General FAQ'S
What do you mean by BodyMystik?
When we gather together and dance we are being with more than what is surface or obvious. Mystics traditionally cultivate a direct relationship with their sense of the divine.
Each woman is invited, to the degree that is right for her, to get to know her body as a teacher, guide, ally, mystery and miracle.
It means that we explore the gift of embodiment with conscious intention and loving attention.
These principles are present in the Dance Circles and Rituals and taken to the next level in the Embracing Embodiment Depth Circles.
What is the difference between the Soltice/Equinox Rituals & the BodyMystik Dance Circles?
Both have beautiful altars, include a circle portion, and of course plenty of Open Temple℠ time with moving music to dance what needs to be danced.
The Solstice/Equinox Rituals are drop-in nights to celebrate the turning of the seasons, when all women are welcome in the temple - it’s great way to dance, move energy, and get a feel for the temple and community.
The BodyMystik Dance Circles are rituals too. However they take it to the next level through a 6-8 week series and committed group, allowing for more time and depth for shares in circle, plus supplies for expressive arts. BodyMystik Dance Circle rituals require Pre-Registration and a brief intro call with Heather.
What kind of music do you play?
World music influenced from various cultures, mostly without words or recognizable language. The 1st third is slower, encouraging you to drop into your body. The next third is a variety of flavors and tempos inviting you to feel into a variety of energies and ways of moving. The last third slows down again, inviting integration and meditation.
BodyMystik Dance Circle Series FAQ's
Weekly Ritual Series offered 4 times per year
What do you mean by
"Open Temple℠ time"?
Knowing you are held in a sacred space and allowing your own instincts to guide your participation. In addition to the spacious dance guidance and music there are art supplies, pillows and yoga/stretching props available. Journaling, meditating, yoga, laughing, crying, being with the altar, inner visioning and sleeping are other common ways to participate.
What is the circle portion like?
It is about sacred witness. All women are invited to speak, but bringing your voice is always optional. It is time for a short share about what’s up in your life right now, an intention, a prayer or what are you dancing for. It is not a processing circle - the invitation is to process through dance and movement, the circle is for naming and being witnessed.
How do you create safe space? What are the ground rules?
As part of creating a sacred and supportive space for us to explore and dance in, all women agree to these three ground rules:
- Confidentiality (talk about your own experience all you like outside the circle, but please leave the names of other participants out).
- Accept responsibility for your own well being and safety (use common sense, listen to your body etc).
- Do not come to class with illegal drugs, THC, or alcohol on you or in you. 100% CBD is okay.
What are the dates & times for the circles?
Most seasons have 4-5 circle options to join and are a committed 6-10 weeks with your group. Check our calendar for the next upcoming dance season.
*Pacific Time
IN-PERSON OUTDOORS:
- Mondays 10am-12:15pm SF East Bay
ONLINE OPTIONS:
- Wednesdays 4pm-6pm
- Wednesdays 6:45pm-8:45pm
- Thursdays 10am-12pm
- Thursdays 6:45pm-8:45pm
Is there a difference between the Monday/Wednesday/Thursday circles?
The themes, format, rituals, words, and music are the same during each season for each group. You can also count on a beautiful temple space and being guided with a consistent, caring presence. Some circles are led by Heather Munro Pierce, and some by Hilary Beban.
The biggest difference is the lighting and energy of the daytime, with lots of natural light, or at night, where we are candlelit.
How much is it to join?
Pricing varies based on the length of the series (6-10 weeks) and we always offer Early Registration Discounts and First Circle Discounts. See our Next Steps page for the current season exchange.
All credit cards/checks/Paypal accepted.
PLEASE NOTE ~ Financial aid, Payment plans & Work-Trade opportunities available!
Do you offer work trade and/or scholarships?
Yes! Work-trade is usually in the form of being a temple helper for the circle you are attending. This includes activities like set-up, cleaning and closing.
There is financial aid available each season for those with demonstrated need, including equity scholarships for women of color. For more info please reach out through the contact page.
FOR ONLINE/ZOOM: How is this different from other zoom meetings?
1) Unlike work zoom meetings, our purpose for gathering is to deeply nourish body and soul. The rituals practices and circle structure are designed to be supportive - not depleting.
2) For 1.5 hours of our 2 hours together we are in body meditation or freeform dance- not glued to a screen.
FOR ONLINE/ZOOM: Do I have to dance the whole time?
No! This is really RITUAL SELF-CARE TIME! Once we start “dancing” there will be music playing but you can move as much or as little as you like. Other common ways to participate include: journaling, meditating, going outside, yoga, laughing, crying, inner visioning, art, working with essential oils and sleeping :)
FOR ONLINE/ZOOM: Do I have to have my camera on?
For the dance portion you can be on screen or out of sight. Some women point it towards a candle or altar. For the sharing circle we stay visible to create a sense of community.
