Elizabeth is 17, a high school senior, and a dance instructor at InMotion: a sexual-assault-survivor dance class at the YMCA in Pacific Beach.
“We want to create a community,” Elizabeth said. “You don’t have to talk about your story if you don’t want to. It’s just dancing; it’s an exercise class with a healing aspect. It’s to build a community, to find friends to talk to about your experience, in contrast to other people who may not ‘get it.’”
InMotion is held from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. every other Friday at the YMCA in Pacific Beach. It’s free and anyone can join — no dance experience necessary.
“We start with a warm up, and teach basic steps. It’s free-flowing,” said Elizabeth.
Elizabeth has been dancing since 3rd grade, along with her friend and co-instructor, Emma.
The young women were inspired by their contemporary dance teacher (they’ve been taking her class for two years) and their goal is to facilitate freedom of movement, “So that people can forget their personal story of assault for a while,” Elizabeth said.
Elizabeth has been interested in and involved in women’s rights in several different ways, including Girl Up, a United Nations organization for sexual and domestic violence and awareness; the Prevention, Education, and Advocacy Department at the Center for Community Solutions (CCS); and the We End Violence organization — which implements an “Agents of Change” student-run program at area high schools, addressing bystander intervention and consent, among other topics.
“We’re trying to change the culture of hate at our schools,” Elizabeth said.
Her goal is to welcome people to the class who are taking the first step in their own recovery.
“My own dance and friend communities have been the most important people to keep me going,” Elizabeth said. “I wanted to build that for other people.”
InMotion Dance Class (free)
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., every other Friday
Beach and Bay Family YMCA
4606 Ingraham St.
San Diego, CA 92109
When you come to the class: Wear something comfortable you can move and stretch in, like leggings or sweatpants and a t-shirt.
If you have any questions about the class, you can write to Elizabeth at: [email protected].
***
Tags: