Moving Rasa grounds knowledge and social justice to the wisdom of our bodies through the medium of movement improvisation. Together participants learn to trust in their interconnectedness with people and the world around them, while working through obstacles to self-expression and expanding our capacity to improvise in changing and challenging terrains. In particular, Rasa means taste or essence in Indonesian. Moving Rasa connects participants to their Rasa embracing their cultures, histories, and spirituality as essential for authentic relationship building to create unity through diversity. 

This weekend workshop is for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and other people of color) to come together to develop a foundational understanding of the Moving Rasa framework. We do not have to leave ourselves behind in order to do the work. At its heart, the Moving Rasa framework seeks to dismantle the internal and external control oppression has on our consciousness, ways of moving and connecting with each other and with the land. This work interweaves our connection to consciousness and body with our imagination. Our goal is that participants are empowered to transform their work and communities through this practice in their everyday lives and through local self-organized practice pods. 

No experience in movement or the arts is necessary. This workshop is for BIPOC community across ability, age and class. Class size will be limited to about 15 people. Please Register here.

Workshop location and exact times are still to be determined. Most likely it will be one 3 hr workshop on Saturday and two 3 hr workshops on Sunday and Monday each with a break or meal in between.

Sliding Scale Cost:

Payment is tiered. We understand that people's financial realities may fluctuate. We ask that you honestly assess your status and pay the tier that describes you:

Tier 1: $100 

Your basic needs for food and shelter are not met and you would have to save for more than 4 months to afford the Tier 2 rate.

Tier 2: $300

Your basic needs for food and shelter are met and you are able to afford to pay for other classes like Yoga, dance, etc that enhance your life. 

Tier 3: $600

You have disposable income. You do not worry about basic needs for food or shelter and are able to buy most things that you want when you want it. Another reason to pay here is because you recognize the privilege you have in your life, or you want to distribute your wealth to support others.

Your registration will be confirmed after we have received your payment. 

Basic Itinerary (Subject to shift as needed by the group via consensus) 

Shared meals are not required, but highly recommended. They are a time for us to share culturally specific food and deepen our connection through casual conversation.  

Saturday August 31st 

6-9p  Introduction to Moving Rasa 

Sunday September 1st 

9:30a-12:30p Consent and Community Agreements       

12:30-2:30p  Break and meal sharing

2:30-5:30p  Creative perception and agency with the Moving Rasa Lenses 

Monday September 2nd

9:30-12:30p Improvising with Others and Topics    

12:30-2:30p Break and meal sharing   

2:30-5:30p  Collective Design and Synthesis

This FREE retreat is an immersive experience designed for the Bay Area Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

What to Expect

This three-day retreat is designed as an affinity space for Asian Pacific Americans. This year's retreat theme aims to support survivors of sexual assault within our communities. In collective, we will co-create a safe and nurturing space for healing, empowerment, and collective resilience. You do not have to be a survivor to participate and disclosure is not required. Participants will be introduced to the Moving Rasa framework through guided exercises and reflections, both outdoors and indoors. We will explore the philosophy and basic tools of Moving Rasa as a means of expression, witnessing, and communication. In particular this retreat will focus on creating a playful and trusting community that is able to openly address and move through our relationships to sex, sexualities and sexual violence in a healing and empowering way.

Expect story sharing and natural cross-pollination among participants, fostering a collective learning experience.

No Prior Experience Needed

No prior experience in movement or the arts is necessary. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan for Survivors of Sexual Assault, this inclusive workshop is free and open to individuals of the local Bay Area AAPI community, embracing all abilities, ages, and classes. The cohort size will be limited to approximately 15 people to ensure equitable representation across identities within the AAPI community. Priority will be given to AAPI who have prior exposure to Moving Rasa. That said, all AAPI are encouraged to apply. 

Moving Rasa: Grounding Knowledge and Social Justice

Unveil the transformative power of Moving Rasa, a unique approach that intertwines knowledge and social justice with the wisdom of our bodies through movement improvisation. Participants will learn to trust their interconnectedness with others and the world around them, navigating obstacles to self-expression and expanding their capacity to improvise in changing and challenging environments. The term "Rasa" means taste or essence in Indonesian, and Moving Rasa connects participants to their Rasa, embracing their cultures, histories, and spirituality as vital for authentic relationship-building and creating unity through diversity.

Register Now

Please register here, and we will get back to you to confirm your status. We look forward to welcoming you to this transformative experience.

General Itinerary (Subject to shift as needed by the group via consensus) 

Location: at The Place, and various Parks like Dimond Park in Oakland, CA 

Shared meals are not required, but highly recommended. They are a time for us to share culturally specific food and deepen our connection through casual conversation.  

Friday Aug 23rd 

6-9p  Introduction to Moving Rasa and Theme: Addressing Sexual Violence in our Communities

Saturday, Aug 24th 

10-1p Consent and Community Agreements       

1-3p  Break and meal sharing

3-6p  Creative perception and agency with the Moving Rasa Lenses 

Sunday Aug 25th 

9:30-12:30p Improvising with Others and the Topics    

12:30-2:30p Break and meal sharing   

2:30-5:30p  Collective Design and Synthesis