Open Floor
Open Floor on dynaaminen, tietoinen liikeharjoitus, joka yhdistää tanssin, kehollisen tietoisuuden, tunneälyn ja vuorovaikutussuhteiden tutkimisen. Vuosikymmenten tietoisen tanssin perinteeseen juurtunut ja kansainvälisten opettajien kollektiivin kehittämä Open Floor kutsuu osallistujia liikkeeseen paranemisen, resilienssin, luovuuden ja yhteyden voimavarana.[1]
Yleiskatsaus
Open Floor käyttää liikettä sekä fyysisenä että psykologisena työkaluna. Open Floor -tunnilla tai työpajassa osallistujia kannustetaan tutkimaan liikkumisen laajuutta, joka on ankkuroitu nykyhetken tietoisuuteen. Sessiot yhdistävät usein ohjattuja liiketutkimuksia vapaamuotoiseen tanssiin, kutsuen kehon, sydämen, mielen ja sielun aktiiviseen vuoropuheluun.[2]
The practice draws from somatic psychology, mindfulness traditions, trauma-informed facilitation, and other conscious dance methods such as 5Rhythms and Soul Motion. It emphasizes embodiment not just as a concept, but as a living experience.
Core Curriculum
The Open Floor curriculum is structured around four key dimensions:
- Physical Embodiment: Awareness and exploration of the body through movement
- Emotional Embodiment: Recognition, expression, and integration of feelings through dance
- Mindful Awareness: Cultivating presence, curiosity, and non-judgment
- Relational Intelligence: Engaging with others through movement, boundaries, and empathy
Within these domains, students engage with tools such as:
- Movement Resources (e.g., Grounding, Centering, Articulation)
- Relational Dynamics (e.g., One-to-One, Group, Witnessing)
- The Four Continuums (e.g., Fluidity & Rigidity, Presence & Absence)
Teaching Approach
Open Floor teachers are trained to create safe, inclusive, and generative spaces. Sessions may include:
- Thematic movement inquiries
- Periods of personal reflection
- Verbal guidance and silence
- Partner or group exercises
- Emotional processing through movement
Classes vary in length and style, from weekly drop-ins to multi-day workshops and in-depth training modules.
Mission and Values
Open Floor International is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to make embodied movement practices widely accessible. The school’s values include:
- Honoring diversity and inclusion
- Supporting community and connection
- Promoting embodiment as a vital human capacity
- Using movement to respond to the challenges of modern life[3]
Global Network
Open Floor has trained hundreds of teachers and practitioners worldwide. Its certified faculty offer classes, workshops, and training programs across Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, and Oceania.[4]
The organization maintains a growing network of:
- Licensed Teachers
- Movement Facilitators
- Therapists and Coaches integrating Open Floor into professional practice
Training Pathway
The Open Floor curriculum includes:
- Movement Practice Classes
- Emotional and Relational Intelligence modules
- Group Facilitation and Leadership training
- Therapy-integration training for professionals
It also partners with therapists and educators to develop specialized tracks such as:
- Open Floor Therapy in Motion
- Open Floor for Youth and Education
