https://www.shagamovement.org/blog daily 0.75 2020-12-09 https://www.shagamovement.org/blog/explore-my-vulnerabilities monthly 0.5 2021-06-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1599770348641-RBWPPOXL918ONSCVY23W/sara.jpg Blog - “Explore my Vulnerabilities” https://www.shagamovement.org/blog/knowing-your-body-through-movement monthly 0.5 2021-06-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1599770988740-W832TAIUHX9GIK06US5E/jam+niel.jpg Blog - “Knowing Your Body Through Movement” https://www.shagamovement.org/blog/the-opportunity-to-heal monthly 0.5 2021-06-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1599771604596-5IOLAH0XSSLU8D6VT5YL/class.jpg Blog - “The Opportunity to Heal” https://www.shagamovement.org/blog/new-ways-of-moving monthly 0.5 2020-12-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1607545014446-541W3TYD9ZEA04L2JKT8/Screen+Shot+2020-12-09+at+3.13.32+PM.png Blog - “Memos for Migration - a ShaGa score” https://www.shagamovement.org/blog/freedom-of-movement monthly 0.5 2020-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1599768583378-LECC4GX0IHB1I767LKJS/2018_08_25_shals_skate_park_durham_dances-8682-2-Copy1.jpg Blog - “Freedom of Movement” https://www.shagamovement.org/blog/find-your-own-journey monthly 0.5 2020-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1599769702574-X91PWRGO6PGLWID6VS0X/hannah.jpg Blog - “Find Your Own Journey” https://www.shagamovement.org/blog/curiosity-and-inquiry monthly 0.5 2020-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1599770874783-7S752LBMLW1L4TZZ3PNN/ashley.jpg Blog - “Curiosity and Inquiry” https://www.shagamovement.org/blog/permission-to-be-fearless monthly 0.5 2020-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1599769261433-LLBWM9ZYIKFWJ2L4UM3Q/abby.jpg Blog - “Permission to be Fearless” https://www.shagamovement.org/teacher-training daily 0.75 2021-06-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1598906001676-ZJNH0B5JFSOI6MRMO23O/ShaGa+Teacher+Training Teacher Training - Our Vision The ShaGa Teacher Training Program believes in research, creativity, agency, autonomy, and expansive knowledge. The program not only supports students to develop a high level of skill, curiosity, and perception, but also a strong sense of personal responsibility, integrity, and an openness to discover the unique work they will bring into the world when it is rooted in a deep commitment to personal transformation. Our integrated curriculum allows students to develop a balanced, grounded approach to the full expression of their passion into their lives and their healing. The ShaGa practice and principles are built on presence, truth, honesty, curiosity, sensitivity, and deep listening. These principles apply to all teachers and students and serve as foundations of the program. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1599752566246-FMBVYVPRN7JOBBNYWKFQ/2020+Teacher+Training Teacher Training - 2022 Teaching Training The ShaGa Teacher Training will begin in September 2022 and consist of outdoor as well as online classes. The program is for professionals who have significant experience in ShaGa and wish to deepen their practice while developing their personal voices as ShaGa teachers for the benefit and wellbeing of themselves and others. The course of study is divided into five areas of growth that share a core of movement research and discovery. The study will be done in an intimate group of no more than 6 students, enabling personal dialogue and direction by ShaLeigh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1599766359340-F8KVRC33CEI0SEF2H79D/ShaGa+Teacher+Training Teacher Training - Upon Completion You will receive an official ShaGa Teaching certificate. You will also receive your own ShaGa email-account, as well as a set of digital photographs of yourself teaching for use in your practice as a Teacher. We will also include your personal profile on our website. You will be given access to our online event database, have administrator rights to our ShaGa Facebook and Instagram pages, and you will be invited to join our private Pro-Group on Facebook, which serves as a community-building forum for all teachers to communicate with each other regarding any questions they might have, new discoveries, problems they encounter, or things they would like to share. The Program aims to support its students after their certification. The ShaGa movement language is a living practice that is constantly evolving. For all teachers, it is encouraged to take at least 1 intensive within a two year period and mandatory to take 1 intensive within a four year period to ensure continued development. Each annual intensive adds different layers of information and provides mentorship to teachers to continually progress their teaching practice. After completing the Training Program, you will be able to attend ShaGa Intensives at a 50% discounted fee. You will be making an annual financial contribution toward the administrative service of the Program to remain an actively certified teacher. This fee supports our organization for providing discounted training, website maintenance, email accounts, and advertisements for classes and workshops. The annual contribution is $100. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1599750142248-QTLAHLL6VCBPTW7Q4POY/teacher+training.jpg Teacher Training ShaGa Teacher Training https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1599765842837-62S15N7TW0VNA64IQ6O2/class.jpg Teacher Training ShaGa Community Class https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1599765951821-WBYX8J79N29NB6JBB823/shaga+teachers.jpg Teacher Training ShaGa Instructors https://www.shagamovement.org/home daily 1.0 2020-10-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1598111686186-MX2FK47Z0U389100GT0S/ShaGa+Instructors Home - Instructors https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1598111653989-I5PLAE1F8USOKCK2KN70/ShaGa+Classes Home - Classes https://www.shagamovement.org/about daily 0.75 2020-12-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1598397493323-A7J4MNZH2IMKHLG92T1L/ShaGa+Class About - A Living Movement Practice In ShaGa, we move from our body, the ultimate refuge. We allow our bodies to become our teacher and our healer. ShaGa is a living movement practice of self-discovery, healing, and awakening to our deeper resources. It opens us up to the capacity to experience movement as a source of healing and vitality. We discover that by inhabiting our bodies more fully, we are able to more fully inhabit our lives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1598813115064-VHALTQIQH2D9XR4SMTVG/ShaGa+Class About - Partners We are grateful to work with these organizations to bring you our ShaGa classes, virtually & in-person. ShaLeigh Dance Works The Reality Center Grounded Path https://www.shagamovement.org/classes daily 0.75 2025-09-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1598816033189-N9XHIYP649IQKD6EK671/Virtual+ShaGa Classes - Virtual ShaGa We are currently offering ShaGa online, live-streamed from Puerto Rico and North Carolina. Join us for ongoing classes and special events. All classes are donation based & open to anyone. We encourage those who are able to give what you can if you can. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Our virtual ShaGa: Community and ShaGa: Movers classes will be 45 minutes. Learn more about ShaGa on our About page. We are teaching these classes on Zoom, a free application accessible from your phone, tablet or computer. Simply register by clicking on the link for each class (below) & you will get access. Please be sure to register ahead of time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1598644391421-D7X2YIH2VC49Y8VEYUS9/Mindful+Movement+%26+Meditation Classes - Movement & Meditation Join sisters, Shimila & ShaLeigh, for an hour of movement & meditation class. ShaLeigh will guide a gentle, meditative ShaGa movement practice. The movement can be experienced while seated, laying down, standing or in stillness through your mind's eye. Following ShaGa, Shimila, of Grounded Path LLC, will lead a guided meditation followed by an open discussion and an offering of a mindfulness practice for your week. Join with others who are making mindful practices a way to manage stress, improve attention, & acquire emotional & mental balance, as well as cultivate peace & well-being. All are welcome, from beginning to experienced meditation practitioners, as well as those who are curious about discovering meditation in new ways. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1598643125216-K5YS0L2KJGMM1LTII5MU/ShaGa+Community+Class Classes - Community Classes Community classes are for all people of all abilities. Class begins slowly and builds in intensity to continuous motion, providing enjoyable exercise for both body and soul. ShaGa allows us to consciously explore our habits, expand our range, and discover the endless possibilities of healing ways of moving in a welcoming, accepting atmosphere. Learn more about ShaGa here. Classes are open to ALL people and are designed for individuals who wish to open themselves to movement in new ways. Dancers, yogis, movers, and nonmovers of all kinds and abilities are welcome to join us. No prior experience is necessary and no one is ever turned away for lack of funds. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and to move barefoot or in socks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1601664747958-WL02DECE106QDT673K33/577B22AB-DFCA-4337-A19B-586C4A835E10.jpeg Classes - Mover Classes These classes are designed for dancers and other dedicated practitioners of movement. ShaGa: Movers offers a rich and deep exploration of the movement practice while building on the foundations of a movers knowledge and training. We experience the inhabitance and delicacy of form while expanding our movement potential through textures, total awareness, creative play, and visiting familiar places in unfamiliar ways. Learn more about ShaGa here. This class is for practitioners who wish to open themselves up to a greater range of sensations and movement qualities that restore, enrich, and expand their bodies and minds. Throughout class, the nonjudgmental space prompts movers to take greater risks, be challenged, and to celebrate new possibilities for healing and growth. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and to move barefoot or in socks. https://www.shagamovement.org/contact daily 0.75 2020-09-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1598359880950-732RDOHX8MI4G3RLI3QS/ShaGa+Movement Contact - Have questions about our classes? Or our Teacher Training Program? Want to book us for a ShaGa Master Class? Contact Us Today https://www.shagamovement.org/instructors daily 0.75 2021-06-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1598812130707-YRYIMFG5C7PV1JXP99TK/ShaLeigh+Comerford Instructors - ShaLeigh Comerford (Founder) Tobias Keene, D.D.S. Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Tobias Keene brings a bit of unabashed Southern hospitality to all his patients. He moved to Washington, D.C. over thirty years ago as a freshman at Ivy College. Right after graduation, he attended World University’s School of Dentistry. Before opening Keene Dental in 1994, he worked for free clinics and some of the finest practices in the District. He is part of the 123 Dental Association and stays up-to-date on the latest dental discoveries. When not striving to keep his patients happy and healthy, he’s enjoys hiking with his family in Rock Creek Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1598455150367-LKN0VXYLZKFT1JXZOOJE/Bart+Westdorp-Crawford Instructors - Bart Westdorp-Crawford (Teacher) Bart entered into the ShaGa Teacher Training without a background in dance. He had been teaching yoga and mindfulness for many years, but felt that there were layers of understanding within himself that he was not yet able to connect to. He studied