Interfusion Festival X (IFX)

What are the ways your body gives you pleasure? Why do we often have such complicated relationships with our bodies? Where are we getting messages about how we should feel and why are we hearing them? In this workshop that combines small group discussion, lecture and movement, sexologist and professional fitness instructor Dr Timaree will help you examine the sources of negative body image, as well as identify your strongholds for body love.

🌶️ 🌶️  Medium: The workshop invites sensuality, moving touch, cuddles, or extended close physical contact with others, but does NOT invite sexuality or nudity.

 Drawing from her own background as a burlesque/vaudeville and butoh dancer, Vangeline teaches a workshop that explores the link between sensuality and Butoh, as well as receptivity and its impact on the nervous system. This workshop will also draw from the techniques of Noguchi Taiso. No dance experience is necessary, this is an all-level class and beginners are welcome. Some experience with mindfulness or somatic practice can be helpful. This workshop is trauma-informed.*Participants will have free access to Vangeline’s online lecture on the topic as a companion to the workshop.

🌶️ Mild: The workshop does not invite sensuality or sexuality. There will be no facilitator invitations to cuddle or share moving touch, plus no welcoming or invoking of sexual energy. Any partner dancing that occurs will default to or center open position.

In our relationships, we often end up subscribing to existing socially acceptable containers of relationship without fully considering whether they really work for us. For example, in many cultures, the standard life partnership is to meet someone, fall in love, date, move in, get engaged and married, have kids, and live happily ever after. But this one size fits all approach may not actually work for many people's deeper needs and desires – and this provides an opportunity to design a relationship that does fit.

“Relationship by design” is a process for two people in any kind of long-term relationship to intentionally create a style of relationship uniquely designed to support their respective needs, desires, boundaries, and preferences. It consists of three stages: first, making the already-existing implicit nature of the relationship explicit; second, identifying and expressing desires, needs, and wishes for the relationship going forward; and third, constructing an agreement that includes overlapping desires while seeking to maximize the fulfillment of each person within the relationship.

In this 90 minute session, ART International Co-Founder and Senior Course Leader Ryel Kestano guides relationship partners through this powerful transformational process that culminates in deeper connection, greater empathy, more understanding of each other, and a relationship that can thrive and evolve over time.
*This workshop is for partners / pairs of two people who consider themselves in an “intimate” relationship—defined as a close relationship that includes emotional, mental, spiritual, and/or physical or sexual intimacy. Such relationships may include romantic partners, close friends, or family relationships alike. Please come to this workshop with your partner.

🌶️ 🌶️ Medium: The workshop invites sensuality, moving touch, cuddles, or extended close physical contact with others, but does NOT invite sexuality or nud

Do you want deeper, richer, more intimate connections with the people in your life? Do you want to be seen, known, and heard for who you really are, and create a space for others to be seen, known, and heard as well?

Welcome to the transformational practice of Authentic Relating, a set of powerful tools and skills designed to cultivate greater depths of vulnerability and intimacy between people in all social contexts. ART International’s acclaimed Authentic Relating workshops guide participants into conscious relationship with themselves and each other on a rich and often life-changing journey of deep human connection.

Join Ryel Kestano, ART International Co-Founder and Senior Course Leader, for a practical, engaging, and fun introduction to Authentic Relating. You'll walk away with skills and tools that can be used right away to cultivate deeper connection and a sense of trust, empathy, and care with intimate partners, family members, colleagues, friends, and strangers alike.

🌶️ 🌶️ Medium: The workshop invites sensuality, moving touch, cuddles, or extended close physical contact with others, but does NOT invite sexuality or nudity.

You are summoned to a dynamic workshop led by Major Tom, a conscious kink and intimacy coach. In this safe and inclusive space, we'll explore the realms of sexual identity and communication, empowering you to openly discuss and embrace your unique journey.

Through interactive exercises and thought-provoking discussions, you'll gain valuable insights into understanding and accepting your sexual identity. Learn essential tools for navigating consent with confidence and exploring healthy expressions of your desires.

Whether you're new to the world of sexuality or seeking to deepen your understanding, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and skills to create fulfilling and authentic connections. Join us as we celebrate the beauty of diverse sexual expressions and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Let's Talk about Sex - together!

🌶️ 🌶️ Medium: The workshop invites sensuality, moving touch, cuddles, or extended close physical contact with others, but does NOT invite sexuality or nudity.

In a society that profits from our self-doubt, it can be difficult to fully embrace and celebrate our bodies. Body Show and Tell is a powerful tool to help heal body shame and foster body positivity. Got a uniquely shaped birthmark, a secret tattoo, or a scar with a story to tell? Stretch marks, belly rolls, body hair, or facial features you have complicated feelings about? A part that doesn’t accurately represent who you are—or perhaps one that newly does? A booty shake that just won’t stop? We want to see it! Whether you want to be tenderly held in your vulnerability or celebrated in something you’re proud of, this session will provide a space to support you in a positive relationship with your body, and a chance to support others in theirs. 

In small groups, each participant will get an opportunity to show and tell about a part of your body. Then you will have the option to invite your groupies to ask questions, make observations, or explore your body part with their other senses. If you prefer to just be witnessed with no feedback or interaction, or ask only for compliments, you can do that, too—whatever feels most healing or celebratory for you. No body parts are off limits—full nudity is welcome in this session, but not required. There will be a section of the room designated for people who want to keep clothes on, and you can choose to be in a group with others who share specific identities that are important to you. Every body is welcome!! 

🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ Spicy: The workshop invites participants to bring up, focus on, act from, or interact with others using their sexuality or sexual energy; OR welcome