This September, this project that has been in our folder for so long is finally coming to life on the 12th, 13th, and 14th of September at Goose EventSpace (14th of September FLINTA* only)
The project not only offers performances, accompanied by discussions with the artists, but also three workshops on August 30, September 6, and September 14 (FLINTA* only), as well as the production of educational materials to share our knowledge, methods, and open the dialogue on boundary communication and trauma-sensitive practices.
It's a project made with care to provide care, time, and tools to address problems that sadly affect many of us and normalize the verbalization of boundaries.
HUGS x CLOSER WITH CONSENT
Workshop Series
We, HUGS and CLOSER WITH CONSENT, are coming together to offer the Dance industry and FLINTA* community a workshop series sharing trauma-informed, consent-based tools and movement practices.
We make embodied research accessible. While moving together, we will explore how to set and communicate boundaries, how to enter touch carefully without ever forcing it, and how to maintain a balance between listening to each other and ourselves.
For transparency and support, each participant will receive a detailed description of what to expect before attending. They are joined by an assisting dancer, who offers support and provides individual assistance as needed. A designated retreat space will always be available if you wish to take a break.
- Participation is free
- Places are limited
- Retreat space available
- Assistance and support during the entire workshop
- More details and registration here
Why:
We aim to change the working culture in the dance industry and beyond by raising awareness for the need for consent-based and trauma-informed practices and interactions. This is why the HUGS project and CLOSER WITH CONSENT- Intimacy Choreography in Dance project collaborate and join forces in this small series of workshops.
When & Where:
- 30.08 | 14:00–16:00 | Focus: Intimacy Choreography in HUGS
Who: Dance Community
Where: Z-Zentrum für Proben und Forschung
This workshop focuses on the field and potential of intimacy choreography in dance, closely linking it to the process of HUGS. Hannah Dewor, intimacy choreographer and project initiator of CLOSER WITH CONSENT, will introduce and offer concrete trauma-informed and consent-based tools and games to observe, reflect, and negotiate consent processes, slowly interweaving them with dance practice. Marion Plantey's trauma-sensitive movement approach can be experienced as an embodied meditation towards the end of the workshop.
- 06.09 | 14:00–16:00 | Focus: Safer* HUGS
Who: Dance Community
Where: Z-Zentrum für Proben und Forschung
This workshop is designed for all dance professionals interested in exploring the dance vocabulary and working methods of HUGS. The first part of the workshop offers consent-based and trauma-informed tools of intimacy choreography, introduced by Hannah Dewor, to slowly interweave dance with consent-negotiating processes. The central part of the workshop is dedicated to a technique developed by Marion Plantey: using the simple, tender gesture of hugging as a framework to carefully re-approach physical contact. For participants who have experienced trauma, this method offers a window to reconnect with touch at their own pace and only as an option.
- 14.09 | 14:00–16:00 | Focus: Safer* HUGS beyond the dance community
Who: for FLINTA* only & non-dancers
Where: Goose Eventspace
This workshop aims to foster change and open dialogue beyond the dance scene, providing the FLINTA community, often among the first to experience boundary-crossing behavior, with tools for boundary communication, to normalize these dialogues, and create safer interactions. Open to non-dancers, the workshop introduces practical tools for communicating boundaries and observing consent negotiation through words and movement. Accessible exercises drawn from the HUGS and CLOSER WITH CONSENT projects invite participants to explore sensation, grounding, and connection through touch, while prioritizing personal boundaries. Participation is always at your own pace and comfort, and engaging in touch remains optional.
CLOSER WITH CONSENT is supported as part of Next Steps, a program by Bureau Ritter to strengthen dance professionals in Hessen. Funded by the Crespo Foundation.
HUGS is funded by Kulturamt Frankfurt and Frauenreferat Frankfurt and supported by ID_Tanzhaus Frankfurt Rhein-Main, Goose EventSpace, and Tokonoma Club
CROWDFUNDING
HUGS
A movement for consent and care
Dear Friends,
We're reaching out to share a project that matters — and to ask for your support in bringing it to life.HUGS is a dance project with a mission: to create more conscious, caring, and safer* movement spaces — and we need your support to make it happen. Since the #MeToo movement, it has become clear that artistic spaces, including dance, are not immune to abuse. But we can change that.HUGS creates safer, more conscious ways to move and make art together, with care and consent at the center. It's about more than dance — it's about human connection, trust, and what it means to come closer as safely as possible.HUGS is more than a performance – it's a community project that offers free trauma-informed workshops, creates educational resources, and shares tools for safer, more compassionate movement spaces. In times when the cultural scene is facing increasing budget cuts, it's harder than ever to sustain meaningful artistic work.
Thankfully, we have already received support from the Cultural Department of the City of Frankfurt and the Frankfurt Women's Department – but it's far from enough to realize this essential project. To create a real, lasting impact, we need your help. We're raising 10,000 € for two vital areas:
- Community Workshops – including one dedicated to the FLINTA* community
- Documentation & Educational Resources – to make our tools and research accessible to all
In a time of shrinking cultural funding, every contribution matters.
And yes, we've prepared a few thank-you gifts in appreciation of your support.
Your Rewards
🫱Helping Hand – Up to 50€
→ Printable PDF of the official project poster
🦸Hero – 50€ to 99.99€
→ All the above + a limited edition HUGS postcard
🦹Super Hero – 100€ or more
→ All the above + exclusive behind-the-scenes rehearsal access
To help us change the industry and create safer*, more aware practices, follow the link to our GoFundMe campaign:
GoFundMe
Thank you for helping us make space for care, connection, and change through the arts.
Warmly,
The HUGS Team
Marion Plantey, Bibi Bauer, Victoria McConnell, Camila Fiumara, Hannah Dewor
Are you a business or an organization?
We'd love to collaborate – from visibility to co-events and more.
Get in touch via email at [email protected] or at +33652686496 – we're happy to chat!
Link to the project's Instagram page
You can find a recording of the pilot version of this project in the Video Library
