Move, Stretch, Breathe with Soft Studio

This event is for trans, gender diverse and non-binary people.

What to expect:

A restorative session of mindful movement, breathwork and somatics to nurture your body-mind. Learn accessible and effective practices to release stress, regulate your nervous system, and drop into deeper states of embodied rest.

You’ll slip into the session by connecting with your breath and sensory experience, before moving into gentle exercises for releasing tension. Then, we’ll enjoy luxurious, full-body movements that focus on following sensations rather than finding shapes. Class will finish with a meditation to leave your mind as relaxed as your body. 

This session is trans and disability-led, as well as trauma/mental-health-aware. Grey will provide lots of options and support across class, so you can find ways to move that feel good for you.

Session Host:
Grey (Caitlin) Dear from Soft Studio

Teacher Bio:
Grey (nee Caitlin) Dear is a trans movement teacher, passionate about helping people connect with their body and find joy through the pleasures of mindful movement. They run Soft Studio- an inclusive space for Pilates, Barre, Ballet & Somatic Practices, located in Carlton. Grey’s welcoming classes will support you to develop a movement practice that is meaningful for you.

Session Length:
70 mins
You’re invited to drop in early and hang back after class to ask questions and connect with other participants over tea.

Location

Hosted by Soft Studio, located within Green Monday Studios at 73 Grattan St, Carlton 3053

Refundable deposit

There is a $15 deposit that will be refunded once participants have attended the session. If your committed coming to the session and the cost is a barrier, please email us on the email below. As long as you either attend the session or cancel more than 2 days in advance, you will be refunded this cost. If you do not cancel with at least two day's notice, or you do not show up, you will be charged the $15.

Accessibility Info:

Physical Building Access:

We are hosted by Green Monday Studios, which has no wheelchair access. The building has a landing and two stories. There is no lift, all areas are accessed via stairs which have a railing to hold onto. Bathrooms do not have accessibility features and there are no showers.

Sensory Environment:

Palo santo wood and essential oils are burned in the building, however the smell is not strong. Reception and studio spaces can be lit softly by warm-toned lamps, rather than the overhead fluorescents. The reception area and stairs are quiet, we ask people to speak respectfully with soft voices. Music is played at a medium volume during class, within the movement studios. If you have sensory sensitivities, please get in touch and we will endeavour to accommodate you as best we can. Soft Studio is an autistic-run business.

Quiet Space, Stim Objects, & Solo Activities:

Stim objects are available in the props room. There is a library of books in the change room if you’d like something to occupy yourself with around class times. During class, the props room is available as a quiet space. There are bolsters and a blanket to keep you comfortable, stim objects for regulating and a door for privacy.

Gender-Based Access:

All facilities, spaces, and classes are all-gender. Our staff includes genderqueer, trans, and cisgender teachers. Soft Studio is a trans-run business.

Communication Access:

Classes are taught through a combination of verbal cues, physical demonstrations, and hands-on adjustments. Basic English is required to follow the class, but you don’t need to be fluent. Writing materials are available for non-verbal communication and soon studio specific communication cards and a communication board will be available. Currently, none of our teachers are fluent in Auslan, though Amanda has basic proficiency and is currently undertaking further training. We do not have the means to provide interpretation, though if you are able to bring someone along yourself, they can attend class free of charge and either participate alongside you or act solely as your interpreter as preferred.

Access During Class:

We have cushions and props to help you stay comfortable and supported during class. We have a variety of massage balls, resistance bands and straps which may be of assistance if you’d like to do extra warm-up or cool down exercises. During class you can participate as much or as little as you’d like. It is encouraged to take breaks throughout class whenever you’d like to or need to. For example, to rest, stretch, stim, drink water, apply heat cream, go to the bathroom, use the quiet space, massage an ache or take care of yourself in any other way. If you’d like some support, just wave your teacher over. Soft Studio works to cultivate a culture of students participating in their own ways, on their own terms. You are free to come as you are and participate as you would like. This means our teachers won’t hover over you as you engage with self-care and will respect your autonomy. Though we will (of course) check-in with you from time to time and see if you’d like support. We teach exercises with layers of intensity, and offer different options throughout class. Although we have a soft, inclusive approach, our classes are exercise and movement classes. To attend you must be medically cleared to attend general group classes, otherwise we offer 1:1 sessions.

Flexible Policies:

If you require a more flexible cancellation or membership policy, please get in touch. We’re happy to work out something that allows you better access to our membership and class pack options. This may be because you have a disability, live far away, do shift work, have care responsibilities, or other reasons.

Studio Tour & Pre-Class Visits:

We’d love to show you around and get to know you over a cup of tea! Please get in contact to organise a studio visit. There will be no obligation to join up and no pushy sales pitches; just a chance to get a sense of who we are and what coming to Soft Studio will be like.

Questions & Requests:

We’d love to hear from you, please reach out! Visit our contact page here.

Accountability:

Soft Studio is a disabled and queer run business. We view access and inclusion as ongoing practices within our studio, and endeavour to be constantly listening, learning and growing to reflexively offer the safest, most accessible space we can. We are committed to constantly growing and improving our practices, and would love to hear any feedback you have. You can provide anonymous feedback via our contact page, or get in touch directly if you’d like to have a conversation.


Full Soft Studio Community Guidelines & FAQS:

https://softstudiomelb.com.au/...

Please email groupcoordinator@tgv.org.au if you have questions or concerns.