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Open floor
Conscious dance, known as Open Floor, is a modern movement practice that combines the conscious exploration of the body, mind, emotions, and inner world through free movement. Unlike choreographed dance classes, Open Floor does not focus on technique or external form but invites participants to move authentically, listen to their body’s needs, and explore impulses that arise in the moment.
It is a movement meditation that helps us connect with the body’s intelligence, release suppressed emotions, increase presence, and support personal growth and healing
When can it help?
Conscious dance can be supportive in many situations, such as:
Relieving stress and anxiety – movement helps the body release tension and restore calm and balance.
Emotional release – in a safe space, movement allows you to connect with suppressed or difficult feelings.
Increasing body awareness – particularly helpful for those who feel “stuck” in their bodies or disconnected.
Fostering creativity and self-expression – free movement awakens the natural impulse to express oneself in a body-friendly way.
Supporting trauma or grief processes – movement helps process challenging experiences in the body without needing to put them into words.
Open Floor is suitable for people of all ages and physical abilities – no previous dance experience is necessary.
How does it work?
The Open Floor movement practice follows clear principles and structure:
Following movement impulses – participants are invited to listen to what is happening inside the body and move accordingly.
Theme-based exploration – sessions may focus on themes such as boundaries, emotions, relationships, or life force.
Anchoring in the body – the teacher guides attention back to the body so that emotions and thoughts can settle and integrate.
Individual and group work – participants may move alone, in pairs, or in groups, depending on the session’s focus.
Music and space – carefully chosen soundscapes support the flow and shifts in movement.
Open Floor teachers are trained extensively and create a space that is safe, non-judgmental, and supportive—allowing you to be exactly as you are.
Contraindications
While Open Floor is suitable for most people, certain situations may require adaptations:
Acute psychosis or unstable mental state – it’s important to consult with a specialist before participating.
Severe physical pain or injury – movement should be adjusted according to the body’s abilities.
Recent trauma or grief – while Open Floor can support healing, it may bring up strong emotions and require therapeutic follow-up.
Useful to know
Conscious dance usually takes place in silence, without verbal interaction, creating a deeper connection with oneself and reducing external distractions. Participants dance barefoot or in socks, wearing comfortable clothing that allows free movement. The practice requires no dance skills or prior experience—what matters is the willingness to listen to the body and allow oneself to move in a way that feels natural in the moment.
For many, the first experience may feel a bit uncomfortable or even vulnerable, especially for those accustomed to expressing themselves primarily through words or the intellect. However, this discomfort is part of the growth and discovery journey. Open Floor offers the opportunity to slow down, experience presence, and reconnect with the body—whether for daily balance or deeper inner work.
Interesting facts from science
In recent years, research has increasingly supported the impact of movement-based practices on mental and physical health. For example, studies have shown that conscious movement, including free dance, helps lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body and increases the levels of neurotransmitters responsible for well-being, such as serotonin and dopamine. In addition, this type of practice supports brain neuroplasticity—the ability to form new neural connections—which is essential for both emotional healing and learning.
Many researchers and therapists working in the field of somatic psychotherapy have emphasized that movement helps the body process emotions, which might otherwise remain stored and later manifest as psychosomatic complaints, such as chronic tension or pain. This is precisely why movement-based techniques have increasingly found their place in therapeutic and rehabilitation programs worldwide.
