Our Values

We believe that movement heals

At Open Floor International we are guided by these values:

1. Move & Include

When our body moves, everything moves. A gesture brings on a flood of feelings. A surge of emotion creates sensation. Thoughts of loved ones stir us up. Our minds may keep us tight and frozen, or help us make sense of what just happened in the dance. Anything we try to push away can become our limitation.

On the Open Floor we move and include the juicy moments of joyful release, as well as the challenging ones: pain in the body, shyness, self-limiting beliefs, or a sense of isolation.

This is how we learn to be true, fluid and resilient.

2. Everybody matters

Our business model, Dynamic Governance (DG), reflects the same values of inclusion we teach on the dance floor. Dynamic Governance fosters equality, radical honesty, and participation of member teachers.

3. Open Floor is Open Source

We are devoted to education, training, and making movement as accessible as possible. Therefore, our work is registered on the Creative Commons, which both protects the integrity of the work while making it available for creative remixing. Students are encouraged to integrate what they’ve learned from us, and respectfully add it to their own talents.

4. Everything is a remix, and everyone is unique

Movement is an infinitely creative process, and dancers are among the world’s greatest natural remixers.

All creativity requires influence. Invention springs from a meeting of inspiration (teachers, artists, cultural trends, discoveries) and our own unique imaginations. Even the most radical artists and philosophers stand on the shoulders of those who have come before them. In turn they become the ground for those who come after.

5. Moving forever

In our decades of wild times on the dance floor we have seen countless injuries. We’ve watched long-term dancers drift away from their dance practice as injuries mount and bodies age.

In Open Floor movement practice we prepare and protect our bodies, and learn how to prevent injuries and dance with abandon at any age. Any movement of any size can be the seed of something beautiful.

6. some things need more than dance to heal

The best medicine is often an untamed, sweaty dance. Sometimes it’s a good cry. Other times we need the support of a therapist or body-worker, a courageous conversation or silent contemplation.

Open Floor movement practice teachers are artfully trained to get people to move (activate), settle (deactivate), then pause as they witness themselves and others. Our teachers support people to embody all the thoughts and feelings that inevitably arise when we move, and know when to suggest further support.

Donate to Open Floor International

Your donation will connect, heal, and grow movers around the world.

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FAQs

How will my donation be used to help others?

Your generous gift will support our training programs, and ensure that movement instructors in 27 countries can make these life changing opportunities available to people around the globe.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Open Floor International is a 501(c)(3) organization. All donations made to Open Floor International are deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

How do I get a copy of my receipt?

We provide an electronic receipt at the time of the donation. Both the receipt you see onscreen at the completion of the donation process and the e-mail you receive shortly thereafter meet all IRS requirements as a record of donation. If you are asked to provide a paper receipt for IRS purposes, please print out a copy of your email receipt. If you need another copy of your receipt, please email us.

How do I know that my donation is secure?

Open Floor International uses industry-leading Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to keep your personal information as secure as possible. We protect your information by working with partners that provide a secure and safe environment for credit card donations.