Upcoming & Recent Events
UPCOMING LIVE WORKSHOPS
** BodyWAGGING / Dancing The Axis Syllabus **
Wednesdays, 10am-12noon, Nov 1 - Dec 13
@ The Finnish Hall in Berkeley, CA
This class series trains fluid, integrated movement from the perspective of anatomy and biomechanics. Participants will learn about the structures of the body and how to move seamlessly in any direction. All levels welcome.
$15-30 requested at the door, NOTAFLOF.
** Contact Improvisation **
Practice helpful techniques for partner dancing that is curious, resilient and expansive.
10-11am, November 12 @ The Church of 8 Wheels in San Francisco, CA
10-11am, December 3 @ Sweets Ballroom in Oakland, CA
** Urban Spiral Weekend: Movement Intensive **
Friday-Sunday, December 8-10, 2023
@ Berkeley, CA
Join us for a full weekend of movement classes, including Fluid Acrobatics, Biomechanics, Evolved Fitness, Movement Games & Contact Improvisation. Led by Shira Yaziv & Sebastian Grubb.
** KINESPHERE: Axis Syllabus Dance Intensive & Teacher Co-Lab **
October 27-29, 2023
@ The Finnish Hall, Berkeley, CA
TICKETS!
Facebook Event Page
Join local and visiting teachers of The Axis Syllabus! KINESPHERE aims to re-catalyze the Bay Area as a hub of dance-based, biomechanics research and vibrance, following the lineage of the A.S.
Traditional A.S. classes are centered around dance training and movement preparation, applying anatomical science and related fields to preserve and amplify personal wellbeing.
Sign up for as many classes as you like, first come first served. Each class is $20, or you can bundle all 5 classes for $75 total. No one turned away for lack of funds.
Teachers include: Bronwyn Ayla, Sebastian Grubb, Emily Jones, Sam Stone. Details TBA.
Level 1 Classes
*Beginner/Intermediate
Friday 6-8pm
Saturday 10am-12noon
Sunday 10am-12noon
Level 2 Classes
*Intermediate/Advanced
Saturday 12:15-2:15pm
Sunday 12:15-2:15pm
Teachers Co-Lab
*By invitation only. For certified teachers, candidates and long-term students.
Saturday 2:30-4pm
Sunday 2:30-4pm
* Level 1 Classes are appropriate for all levels of experience with dance and biomechanics.
* Level 2 Classes are appropriate if you have a) significant movement or dance training, or b) significant education in anatomy/biomechanics. If you already have both a) and b) you should consider joining our Axis Syllabus community!
**Anyone can join a Level 2 Class, but beginners should know it will move at a faster pace and assume more working knowledge than Level 1 classes.
WORKSHOP VIDEOS
** AGILE BEAST: FINESSE YOUR BEAST MODE **
AGILE BEAST features biomechanics instruction and a unique full-body workout that integrates technical information with dynamic movement training.
Each session is 75 minutes and appropriate for Intermediate and Advanced movers.
Access each 6-part video series for $60, or the entire 12-part series for just $100.
* Send payment via this PayPal. Please include a note with your name, email address, and "AGILE BEAST series".
Email bodywagging@gmail.com for more info.
SERIES 1
- Myofascial Functional Lines: Twisting, Diagonal Arcs
- Foot & Ankle Anatomy: Roam the Earth
- Hand & Wrist Anatomy: Grip, Climb, Hang
- Spiral Dynamics: Spring-Loaded
- Trochanters: Body-as-Wheels
- Tensegral Web: Intersecting Myofascial Lines
SERIES 2
Spine Logic: Engine, Column, Chorus
Hip Moves: Pelvis Meets World
Flowrilla 1: Crawling for Modern Apes
Flowrilla 2: Climbing for Modern Apes
Stampede: Building Powerful Legs
Spirals for Days: Arcing Trajectory
** How You Move: Understanding Biomechanics **
Online Video Course
For all movers, dancers, trainers, fit freaks and coaches.
Join Sebastian for a deep dive into human movement to better understand and apply anatomical principles to your moving life. This series is not just about anatomy, but how to train human movement in more integrated ways to create greater fluidity, ease, and power.
Each session is 75 minutes and appropriate for All Levels.
Access the entire 5-part video series on for just $50!
* Send payment via this PayPal. Please include a note with your name, email address, and "Understanding Biomechanics series".
Email bodywagging@gmail.com for more info.
FULL SERIES:
- Foot, Knee, Hip
- Spine and Core
- Shoulders and Arms
- Integrating the Whole Body, part 1
- Integrating the Whole Body, part 2
RECENT WORKSHOPS & PERFORMANCES
** Spiral Day: Movement Intensive **
Sunday, September 17th, 2023@ Berkeley, CA
Full day of movement classes, including Fluid Acrobatics, Biomechanics, Evolved Fitness, Movement Games & Contact Improvisation. Led by Shira Yaziv & Sebastian Grubb. www.spiralcamp.com
** BodyWAGGING / Dancing The Axis Syllabus **
Mondays, 10am-12noon, September 11 - October 2
@ Berkeley, CA
** AGILE BEAST Workshop - Outside **We'll combine interactive outdoor environments with partner exercises for truly functional movement and fitness training. Trial Series: Saturdays, August 19 & 26, 3:30-5:00pm @ Ohlone Park in Berkeley, CA.$15-45 sliding.