with Dharma Mittra in New York (eventually completing his 800hr yoga teacher training) and Thich Nhat Hanh in France, who both inspired him to teach from a place of humility and compassion. In 2014 he discovered ShaGa, and something was awoken in him. He was able to start feeling a liberation in his physical and emotional body that had eluded him before. He practiced ShaGa as often as he could, and in 2019 was invited to join ShaLeigh’s inaugural teacher training. This training took him into depths that he didn’t even realize were there. It started weaving together all of his previous insights and studies into a fully embodied somatic healing practice. "For me, ShaGa is an inquiry, a practice of self-discovery. It's a practice of moving energy. It's a practice of re-languaging. It's a practice of getting to know yourself. It's a practice of connecting into parts of yourself that may be hidden or covered up. It's a practice of transforming trauma. It's a practice of connecting into your highest nature. It's a practice of moving both inward and outward at the same time. It's a way to get to know yourself better, while simultaneously connecting into other people and connecting into the divine. It's a practice of finding deeper resources. It's a practice of giving yourself permission. It's a practice of becoming fearless. It's a practice of having fun. But most of all it's a practice of love." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1598455050304-ULC4SYB8O8Y84QBQK9L2/Steven+James+Rodriguez+Velez Instructors - Steven James Rodriguez Velez (Teacher) Steven joined the ShaGa Teacher Training program after years of dance and movement trainings. His first practice of movement was Karate, Judo, Kung Fu, and Khatas. After becoming a black belt in Khatas at the age of 13, Steven discovered his passion for movement and transitioned to dance shortly after. Steven moved to San Juan in 2004 where he was accepted to the University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras to study dance and theater. While there, he joined the HINCAPIE dance company and was given the opportunity to dance in the festival, Fiestas Coreograficas. In 2009, Steven joined ANDANZA as a company member and a teacher in the school of Andanza, where he stayed until 2015, when he moved to North Carolina and started working with the Black Irish Company. In 2016 Steven joined Blackbox Dance Theater, directed by Michelle Pearson; and joined OM Grown Dancers from 2017 to 2019. Steven has been a member of ShaLeigh Dance Works since 2018. In addition to dancing, he teaches all over the triangle and state. “I’ve been in North Carolina for 5 years now, teaching and dancing all over the state. I met ShaLeigh 4 years ago and fell in love with this movement right away. I’ve been full time in the company for two years now but this last year has been the most important and amazing one because I’ve had the opportunity and the experience to go deeper in this practice by doing the teacher training 4 days a week. It has been rigorous but I have found pleasure and more passion for it. It has changed my way of seeing movement and teaching; it’s like adding a new language – Spanish, English, ShaGa. ShaGa has expanded my possibilities on research and has helped me to find a way of internal healing; mentally and physically. This practice has taught me how to use all the information that is outside like inside, that already exists to have access to things by allowing, having the willingness to go beyond and has taught me to listen more so we can go deeper and have a better experience. This practice is a never ending story that we can change the patterns anytime. It’s a practice for everyone; you just need to give yourself permission to… Come groove with us and share a smile, the experience and your knowledge and let’s share it with the world.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eea44e2c458ff0d3a992307/1598455074734-JP4ER78J3O00WGCRZCP5/Isabelle+Frame Instructors - Isabelle Frame (Teacher) Isabelle came to the ShaGa Teacher Training program with years of dance experience. She originally began her dance studies at Beckley Dance Theatre in West Virginia. She continued her training in Durham, North Carolina with the Durham School for Ballet and the Performing Arts under the direction of Boleyn Willis-Zeger where she starred in countless storybook ballets. Isabelle was also accepted to attended summer training programs at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre and Ballet Arizona. She has performed as the corps de ballet with Charlotte Ballet Company and received leading roles with the Charlotte Ballet Academy. She has also studied and performed a variety of contemporary repertory rooted in the research of ShaGa and the Gaga Movement Language as well as William Forsythe’s Improvisation Technologies under the direction of ShaLeigh Comerford. Isabelle has guested with ShaLeigh Dance Works since 2015 and officially joined the company in 2018. “I remember being introduced to ShaGa a little over seven years ago. During that time I was preparing a solo with ShaLeigh for a competition and I didn’t know too much about this movement language. I was curious, I thought maybe it was a way to find new choreographic material to use in creating the solo. From then I started dipping my feet into it more and more. I fell in love with the practice once finally joining the company in late summer of 2018, things began to click for me in the dance world. After an internal battle of wondering what I wanted to do in my life, I knew I wanted to move in this direction. It wasn’t just how this practice helped expand my body’s knowledge of its own movement capacity, but how it guided my body to heal its own injuries that I neglected. Now as a ShaGa Teacher, it’s my life goal to continue my research in this movement and offer it to everyone I meet! It has given me groundbreaking discoveries in my own body and mind, and I know it has more to show me.”