FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m not a dancer. Can I do Qoya?
Qoya is accessible to all body types and ages. It can be adapted to suit all mobility levels. There are no levels to progress through and there is no way to do it wrong. It is all about being curious and having a willingness to explore reconnecting to your own body and heart.
No dance or yoga (or any) experience necessary!
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing that you can move, dance and stretch in. It’s also a good idea to layer up as you will likely get warmer as you move through the class.
Do I need to bring anything?
A yoga or exercise mat and a bottle of water. Optional items include a small pillow or blanket and a journal and pen in case you want to write down any reflections.
Will I be embarrassed moving in front of other people?
If this is a concern then online classes are a great initial option as you will be in the comfort and privacy of your own home. That said, I always aim to provide a comfortable and supportive space for each class so that each woman feels a sense of warmth and safety to move how they wish without fear of what it looks like. Most women find it quite liberating to connect to their bodies through the movement of Qoya.
What if I want to try a class but I can’t afford the price right now?
I know what it feels like to not be able to afford something that is really calling to you. I want the joy and grounding of this class to be accessible in all the ways. Our current period where many are facing a cost of living crisis is effecting so many, but I never want this to be a hindrance to people attending my Qoya classes. First and foremost, I am here to help myself and others heal and grow. I am now offering pay scale options, so please pick the price that is realistic for you and go with that. Even if it has to be zero for now, message me with the word Zero and I will send you the link to a class no questions asked. For in person classes message Zero with the date of the class you plan to attend and then just show up. There is no shame to be carried or judgements to be made. I understand. I have been there (sometimes still am). Just come try a class! xx
What happens in a Qoya class?
Each class revolves around a specific theme and a playlist of music especially picked to go with that theme. Ahead of each class I take time to set sacred space and build the centrepiece for each class which can include oracle/tarot cards, candles, crystals, and offerings from nature. This is an offering to my class in an effort to provide a welcoming and warm space for all who dance.
We start each class with an introduction to Qoya, to the theme and then we do a card pull.
Following on from this I will guide you through a short meditation or breathing exercise to help you get present in your body and ready for class.
Next we move into Intention Setting, which involves our first movement and breath flow as we connect to our intention as we go through the class.
This flows into Circling, Heart Opening and Hip Opening which help use ease into the movement and start to wake up our body and heart.
Then we move into doing Yoga as Prayer, where we partner up to holds space for another’s intention as well as our own, exploring what it feels like to move as an offering of prayer.
From here we will navigate through our shadow side with the hope of a willingness to look a bit deeper at our duality.
Shaking follows this as a way of releasing any energy that is ready to go and a reminder that at our essence we are wise, wild and free.
The Choreographed Dance is way to experience to pure fun and joy in community with others.
The peak of our class is the Free Dance which is all about being fully expressive and embodying what the theme feels like in our body as we move to the music.
After this we start to slow down, moving into Community Sharing, Stretching and Final Relaxation. This is where we allow time for pure rest and integration as we bring the class to a close.
How can I attend a class?
I live in the Derbyshire, UK area and will be running monthly in-person classes starting in June, 2023. Classes run between 75-90 minutes. Each class is based on a different theme, i.e. ‘Open to Receiving Love’ or ‘Living Intentionally.’
Day: In-person Qoya embodied movement classes run the third Wednesday of each month (unless otherwise indicated) starting 21 June, 2023.
Time: Classes start at 7:20pm and run between 75 and 90 minutes.
Location: Sawmills Village Hall, Ripley Rd, Sawmills, Belper, Derbys, DE56 2JQ (parking available on site)
Please refer to our FAQs for more details about the class.