** AGILE BEAST Flow - Online **Integrated movement training and biomechanics education. Wednesdays, 8:30-9:25am Pacific. Online via Zoom. $10-30 sliding.
Learn more about AGILE BEAST
** Contact Improvisation **
Practice helpful techniques for partner dancing that is curious, resilient and expansive.
7-8pm, April 20, 2023 @ The Church of 8 Wheels in San Francisco, CA
10-11am, April 30, 2023 @ The Church of 8 Wheels in San Francisco, CA
** Urban Spiral Weekend **
3-day movement workshop intensive with Sebastian Grubb & Shira Yaziv!
June 2-4 @ The Finnish Hall in Berkeley, CA
** Contact Improvisation **
Frequent Guest Teacher at Ecstatic Dance SF
@ The Church of 8 Wheels in San Francisco, CA
** Axis Syllabus: Movement & Dance In the Park **
September 3-5, 2022 @ Santa Cruz, California
Three-day workshop with Sebastian Grubb & Miranda Janeschild
FLAMINGO MEETS RHINO: Honing Legs for Balance and Power
Legs are integrated systems from toes-to-pelvis, and then into the spine and beyond. We'll look at anatomical nuances in coordinating our legs so we can better balance, shift, bounce and propulse (stand, walk, run and jump). Sebastian's workshop will include balance challenges, partner exercises, movement games, and even…dancing!
** Spiral Day: Outdoor Movement Workshop **
Sunday, July 31, 2022 @ Oakland, California
Join me and Shira Yaziv for our 2nd annual outdoor workshop! This is a full-day training intensive with four classes focusing on self-sensing and fluid movement principles:
* Movement Games * Contact Improvisation* Acrobatic Flow * Creative Dancing * Functional Anatomy
Outdoor Axis Syllabus: Kinetic Architecture & Gravity Games
*Anatomy Lab + Micro-Movement Workshop. Outdoors in a beautiful place, walkable from Glen Park BART Station. Bathrooms and drinking fountain nearby. Mask optional. Consider bringing a blanket, hat, water.*We'll discuss and explore anatomical frameworks for approaching movement that is balanced, shifting, and has dynamic potential. This will be a solo movement experience so there is plenty of room and clear air (with regards to COVID precautions).
** Spiral Day **
July 10, 2021 @ Oakland, California
Join us for a full day of dynamic movement and play! We'll use fields, forests and trails in the Oakland Hills to connect with each other and nature. Co-taught with Shira Yaziv. Info & Tickets
AGILE BEAST ONLINE
Wednesdays: May 13 - June 17, 2020
10am-11:15am or 5:15-6:30pm GMT (Pacific Time)
TOPICS:
MAY 13: Myofascial Functional Lines: Twisting, Diagonal Arcs
MAY 20: Foot & Ankle Anatomy: Roam the Earth
MAY 27: Hand & Wrist Anatomy: Grip, Climb, Hang
JUNE 3: Spiral Dynamics: Spring-Loaded
JUNE 10: Trochanters: Body-as-Wheels
JUNE 17: Tensegral Web: Intersecting Myofascial Lines
Participants must have a current movement practice and knowledge of basic biomechanics and healthy movement principles. Ideal for professional and aspiring dancers and athletes, coaches and trainers, pilates and yoga instructors, regardless of current fitness status.
How You Move: Understanding Biomechanics an Online Live Video Course For all movers, dancers, trainers, fit freaks and coaches.
Wednesdays in April, 2020, US$10-20 sliding
April 1: Foot, Knee, Hip
April 8: Spine and Core
April 15: Shoulders and Arms
April 22: Integrating the Whole Body, part 1
April 29: Integrating the Whole Body, part 2
ABOUT:
Each week I presented on a specific bio-mechanical system in the body and then offered movement exercises to explore and hone participants' ability to access that area: stability, mobility, endurance, strength, agility and articulation.
Most importantly, we discussed the basis for training each area in a functional way, one that supports participants' health and ability to move and age gracefully.
"Shifting Tones": Axis Syllabus & Dance
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
@ Finnish Hall, Berkeley
Integrated movement training based on biomechanics, fluidity, and anatomical studies. Classes are 10-11:30am and $12-20 sliding. Perfect for dancers, movers, athletes, trainers.
In "Shifting Tones", we take a hard and soft look at myofascial tonal states in different movement patterns and dynamics. Come move, study, play.
http://www.axissyllabuswest.org
Contact Improvisation as Respect + Physics
Sunday, February 2, 2020
Join me for an intro-level class on improvised partner dancing before the DJ set begins and we rock out at Ecstatic Dance! Class is 10-11am, Ecstatic Dance is 11am-1pm.
