both?

 

We will explore moving, dancing and sharing with confidence and ease. We will practice meeting each moment, fully present, with loving kindness.

 

Together, we will offer each other support, and celebrate the span of our hips, the stride of our step, and the curl of our lips.

 

Phenomenal Woman has much to teach us if we let her. She has the courage to experiment, and forgive herself when she makes mistakes.  She has the willingness and desire to re-create herself again and again.  She intuitively knows she is whole even when she is working on herself, and acts even when she’s afraid.  

 

Phenomenal Woman is YOU.

 

Join us in a day of phenomenal experiences and connections.  No dance experience necessary. Only a willingness to move, and be moved.  

 

This, my friends, is the essence of this empowering and juicy new all-day DOWH workshop. 

'AfterGLOW', A Post-Solstice Celebration

Saturday, June 26, 2010  1-6pm
Buffalo Yoga, 2495 Main St., Suite 418, Buffalo, NY

(American $) $65 until June 1   $75 after June 1  
Spots available: 20   Spots remaining: 10    REGISTER NOW!

Calling all Sun Goddesses and wannabe Sun Goddesses!
 
After solstice has passed and the sun has graced us with its maximum presence, it is the perfect time to explore how we share our own light with the world.  

 

Where do we allow ourselves to shine and where do we limit our own radiance? Are we acting smaller than we actually are?  How can we give ourselves permission to be our full, shiny selves?

Marianne Williamson's famous quote beautifully expresses the essence and teachings of this day we will share:

".... It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?.... Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do.... And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same."

 

Using relaxation, guided imagery, free-style dance, journaling, sounding and sharing in community, we will explore and begin to melt away the many filters that keep us from shining our true magnificence, and celebrate our collective brilliance. No dance experienced needed. 
 
Come share the gifts of your beautiful shine with us!

'SHINE!', A Solstice Celebration, with Erica & Twyla

Saturday, June 19, 2010   10am-5pm  
Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd., 2nd floor, Toronto  Pay-What-U-Want*

Calling all Sun Goddesses and wannabe Sun Goddesses! 

As the solstice approaches and the sun graces us with its maximum presence, it is the perfect opportunity to explore how we share our own light with the world.  

Where do we allow ourselves to shine and where do we limit our own radiance? Are we acting smaller than we actually are?  How can we give ourselves permission to be our full, shiny selves?

 

Marianne Williamson's famous quote beautifully expresses the essence and teachings of this day together:

".... It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?.... Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do.... And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same."

 

Using relaxation, guided imagery, free-style dance, journaling, art making, sounding and sharing in community, we will explore and begin to melt away the many filters that keep us from shining our true magnificence, and celebrate our collective brilliance.

 

No dance experience necessary. Only a willingness to move, and be moved.

 

Come share the gifts of your beautiful shine with us!   

*This workshop is valued at $100, however, you get to ‘Pay-What-U-Want’ at the end of the day, an amount that reflects the value you received and that you can afford, with absolutely no minimum and no maximum, and no deposit. This is as good as it gets!

 

Sundays with the Muse Spring Series (7 Sundays of Pay-What-U-Want Workshops)

Sunday, March 21, April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2, 16, 2010  2:30-5:30pm 
Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd., 3rd floor, Toronto 

Sundays with the Muse Spring Series is a collaborative series of experiential workshops lead by 7 women for the enrichment of the body, mind, heart & soul of a woman.

 

Each 3 hour workshop is being created to take you on a journey, based on the 7 energy wheels or chakras, starting from the root of your being, upwards to your crown. Every delicious workshop will touch different realms of possibilities, from head to toe, heart to soul.

 

Taking the full series is ideal, however, if that is not possible, enjoy those you can, as each workshop has it's own stand-alone magic and healing.

 

Each workshop is valued at $50; however, you get to ‘Pay-What-U-Want’ at the end of each workshop, an amount that reflects the value you received and that you can afford, with absolutely no minimum and no maximum, and no deposit. This is as good as it gets!

  

Click here for details on all 7 workshops, and to register.

Ecstatic Dance for ALL (men, women & children) 

Saturday, May 15, 2010  2-5pm
Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd., 3rd floor, Toronto  $13 (kids under 12 free)

No experience needed, only a willingness to move, and be moved.
Come with friends. Drop-in whenever. No registration needed.

With less direction than a DOWH workshop or series; there will be an opening circle followed by a long, visceral musical set (soul, global funk, sacred chants, ambient, electronica, women's voices and more) designed to liberate your inner dancer. We'll end in a simple prayerful closing circle. 

