Authentic Movement Immersion
Facilitated By: Lillian Kemanis
May 16 & 17, 2026
This Authentic Movement Immersion offers space to explore the self and relational connection, awaken deeper layers of the psyche, and cultivate awareness through the body. Together, we will practice seeing and being seen, moving and witnessing, speaking and holding silence.
Authentic Movement is a contemplative, body-based practice rooted in expressive movement therapy, where participants explore the unconscious mind through the moving body. The practice brings focus to the relationship between a mover and a witness, fostering states of compassion, curiosity, and non-judgment. With eyes closed, the mover listens inwardly to impulses, sensations, feelings, and images, allowing their inner experience to guide self-directed movement. The witness cultivates open receptivity, non-judgment, and inner awareness as they hold space for the mover’s expression. In this exploration of “seeing and being seen,” participants deepen their sense of trust and self-awareness through the practice of Authentic Movement.
During our time together, we will also explore somatic movement principles and practices that support and deepen our experience of Authentic Movement. This may include time for dialogue and guided somatic movement explorations.
During this immersion, you will:
- Engage in self-directed movement with a witness, and witness others in turn
- Be guided into movement through somatic prompts and exploration
- Cultivate relational attunement and nonjudgmental attention
- Explore new ways of knowing through the body
- Engage in collective art-making as a way to integrate your experience
- Participate in group dialogue to reflect and process
This is an emergent practice container, meaning we will co-create the experience together. As a facilitator, Lillian works intuitively and improvisationally, responding to what is happening in the moment. You can expect a gently held structure with space for the unexpected.
Depending on the weather, we may take the practice outdoors and include movement and witnessing in nature.
Sample Schedule:
May 16, 10am-4pm
10am-12:30pm Morning Session (2.5 hours)
12:30-1:30pm Lunch Break (1 hour)
1:30-4pm Afternoon Session (2.5 hours)
May 17, 10am-3:30pm
10am-12:30pm Morning Session (2.5 hours)
12:30-1:30pm Lunch Break (1 hour)
1:30-3:30pm Afternoon Session (2 hours)
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There will be no pre-prepared food or group meals offered during the workshop. If you need to bring food we suggest preparing your own food ahead of time and using the kitchen for light prep or reheating food. You are welcome to store small items in the communal kitchen refrigerator.
Option to stay overnight at WildHeart before or after – come early or stay late. Reach out to us at contact@wildheartcenter.art to confirm your stay.
Who is it for?
This workshop is for anyone who wants to explore their inner world through movement and authentic connection with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have prior experience?
No, you do not need to have prior experience to participate. It can be helpful to have some knowledge of mindfulness, meditation, or somatic practices, however it is not necessary. This session is open to all!
Is this a dance class?
Nope! In Authentic Movement participants engage in self-directed movement with no guidance, suggestions, or prompts from a facilitator. The practice is intended to deepen inner connection to the wisdom of the body and allow organic movement to arise naturally.
Is this therapy?
Authentic Movement is often practiced in clinical therapy settings; however, this workshop is an experiential, self-exploratory practice — not a therapy session. That said, many participants find the work to be deeply therapeutic and transformative.
Can I attend only one day?
We ask that all participants plan to attend both days in full.
“Lillian’s Authentic Movement classes at Wildheart have provided me with an excellent introduction to the practice. Lillian creates an environment that makes me feel safe and connected to the others in the room. I find myself feeling very in-my-body when I am moving during the session, and have had intense emotional experiences that felt like they were allowed within the container. I think this may be a worthwhile exploration for almost anyone.”
– Class Participant
“Lillian provides a warm, welcoming and safe space, in which to share in the practice of Authentic Movement. Prior experience isn’t necessary. She emphasizes the present moment, and what can arise in it. It is so liberating to move freely in such a caring environment. It makes me feel childlike, in the best way. I would encourage anyone to explore this beautiful practice with Lillian!”
— Kelly S.
“I felt, at the authentic movement classes, that I had the safety and freedom to explore my physicality in a way that was cathartic and enlivening. I appreciated, in our explorations, how Lillian held space for us and with her kindness and keen observational eye made us feel truly seen.”“Lillian is a very clear and creative, honest and humble facilitator and she has the ability to be there for everyone and take us on endless amounts of different creative journeys that AWAKEN the BODY and MIND in a different way!”
— Patrick H.
“Lillian brings a sunny, vibrant energy to the work. Her authentic movement and contact improv feel good, ie being guided re: how to move freely and express what’s in my body liberates me emotionally and brings me relief afterward. I stop thinking and just move in the moment!”
— Ben B.
About Lillian Kemanis
Lillian Kemanis, is a Registered Somatic Movement Educator & Therapist (RSME/T) with the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA), and holds a master’s degree from University of Central Lancashire in Dance & Somatic Well-being: Connections to the Living Body. Lillian completed her studies under the guidance and supervision of Mary Abrams at Moving Body Resources in New York City.
Lillian offers support to individuals seeking a holistic and alternative approach to navigating life’s challenges. With over 10 years of professional experience in the movement healing arts, Lillian supports her community through personalized 1:1 Somatic Therapy sessions, immersive group workshops, and accessible online education. Her sessions prioritize body awareness as the primary pathway to address underlying emotional, mental, and physical needs, following a “bottom-up” therapeutic approach. Her methods facilitate the development of internal self-awareness and mind-body integration, helping clients restore a deep sense of connection to their vitality.
Lillian blends the therapeutic dimensions of the Expressive Arts with her extensive background as a professional dancer, performer, filmmaker, and choreographer. She integrates somatic techniques such as Authentic Movement, Continuum Movement, Body-Mind Centering, Somatic Parts Work, yoga, and meditation, offering a holistic and immersive experience for her clients. With an embodied psycho-spiritual approach, Lillian addresses the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—to foster deep and transformative healing.
As a facilitator, Lillian aims to provide immersive, creative, and dynamic learning environments for self-exploration. Lillian believes in each individual’s inherent capacity to heal, expand, and evolve. She leads her clients into the depths of their bodies and psyches, empowering them to unearth their hidden gems and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery.
www.lilliankemanis.com
Instagram: @its.somalove
Location
This workshop will take place in the Barn. If you’re coming to WildHeart for the first time, please visit our Directions page for arrival info.
Registration
Program Costs
Sliding Scale – $130-250
If the Sliding Scale is not feasible for you, please reach out to contact@wildheartcenter.art
Covid policy
Masking is optional but not required. Please do not attend events if you are feeling sick of any kind, or showing any COVID or flu like symptoms.
Refund policy
No refunds, no transfers
BIPOC spots
We are offering 2 free spots for BIPOC folx.