@ Church of Eight Wheels, San Francisco, CA
Spiral Camp
January 17-20, 2020 @ Redwood Glen in California
Spiral Camp is an affordable long-weekend retreat led by Sebastian Grubb and Shira Yaziv. It's a unique gathering and workshop, blending multiple physical modalities and training strategies:
* Axis Syllabus / embodied anatomy * Acrobatic Flow * Contact Improvisation
ARCHITECTING: Building Physical Resilience in Contact Dancing
Saturday, September 21, 2019
6:30-9:30pm @ 330 Melville Ave, Palo Alto, California
Expand your ability to dance with dynamic physical contact. Contact Improvisation can be supported with specific skills that enhance each person's sensitivity and understanding of three-dimensional resilience. Your body is a trans-morphing architecture; join me as we examine and refine the foundation.
Axis Syllabus + Dance: Build Ramps, Not Walls
Wednesdays in July, 2019
10-11:30am @ Finnish Hall, Berkeley CA
The focus for these classes will be Ramping Technique. Ramping is when you create smooth pathways for your body down to the floor and back up again. This requires the right motion at the joints, the use of the different masses of the body as both weights and motors, and creative practice.
Come ramp with me!
An immersive evening of meticulous sensing, daring trust, and physical intimacy in a new contemporary dance work by Sonsherée Giles and Sebastian Grubb
June 6-8, 8pm @ CounterPulse in San Francisco, CA
Featuring original music composition by local composers directed by Caroline Penwarden. Original dance film by John Carnahan. Choreography and performance by Sonsheree and Sebastian.
SWERVE Dance Collective (the company formerly known as Scott Wells & Dancers)
w/ Megan Lowe and Miriam Wolodarski
July 19th.
San Francisco Movement Arts Festival
@ Grace Cathedral outdoor fountain, San Francisco
BodyWAGGING: Shoulders and Spine
Movement Exploration Retreat
May 11-18, 2019 @ Costa Rica
Guest Teacher. Classes focused on honing shoulder and spine mechanics to support ease, safety, high-dynamic training.
Axis Syllabus + Dance
Wednesdays in February, 2019
10-11:30am @ Finnish Hall, Berkeley CA
The focus for these classes will be Ramping Technique. Ramping is when you create smooth pathways for your body down to the floor and back up again. This requires the right motion at the joints, the use of the different masses of the body as both weights and motors, and creative practice.
COME RAMP WITH ME!
Spiral Camp
January 18-21, 2019 @ Redwood Glen, CA
A 3-day weekend intensive in the Santa Cruz Mountains, focusing on fluid movement, accessible acrobatics, experiential anatomy and connecting with others. By Sebastian Grubb and Shira Yaziv.
Axis Syllabus + Dance
October 17, 24
November 7, 14, 28**
10-11:30am @ Finnish Hall, Berkeley CA
Come study, play, dance. The focus for these classes will be on muscles and bones of the hip, such as the three gluteal muscles and how they contribute to mobility, stability, and strength in movement.
Co-Kinesis: Dynamic Partnering and the Docking Zones with Daniel Bear Davis and Sebastian Grubb
November 28 and 30
10am-1pm @ Finnish Hall, Berkeley, CA
This will be a fun, accessible, and at times athletic workshop with plenty of anatomical and physics-based considerations to inform healthy and creative dancing.
AGILE BEAST : Meta Fitness Training
October 19 & 20, 2018
12-6pm @ Finnish Hall, Berkeley CA
AGILE BEAST is for people serious and curious about developing their fitness training, movement practice, and/or movement coaching. It's time to get a little Beastly! I'm synthesizing my 12+ years experience as a fitness coach, professional dancer and Axis Syllabus teacher to create a methodology for fitness training rooted in dynamic health. This workshop includes detailed presentations, exploratory exercises, and full-on workouts. Suitable for those with an active movement practice.
Axis Syllabus + Contact Improv
Tuesdays in April and May from 6:30-8pm @ Counter Pulse in San Francisco
A weekly class series applying anatomy and basic physics to improvised dancing. Followed by an open Contact Improvisation Jam.
AGILE BEAST: Whole Body Fitness
June 16-21, 2018
Nomadic College: Axis Syllabus @ Earthdance in Massachusetts
A weeklong workshop on whole body fitness, equal parts Anatomy Nerd and Beast Mode.
in.tension.ality : shifting tone
July 9-13, 2018
@ Finnish Hall, Berkeley, CA
BAASE: The Bay Area Axis Syllabus Exchange
A four-day workshop about muscles, fascia, and using different levels of tension in different movement situations.
BodyWAGGING
Dec 16-17, 2017
@ Finnish Hall in Berkeley
A two-day intensive on harmonious movement.
Low Flow & the Serpentine Spine
March 18-19, 2017
with Nuria Bowart @ Finnish Hall in Berkeley, CA
A two-day intensive on sequential movement patterns and floor-work.