Connecting through Movement - A Partner Dancing Workshop for All Levels

Ever wanted to ask someone to dance, but weren't quite sure what to do once they said yes?

Whether you're a seasoned dancer, have two left feet, or have never tried partner dancing before, Connecting Through Movement is an approachable introduction to the basics of dancing with someone else. We'll start with the lively rhythms of merengue and explore the fundamentals of partner dancing - including basic holds and steps, dance etiquette, and how to communicate through movement.

This workshop is about more than memorizing steps. We'll practice the art of leading, following, listening, and responding with respect and consent, learning how two people can work together to create something that feels collaborative rather than choreographed. By the end, you'll have a few moves in your toolkit and the confidence to string them together into your own little dance.

No dance experience or partner required. Come ready to move, experiment, laugh at yourself a little, and discover how much communication can happen without saying a word.

What to expect:

 💃 An introduction to merengue-style partner dancing 

 🕺 Basic holds, steps, and simple combinations 

 🤝 Practice leading and following with clear communication 

 💜 Consent-centered dance etiquette and how to ask someone to dance 

 ✨ Low-pressure practice designed for all experience levels 

 🎶 A chance to build 2–3 moves into your own collaborative dance 
 

About the Educator 

Emerah has been a partner dancer for over 10 years and is trained in many styles including ballroom and latin social. She first began teaching at OSU's salsa club, and deeply enjoyed bringing new people into the dance community. She loves helping students build confidence through strong fundamentals and a fun-first approach. Her classes emphasize clear communication, solid technique, and beginner friendly environment where dancers of all levels are welcome.

DETAILS

📅 Date: September 9th

⏰ Time: Doors open at 7:00 pm, Class from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm

📍 Location: Wicked Eden, 2912 South High ST, Columbus Ohio 43207

Door tickets will be available!

The Deets:

No partner? No problem! You'll have opportunities to rotate partners during the workshop, and you're always welcome to participate without partnering up. This is a beginner-friendly space where curiosity matters more than coordination. Come as you are, find your rhythm, and leave feeling a little more confident about saying, "Would you like to dance?"

WHAT WE’LL HAVE FOR YOU!

• Drinks & Snacks! Our Merch shop will be open (at almost all events) with a variety of sodas and refreshments to keep you going. Our signature t-shirts and stickers are often out as well if you feel like browsing.

• Comfy Spots! Places to sit and chill - floor pillows or relaxing chairs. No shoes required (but you do you, boo).

• New friends! Honestly, the main attraction.

• Empowerment in education! We provide educational offerings that are fundamentally anti-racist, anti-colonial, and aimed to provide knowledge that arms you for living.

DRESS CODE

Comfortable clothes for movement are encouraged. 

VOLUNTEERS

We LOVE volunteers! Join our team of community volunteers, and you will find new friends, a support system, and a tight-knit center of empowerment. 

By volunteering with us, you can make a meaningful impact on people's lives. Still, you will also get perks such as discounted or free access to our events and classes and, most importantly, collaborative input into what we do here. Your ideas are important to us, and as a volunteer, we want you to feel like you're part of our community: one that celebrates who you are and supports your journey.

VOLUNTEER WITH US

SLIDING SCALE TICKET REQUEST

If you need additional accommodations for access to this event, you can submit a Sliding Scale Ticket Request. We can only offer a limited number of discounted tickets per event, so if you don't get a response, all codes may be used for this event.

INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY

We're committed to inclusivity. Our community is a tapestry of individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and social backgrounds, including all gender identities and expressions. We encourage everyone to engage with empathy and curiosity, always asking rather than assuming someone's identity or preferences. Our space is and always will be wheelchair accessible, with multiple spaces for varying sensory needs.

Read more about our Rules and Community Agreements and check the FAQ too.

PLEASE NOTE: No refunds will be given on ticket purchases. The address is provided to confirmed ticket holders after purchase. Wicked Eden is located on the south side of Columbus, approximately 10 minutes from downtown, and is one block away from a COTA bus stop.

ABOUT US

The Autonomy Project is a 501(c)(3) public charity providing resources, education, advocacy, and connection for sex workers, LGBTQIA+ folks, BIPOC, and other marginalized communities. EIN 92-1587440