Authentic Movement
Facilitated By: Lillian Kemanis
Sunday, January 12th, 2024
1-3pm
Authentic Movement is a contemplative dance practice rooted in expressive movement therapy, where participants explore the unconscious mind through the moving body. The practice brings focus to the relationship between a mover and a witness, fostering states of compassion, curiosity, and non-judgment. With eyes closed, the mover listens inwardly to impulses, sensations, feelings, and images, allowing their inner experience to guide self-directed movement. The witness cultivates open receptivity, non-judgment, and inner awareness as they hold space for the mover’s expression. In this exploration of “seeing and being seen,” participants deepen their sense of trust and self-awareness through the practice of Authentic Movement.
Who is this for?
This workshop is for anyone who wants to deepen their relationship to their inner world through movement.
Sample Schedule:
Optional – Stay for following events on the same day:
3:30-5pm – SongClub with Debbie Lan
5:30-6:30pm – Shake
7-8pm – Sonic Immersion
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have prior experience?
No, you do not need to have prior experience to participate in Authentic Movement. It can be helpful to have some knowledge of mindfulness, meditation, or somatic practices, however it is not necessary. This session is open to all!
Is this a dance class?
Nope! In Authentic Movement participants engage in self-directed movement with no guidance, suggestions, or prompts from a facilitator. The practice is intended to deepen inner connection to the wisdom of the body and allow organic movement to arise naturally.
“Lillian is a very clear and creative, honest and humble facilitator and she has the ability to be there for everyone and take us on endless amounts of different creative journeys that AWAKEN the BODY and MIND in a different way!”
— Josa G
“Lillian has a way of holding you that is so firm yet so gentle. During our session, I was able to step outside of my buzzing mind and quiet enough of my intellectualizing in order to finally hear what my body has been trying to tell me, and what a breakthrough that was! This gifted peace is absolutely priceless and I truly couldn’t have seen myself without her guidance.”
— Jazmin K
“My experience with Lillan has felt extremely authentic. She has a very kind nature and I felt seen and understood not only verbally but while moving together. Lillian has been able to provide a safe container for movement exploration that I felt I really needed to get out of my head and back into my own body.”
— Becky L
About Lillian Kemanis
Lillian Kemanis, is a Registered Somatic Movement Educator & Therapist (RSME/T) with the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA), and holds a master’s degree from University of Central Lancashire in Dance & Somatic Well-being: Connections to the Living Body. Lillian completed her studies under the guidance and supervision of Mary Abrams at Moving Body Resources in New York City.
Lillian offers support to individuals seeking a holistic and alternative approach to navigating life’s challenges. With over 10 years of professional experience in the movement healing arts, Lillian supports her community through personalized 1:1 Somatic Therapy sessions, immersive group workshops, and accessible online education. Her sessions prioritize body awareness as the primary pathway to address underlying emotional, mental, and physical needs, following a “bottom-up” therapeutic approach. Her methods facilitate the development of internal self-awareness and mind-body integration, helping clients restore a deep sense of connection to their vitality.
Lillian blends the therapeutic dimensions of the Expressive Arts with her extensive background as a professional dancer, performer, filmmaker, and choreographer. She integrates somatic techniques such as Authentic Movement, Continuum Movement, Body-Mind Centering, Somatic Parts Work, yoga, and meditation, offering a holistic and immersive experience for her clients. With an embodied psycho-spiritual approach, Lillian addresses the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—to foster deep and transformative healing.
As a facilitator, Lillian aims to provide immersive, creative, and dynamic learning environments for self-exploration. Lillian believes in each individual’s inherent capacity to heal, expand, and evolve. She leads her clients into the depths of their bodies and psyches, empowering them to unearth their hidden gems and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery.
Instagram: @lilliankemanis
Location
This workshop will take place in the Barn. If you’re coming to WildHeart for the first time, please visit our Directions page for arrival info.
Registration
Program Costs
$15-30 Sliding Scale
(None turned away for lack of funds)
Refund Policy
In advance of 1 week – full refund (less processing fee)
Within 1 week – no refund
(This policy stands even in case of sickness so we encourage participants to plan accordingly)
Covid policy
Masking is optional but not required. Please do not attend events if you are feeling sick of any kind, or showing any COVID or flu like symptoms.
BIPOC spots
We are offering 2 free spots for BIPOC folx. Please email contact@wildheartcenter.art to get the registration code for one of these spots.