RITUAL DANCE AS SEX MAGIC
KEEP PACE EDITION
SESSION FOUR | SUNDAY 18.05 | 10AM - 12PM
MASK MANDATORY WORKSHOP
These ritual dance magic workshops come from Bella's own practice as a Pagan and predominantly solo practitioner, who utilises ritual dance and sex magic as part of their arts performance practice as a stripper and burlesque artist. They began offering workshops during Melbourne lockdown online as a way to offer a connected space to practice dance ritual in the safety of isolation.
Explored through the lens of a facilitator with POTS & ME/CFS, this 2 hour workshop is about exploring desire, joy, erotic movement and the energy that we can harness from our sensuality, with pacing built into the workshop design for those of us who just can’t help but push it a little or feel the pressure to work to the pace of a class not designed for them.
The workshop will include an introduction where participants can create their own little nest to practice from, opening with a discussion and exercises on how to harness this energy, opening a circle, using breath, intention, visualisation/conceptualisation, and techniques for incorporating sensuality, symbolism and intention into dance!
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
Your fitted n95 mask! Masks will also be available from the facilitator. Bring a blanket or something soft to roll around on, and a yoga mat can be a great addition as well to add extra cushioning. Mobility aids welcome. Bring a notepad and pen if you’d like to make note of intentions and any little revelations you have along the way.
SKILL LEVEL REQUIRED
Open Level Accessibility Notes
This class is conducted predominantly seated, kneeling or lying down with transition between these states. Adjustments will be made for those who need to stand periodically or who cannot transition between positions. The class is designed to include pacing with encouragement to rest and clear time indicators for those who may find it hard to keep track, however this is not a substitute for medical advice on the best practice for pacing as your condition requires.
IS A PARTNER REQUIRED?
None.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS COVID SAFER WORKSHOP\\
Is it really mask mandatory? Yes! This is an opportunity for those who are immune compromised, who have people they love who are immune compromised, or those who simply don't want to risk their health to enjoy an in-person workshop around folks who are equally enthusiastic about protecting themselves and each other.
Participate as you need to. Those who wish to take breaks, leave, or simply sit or lie down and rest and listen and be around the movement are welcome. However to make sure that nobody is confused about what's going on, anyone participating will need to have at least joined the workshop within 10 mins of starting so Bella doesn't have to repeat the welcome conversation.
Lights will be dimmed slightly (if possible)
Workshop utilises amplified music.
No touch circle - participants are not expected to hold hands or physically touch anyone but themselves in the session. Big feelings - sometimes ritual movement brings out unexpected emotions. That's cool! You're safe here friend.
Space of respect - witchcraft, paganism or nature based spirituality might not be your bag baby and that's totally fine! However to create a space where everyone participating can feel safe to relax and enjoy themselves please come in with an open heart & mind if you want to take part.
BELLA DE JAC
Bella de Jac…Glamour cryptid, human party-popper, and powerhouse of the Australian Burlesque Industry defies branding binaries to bring the art of uncovering to the stage.
As a respected and established art maker, educator, and stripteaser, they were crowned Mx Burlesque Australia 2015, thundered across the Burlesque Hall of Fame stage in Las Vegas, and named twice in the Top 50 most Influential Burlesque Performers in the world. Bella has headlined multiple major events both at home and abroad, and they have a particular passion for performance art education.
Bella’s scope of education includes practice, theory and socio-political perspectives from their roots in Burlesque and sex work, and they have expanded this work into mentoring soloists.
In a 2019 performance tour across the UK they caused a stir (and the lecture was very nearly banned) with their introductory lecture on Burlesque history and the social politics of striptease at New College in Oxford. Demonstrating that even talking about stripping away clothes has a knack for revealing more than just skin.