 

'Unfolding' 6-Week Series (Open for drop-ins)

Saturday, March 27 – May 1, 2010   2-4pm
Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd., 3rd floor, Toronto  $135/$25 per drop-in 

This new series 'Unfolding' will be the first series after Erica's return from India. Erica has come home to Toronto with a new depth of relaxation, beingness, compassion and joy. Her wish is to share this new-found bliss and peace with you in this 'Unfolding', through the DOWH practice, and the 6 beautiful invitations offered. 'Unfolding' will be a direct reflection of the magical and healing journey Erica experienced in India. Come be nourished and inspired each week in a safe and sacred space of dance, relaxation and guided imagery, in the warmth of a sweet circle of women.

Here are the 6 invitations: Gently Melting, Dancing in the Doorway, Dancing in Beauty; Coming out of the Cave, Gifts of the Wanderer, Opening the Love Window, and Blossoming

Spring Equinox Ecstatic Dance for ALL (men, women & children) 

Saturday, March 20, 2010  2-4pm
Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd., 3rd floor, Toronto $13 (kids under 12 free)

No experience needed, only a willingness to move, and be moved.
Come with friends. Drop-in whenever. No registration needed. 

With less direction than a DOWH workshop or series; there will be an opening circle followed by a long, visceral musical set (soul, global funk, sacred chants, ambient, electronica, women's voices and more) designed to liberate your inner dancer. We'll end in a simple prayerful closing circle.

"Letting Things Land” Workshop with Twyla Kowalenko

Saturday, March 6th, '10   2-4pm
Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd., 3rd floor, Toronto $18

What are you holding on to? Can you loosen your grip? What would happen if you did?

If you're willing to open yourself up to these questions, have some fun and dance, join Twyla for her workshop: “Letting Things Land.”

Using movement and dance, guided relaxation and journaling, the workshop presents the opportunity for women to explore what it means for them to really 'let things land.' No previous experience of dance or journaling necessary… All you need to come prepared with is a water bottle, something to write in/on and a willingness to explore.

Drawing on her background with Dance Our Way Home, yoga and group therapy, Twyla will lead the group through explorations of grounding and letting go, finding and listening to our inner teacher and using the symbolism of our movement to connect to and deepen our understanding of ourselves.

'Dreaming In the Dark' FREE Intro, with Caro Cloutier

Saturday, January 16, '10  2-4pm
Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd., 3rd floor, Toronto 

Have you ever been interested in exploring dreaming? Taste the magic of the Dreaming in the Dark, before committing to the Series. In this FREE intro session, Caro will show you how 'dreaming' can directly impact the shaping of your becoming, and your life.  Continue the journey by joining us in the full Series. Whether you are a beginner, or have previous experience, you are welcome! 

Dreaming In the Dark Series, with Caro Cloutier (Drop-Ins welcome)  

Saturday, January 23 – February 27, '10   2-4pm
Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd., 3rd floor, Toronto  $135/$25 per drop-in 

With music and dance, pen and paper, drawings and journeys, you will explore the many facets of dreaming while safely and sacredly nourishing yourself to joy, laughter and clarity.  The 6 week series will explore 1 stage each week.  Enjoy the full 6 week process or dip your toe in drop-in style. 

The stages we will explore in the Dreaming In the Dark: Creating, Destiny, Fulfillment, Healing Time, Mystery- and Accepting the Place of Not Knowing, and Magic

Nourishment (Core Series II) on Saturdays

Saturday, November 7- December 12, '09   2-4pm
Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd., 3rd floor, Toronto  $135

Nourishment is another core level series offering you 6 new Saturdays to practice relaxing and softening your body, mind and heart, as well as letting go of what no longer serves you. You will be nourished from head to toe, heart to soul, and mind to heart, with beautiful experiences of honouring and caring for your sacred self.    

The 6 weekly invitations will be: Honouring Your Feelings, Nourishment, Sacred Sensuality, You are the One You’ve Been Waiting for, Letting Go: Dropping into Water and Dancing with Everything.

Pre-registration needed, with a commitment to yourself and the group to come as often as you can. (No new attendees accepted after 1st week.) No refunds or exchanges. (Up to 2 missed sessions can be made up at the Wednesday night sessions at no extra cost.) 

 

After each session we will continue the DOWH practice by moving to a nearby coffee shop to process and share our experiences for a short while. Come when you can.

Nourishment (Core Series II) on Wednesday Nights (Drop-Ins welcome)

Attend the full series (preferred choice) and get the benefits of a weekly practice, at a discounted price. Pre-paid registration is required.  No refunds or exchanges. 

Or, DROP-IN as often as you can (ideal for women who can't commit to the full series).
No pre-paid registration is required for drop-ins. 

After each session we will continue the DOWH practice by moving to a nearby coffee shop to process and share our experiences for a short while. Come when you can. 

Ecstatic Dance for ALL (for women, men & children)

Saturday, December 19, '09  2-4pm
Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd., 3rd floor, Toronto  $13 (kids under 12 free)

No experience needed, only a willingness to move, and be moved.
Come with friends. Drop-in whenever. No registration needed. 

