Animova - Movement Exploration

A softer Friday night for people who want to move, reconnect with themselves and explore movement on their own terms.

Animova is a small-group guided movement practice combining therapeutic exploration, embodiment and animist practice.

There are no steps to learn and nothing to perform. Instead, you’ll be introduced to a Movement Menu with different ways of moving, then guided through a curated musical journey.

You might sway, stretch, shake, rock, reach, tap, dance, lie down, repeat one tiny movement or become completely still.

The basic practice is simple:

NOTICE what is happening.
EXPLORE what is possible.
CHOOSE how you want to respond.

We begin gently with grounding, reflection and an introduction to the evening’s theme.

You’ll explore the Movement Menu before moving through music that gradually shifts through different moods and energies. Along the way, you’ll receive occasional prompts and questions. Everything is an invitation.

During the movement journey, conversation pauses and we minimize watching one another, creating a low-pressure, inward-focused experience.

We finish with stillness and reflection, followed by tea + optional social time.

Come for the inner journey. Stay for tea if you feel like it.

Our first Animova begins with ourselves.

What does it feel like to inhabit your body today? What happens when nobody is asking you to move correctly?

Before exploring elements, ancestors, seasons and other relationships in future gatherings, we begin by learning to listen inward.

Animova is nervous-system aware. More movement is not better. Small movement, rest and stillness are all part of the practice.

Movement can also become a way of relating beyond ourselves: to Earth, spirit, place, ancestors and whatever we consider sacred.

A movement can become an offering.
Repetition can become ritual.
Stillness can become listening.

No particular spiritual belief or movement experience is required.

You want to move while taking care of your nervous system.

You’re looking for a softer, lower-stimulation Friday night.

You’re curious about movement but don’t consider yourself a dancer.

You enjoy therapeutic, creative or spiritual experiences.

You’re a social introvert who likes having permission to stay in your own world.

Friday, October 2 · 7:30 PM
First Friday monthly · $35 · 18+
Sober · Phone + photo-free · Small group

Earth in Sky · House of Elemental Care
497 Main St E · Hamilton

More infor + register here:

https://www.earthinsky.com/event-details/animova-movement-journeys-2026-10-02-19-30

Facilitated by Yana / Chauntell Dietrich, Registered Social Worker, Animist Minister and artist.

If cost is a barrier, contact us for an accessibility discount. No explanation required.

Eligible participants may be able to submit their receipt under Social Work benefits, depending on their individual insurance plan.

anima · soul, breath, inner life
mova · motion, change, being moved

Move from what is alive within you.