Connecting through Movement – A Partner Dancing Workshop for All Levels
September 9thh 7:00pm - 9:30pm ∙ Columbus, OH
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.
ticket Details:
DRESS CODE
When it comes to attire, anything goes at Wicked Eden, we want you to feel comfortable and in the mood to have an adventure! Wicked Eden is a place where you can wear as much or as little as you desire. We want you to always feel comfortable expressing yourself in whatever ways you desire. We encourage you to go outside your comfort zone with festive, outrageous, or amazing clothing that you never get a chance to wear anywhere else.
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. Once you have obtained membership as above, please check out the volunteering section of The Autonomy Project website.
By volunteering with us you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives, but you will also get perks such as discounted or free access to our events and classes, and most importantly, collaborative input in 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.
HIGH POTENTIAL, NO PRESSURES
Our community thrives in a space where countless delightful interactions could happen, but none are obligated to occur. Think of it as “high possibility, low expectations.” Outside of our general requirements of respect, you are under no obligation to interact with anyone in any particular way. This makes our space ideal for new faces and seasoned community members alike.
HIGH POTENTIAL, NO PRESSURES
Our events aren’t the product of one person hosting a party for pay; they’re the result of a community coming together and creating something new. Everyone who attends is expected to co-create: money, time, energy, enthusiasm, work, intention, example, concern and/or awareness. Have ideas, games, art, music to share? Want to bring them to life with us?
A FOUNDATION OF TRUST
Our gatherings are magical because of trust. We fiercely protect each member’s privacy, encourage honest risk communication, and take diligent care of our shared environments. It’s our collective respect and integrity that fortify this safe space.
CLEAR AND PRESENT CONSENT
Upholding consent goes beyond preventing harm; it’s about affirming everyone’s freedom to fully and joyfully agree to their interactions. It’s through this affirmation that our spaces thrive with genuine, unreserved participation.
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.
PLEASE NOTE:
No refunds will be given on ticket purchases. 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
Wicked Eden is operated by The Autonomy Project, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to education, community building, and empowerment for individuals within the alternative sexuality community, sex work industry, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Our mission is to create a safe and inclusive space where individuals can freely express their sexuality and gender identity without fear of discrimination, judgment, or violence.