With less direction than a DOWH workshop or series; there will be an opening circle followed by a long, visceral musical set (soul, global funk, sacred chants, ambient, electronica, women's voices and more) designed to liberate your inner dancer. We'll end in a simple prayerful closing circle.

DOWH Presents: Sundays with the Muse

Sunday October 4 - November 29, '09  2:30-5:30pm 
Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd., 3rd floor, Toronto 
Pay-What-U-Want, Come to any or all.  Pre-registration needed.

Sundays with the Muse is a collaborative series of experiential workshops lead by 9 women for the enrichment of the body, mind, heart & soul of a woman.

 

Each 3 hour workshop will stand alone and can be taken individually, however, if you choose to come to most or all of the workshops, you will receive the benefits of a balanced, beautifully woven journey touching all realms of possibilities, from head to toe, heart to soul.

 

Each workshop is valued at $60; however, you get to ‘Pay-What-U-Want’ at the end of each workshop, with absolutely no minimum and no maximum, and no deposit. This is as good as it gets! I hope to see you there. This is going to be a STUNNING Series! Tell your girlfriends.  

 

For full details on all 9 workshops, click here.

Halloween Ecstatic Dances for Women, on Saturday and Wednesday night

Saturday, October 31    2-4pm     
Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd., 3rd floor  $13

Wednesday, November 4    6:15-7:45pm      
Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd., 2nd floor  $13

SPECIAL:
BRING 2 FRIENDS (not 1) who have never been to a dance event lead by Erica, FOR FREE.
3 for the price of 1!

With a less instructional venue than a DOWH workshop or series; there will be an opening circle followed by a long, delicious musical set (soul, global funk, sacred chants, ambient, electronica, women's voices and more) designed to liberate your inner dancer. We'll end in a simple prayerful closing circle.

No experience needed, only a willingness to move, and be moved. Drop-in whenever. No registration needed.

Nest (Core Series I), Saturdays & Wednesdays

Saturday, September 19 - October 24, '09   2-4pm  $135
Wednesday, September 23 - October 28, '09  6:15-7:45pm  $105/$19 drop-ins

Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd., Toronto 

Nest is the starting point of the DOWH exploratory path.  For 6 consecutive Saturdays you will be invited, in a safe self-secure space, to practice relaxing and softening your body, mind and heart; to dance with ease, freedom, non-judgment and in loving kindness. You will be held sacred in a community as you listen within and explore trusting and following your natural impulses and rhythms.

  

The 6 weekly invitations will be: Home, Loving Kindness, She Who Listens, Finding Peace & Pause, Being Held and Trust.

  

You will come away from this healing and transformative Series with new tools for sustainable change, supporting a life path of joy, love, wholeness and peace. DOWH truly is a 'heaven on earth' experience; held in a beautiful studio, in an exquisite community of women.

After each session we will continue the DOWH practice by moving to a nearby coffee shop for a short while, to process and share our experiences.  Come when you can.  

Set Your Life in Motion (Workshop)

Saturday, September 12, '09   2-4pm
Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd., 3rd floor  $25 per person/$20 each if you come with a friend

Find the best in yourself and others. Come experience DOWH, a non-verbal practice of self-discovery, mindfulness, devotion and celebration, in a beautiful expressive and creative community. DOWH will inspire you to feel a deeper sense of compassion, oneness, gratitude, joy, peace, belonging and freedom. This is a spiritual, soulful and healing practice; a precious opportunity to “dance your way home”.

 

Perfect for newcomers AND returning women alike. All are welcome.  

6-Week Summer Drop-Ins/Series

Saturday, July 4 – August 8, ’09 2-4pm
Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd., 3rd floor, Toronto  $25 per session

Inspired by 6 nourishing themes, music and guidance, the series promises you endless possibilities for accessing greater wellbeing, growth, insight and liberation, and celebrating a coming home to yourself. It truly is a 'heaven on earth' experience; held in a beautiful studio and community of women.

  • Drop-in to any session *1st drop-in for newcomers is FREE

DOWH with 'Positive Fabulous Women'

Thursday, July 30, '09  7-8:30pm
6 Degrees Event Centre, 2335 Yonge St. (1 block north of Eglinton, on east side of Yonge)

Early-bird pre-payment by July 16: $15
Regular Payment after July 16: $18
Cash at the door: $20

To register, go to www.meetup.com/positivefabulouswomen
Contact: Katia Millar  katia-pfw@hotmail.com  

9-Week DOWH Spring Series

Saturday, April 11 – June 13, ’09 2-4pm (no session May 16)
Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd., 3rd floor, Toronto

Inspired by 9 nourishing themes, music and guidance, the series promises you endless possibilities for accessing greater wellbeing, growth, insight and liberation, and celebrating a coming home to yourself. It truly is a 'heaven on earth' experience; held in a beautiful studio and community of women.

