Photo by Alex Rojas

ZenMoves classes are designed for dancers, yoga, meditation practitioners, healing and martial artists.  For anyone open to exploring movement.

For 25 years I trained as a dancer from the outside in – how to make my body look, move, and even feel.  These were all just ideas, based on what I made up from being in class with teachers and other dancers.  I thought I knew everything about being in my body.  Then something amazing happened…  I learned to find the stillness inside that gives rise to movement.  I have learned to be my dancing, instead of making my dancing happen.  ZenMoves is designed for those wishing to find a new satisfaction in how they move.
— Kristen Mangione

Class Description

ZenMoves is about discovery.  Participants enjoy guided explorations in movement informed by the Five Elements of Eastern philosophy—metal, earth, fire, water and wood—and the meridians, or energy channels, of the body.  A warmly supportive workshop environment encourages creative expression and fosters insight into the unending cycle of transformation that is the essence of our bodies and our world.

Upcoming class dates or view a video preview.

Benefits include

• Being authentic and self-honoring
• Connecting genuinely with others
• Finding a deeper level of movement
• Releasing blocked energy
• Transforming old, limiting emotional and psychological patterns
• Establishing trust and balance with a partner
• Developing faith, trust and confidence in oneself

Teaching Philosophy

ZenMoves integrates Eastern healing philosophy, bodywork and modern dance.  Classes are recommended for individuals from 18 to 80.  While those with prior experience in dance, yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong or meditation may find the approach of particular interest, newcomers to dance and movement are also welcome and warmly encouraged.  Exercises are tailored to the individual; meeting participants exactly where they are at the moment.  Each session includes a warm up, exercises in body awareness, Eastern energy theory and discussion.  Practice is interspersed with theory to allow for the integration of feeling with understanding.   Emphasis is placed on creating an open, trusting group experience where partnership and conversation are encouraged.  Kristen Mangione draws heavily on body awareness and theory from a decade of practicing and teaching the Eastern healing arts.  The melding of these practices creates new possibilities for movement, holistic experience and community.

Comments from Participants in Past Workshops

“It was a beautiful exploration”  ~  “…an inner-motivated, outwardly expressed movement” ~ “Kristen’s presence was embracing and appreciative”  ~  “…an amazing sense of trust and balance” ~ “The space felt very open, supportive and conducive for letting go”  ~  “Hara love!”