Moving Thoughts #03 — What “Move Together” Actually Means to Me

“Move together,” to me, is the bare minimum a community should offer—never mind a dancer walking into your studio for the first time.

Your space should create connection. Intention. Real relationships between the students in your class.

For me, this starts simple.

In my once-a-week classes, I always build in a quick team connection moment. One of my go-tos is something I call the ball game. We sit in a circle, pass a ball, and the only rule is you have to say the person’s name before you pass it. That’s it.

Immediately, they’re talking. Engaging. Seeing each other.

If the group is ready, we build on it—standing up, adding more balls (max three), and eventually it turns into this chaotic, beautiful web of passing, laughing, messing up, trying again. And suddenly, five minutes into class, they’re connected.

That shift matters.

Rituals like this create a safe space. They help regulate the nervous system and take the edge off what can be a really overwhelming environment—especially for someone brand new. It allows dancers to just be before we ask anything more of them.

I’ve pulled inspiration for this from different places—like a training I did through HIGH FIVE—and of course, some classics like freeze dance (which always works because it’s familiar and fun). Recently, I’ve also been using a simple “hello” song to encourage students to acknowledge each other, not just me.

Because “move together” isn’t just about dancing side by side—it’s about building a culture where people feel seen, included, and part of something bigger.

And that starts from the moment they walk in.

Would love to hear what “move together” means to you 🤍