  • 9 Weeks $180
  • 6 Weeks $135 

Women who have had prior experience of DOWH (session, workshop or series) are welcome to drop-in whenever. $25 per session.  

Summer Solstice Ecstatic Dance for Women

Saturday, June 20, ’09  2-4pm
Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd., 3rd floor, Toronto $13

With a less instructional venue than a DOWH workshop or series; there will be an opening circle followed by a long, delicious musical set (soul, global funk, sacred chants, ambient, electronica, women's voices and more) designed to liberate your inner dancer. We'll end in a simple prayerful closing circle. No experience or registration needed. Come with friends. Drop-in whenever. No registration needed.

BLOSSOMING: An Urban Free-Style Dance Retreat

Sunday, May 31, ‘09  10am-5pm   Pay-what-you can/want *
Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd., 2nd floor, Toronto, ON

No experience needed. Pre-registration required.

 

*Attend the workshop without paying anything up front and then, at the end of the day, pay whatever you think the workshop is worth, based on what you can afford and how much you loved it. No minimum. No maximum. Really! You can even pay in instalments.

DOWH Spring Group at Sheena’s Place

Friday, April 17 – June 5, ’09 1:30-3pm
Yoga Plus, 40 Eglinton Ave. East, 8th floor, Toronto

The Goddess Within Workshops

Sunday, April 26, 2-4pm, & Wednesday, June 3, 7-9pm   $25 per session 
Aangen Community Centre, 868 Dovercourt Rd., Toronto, ON

This instructional and experiential workshop is an invitation to rediscover your Self through the faces of the Divine Feminine, through guided imagery, relaxation, mythological stories, divination cards, journalling and sharing.

 

To quote the writer Starhawk, "Through the Goddess, we can discover our strength, enlighten our minds, own our bodies, and celebrate our emotions.  We can move beyond narrow, constricting roles and become whole."

 

Contact Aangen Community Centre at http://www.aangen.com to register. 

Family (Co-Ed) Dance Jam, DJed by Erica, facilitated by Nan Keyser

Sunday, April 12, ’09 2:30-4:30pm adults: $10, kids under 12: free
Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd., 3rd floor, Toronto

Come join Nan Keyser and me in an ecstatic dance for you and your children and loved ones. This afternoon will offer a unique, non-verbal space for play, expression and connection, accompanied by wonderful global music. No experience or registration needed. Drop-in whenever.

Nan Keyser is co-founder of DOWH and The Move, and expressive and healing arts facilitator. Visit www.expressivehealing.com.

"As a new mother of an 8 month old, and a long-time lover of movement and an ecstatic dancer, I long for a place to dance with my little one. This event is a dream come true; a family friendly space for parents and children of all ages to come together in collective joy and rhythm, and groove to great music."
— Nan

Equinox Ecstatic Dance for Women

Saturday, March 21, ’09 2-4pm
Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd., 3rd floor, Toronto $13

With a less instructional venue than a DOWH workshop or series; there will be an opening circle followed by a long, delicious musical set (soul, global funk, sacred chants, ambient, electronica, women's voices and more) designed to liberate your inner dancer. We'll end in a simple prayerful closing circle. No experience or registration needed. Come with friends. Drop-in whenever.

DOWH Drop-In Session

Saturday, March 14, ‘09 2-4pm
Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd., 3rd floor, Toronto $25/ or come with a friend and pay $20 each

This Drop-In Session is perfect for tasting DOWH before committing to the Series.
Whether you are a beginner, or have previous experience, you are welcome!
After you fall in love with DOWH in this Drop-In, join us in the Spring Series and continue the journey!

No registration needed.

Extended DOWH Workshop

Sunday, March 1, ‘09 10am-5pm  $75   Pay-what-you can/want *
Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd., 2nd floor, Toronto, ON

No experience needed. Pre-registration required.

 

*Attend the workshop without paying anything up front and then, at the end of the day, pay whatever you think the workshop is worth, based on what you can afford and how much you loved it. No minimum. No maximum. Really! You can even pay in instalments.

DOWH in Belleville

Sunday, February 22, ‘09 1:30-3:30pm $25
The Tenth Ox Studio, 240 Front Street, Belleville, ON

Contact Sherri Bergman from Fields of Potential (613) 242-2096 or info@fieldsofpotential.com

Contact Sheena’s Place to register. (416) 927-8900 www.sheenasplace.org

The 6 weekly invitations will be the same as Saturdays (see above for details): Honouring Your Feelings, Nourishment, Sacred Sensuality, You are the One You’ve Been Waiting for, Letting Go: Dropping into Water and Dancing with Everything.