The clown state is one of deep naivety, wonder, emotional responsiveness, and playful stupidity. It is who we are when we take off our adultingness, our politeness, and our scheming to succeed and belong. It is who we were before anyone ever told us that we are too loud, too silly, too awkward, too clumsy, or too weird. We will dive into this state of wonder and absurdity, listen tenderly for the beautiful little voice of the body that longs to be heard and seen, and find the magic of letting our inner idiot run the show.
The archetype of the clown has been seen in every society throughout history with different names, different mythologies, and different complex social and psychological dimensions.
Despite this, the role of the clown has remained consistent. Clowns, in their various manifestations, serve to question established norms, provoke new understandings of the human condition, celebrate our inadequacies and imperfections, and mock power. By exploring the human condition through inverted logic, clowns give us the necessary permission to laugh at ourselves and our constructed world.
In this class, we will explore the essence of clowning, the playfull body, and the role of clown in our personal lives as well as it's role in power structures.
We will laugh at ourselves. We will laugh at each other. And we will fall deeper in love with our ridiculous humanity.
This work can be very challenging, humbling, vulnerable, exciting, uplifting, and transformative. You will be invited into spaces in which you will be seen. You will be asked to take risks.
Structure:
We will meet every Tuesday for 8 weeks, March 3rd- April 21st, from 6-7:30pm. Classes will start on time! Please plan to arrive early each week to settle in and fully arrive.
Price:
$120 - $240 sliding scale for the full 8 weeks. This equates to $10-$20/hr. There are no refunds/ partial payments for missed classes. This is a cumulative series. Each class will build on the last. So although you might have to miss a class, this is a deep dive and not a good fit for drop-ins. Given the intimacy, trust building and shared creative practice inherent to this type of work, participants are asked to commit for the entire series. Of course, life happens. But the intention should be to join us for the full ride.
Sliding Scale:
Please try to reasonably and honestly select the price that reflects your economic situation. If you are unable to find a price that is suitable for you, please contact me. I believe that this work is important and should be accessible to all who are committed to the experience, and I am open to a conversation about what that can look like for each person.
Venue:
The classes will be held every week at the Dr. Wesley Grant Community Center, except April 7th. On April 7th we will meet at the Tempie Avery Community Center in Montford. Both locations have dedicated, free parking lots.
Note on Emotion Regulation:
The process of discovering the Clown state is rigorous, empowering, personally unique, and extremely rewarding. It is a journey of self awareness that brings each person in contact with their unique way of being in their body and in the world. It can also be deeply emotional and therapeutic. But this is not therapy.
While we will work collectively towards creating a safe-enough space (safe enough to explore, be vulnerable, be seen, express, etc), ultimately you will need the self awareness to care for yourself should strong emotions arise.
The invitation is to be attuned to your own needs and to have emotional processing methods in place (such as therapy, meditation, journaling, processing with friends, etc) that can help you remain present and engaged.
Join us if this invite gives you belly butterflies, ignites the sparklers in your eyes, or if deep play is your jam.
To book in, please email me (Jen) at
bGlzdGVudG90aGVob3JzZSB8IHlhaG9vICEgY29t and share your inspiration for joining this workshop. This is important information as I plan the class! Then I will send you the payment info.
Payments must be made by Feb 24th to confirm your spot. Spaces are limited. This class has filled up in advance the last three years, so book as soon as you're ready to dive in!
Also check out other Workshops in Asheville, Health & Wellness events in Asheville.
