What is Qoya?
Qoya (pronounced Koy-a) is a free-dance embodiment class for women, regardless of gender assigned at birth.
It is designed to help you get out of your head and into your body.
To feel instead of think
To explore different ways of moving your body
To find the sweet spots, where it feels so good
To connect with women from your community
To raise each other up and empower each other
To share and connect in a safe space without judgement or shame
To come as you are and leave as more of yourself
To find the power within you
The strength
The wisdom
The wildness
The freedom
It's all there, in each and every one of us. And Qoya can help you to discover it.
It is designed to help you get out of your head and into your body.
To feel instead of think
To explore different ways of moving your body
To find the sweet spots, where it feels so good
To connect with women from your community
To raise each other up and empower each other
To share and connect in a safe space without judgement or shame
To come as you are and leave as more of yourself
To find the power within you
The strength
The wisdom
The wildness
The freedom
It's all there, in each and every one of us. And Qoya can help you to discover it.
Qoya is based on the idea that through movement we remember. We remember that our essence is inherently Wise, Wild and Free. Through a class, we will experience the Wisdom of yoga, tuning into your breath, your heartbeat and feelings; the Wildness of the creative expression of dance, of being yourself wildly, truly; and the Freedom of finding ways to move your body that feels so good.
There are 12 pillars (or sections) of a Qoya class, each one song long. We start with the welcome and the picking of an oracle card, then we start moving slowly with mindful breathing, grounding and intention setting, start to warm up by circling through each part of the body, opening our hearts and then our hips, yoga as prayer, shadow contrast dance, shaking, choreographed dance, free dance and then stretching and relaxation at the end.
There are no levels in Qoya and no way to do it wrong. The way you know you are doing it right is that it feels good to you. It feels true.
I guide you through each part, but my guides are only an invitation, the idea is to move in the way that feels best to you. It is YOUR class. YOUR body. YOUR choice.
Classes are offered twice a month on Zoom.
There are 12 pillars (or sections) of a Qoya class, each one song long. We start with the welcome and the picking of an oracle card, then we start moving slowly with mindful breathing, grounding and intention setting, start to warm up by circling through each part of the body, opening our hearts and then our hips, yoga as prayer, shadow contrast dance, shaking, choreographed dance, free dance and then stretching and relaxation at the end.
There are no levels in Qoya and no way to do it wrong. The way you know you are doing it right is that it feels good to you. It feels true.
I guide you through each part, but my guides are only an invitation, the idea is to move in the way that feels best to you. It is YOUR class. YOUR body. YOUR choice.
Classes are offered twice a month on Zoom.
Qoya FAQ
What should I bring to a Qoya class?
A water bottle and your curiosity! You might also like to have a yoga mat and a jumper or blanket for the final relaxation at the end of the class.
What should I wear to a Qoya class?
Ideally, you should wear clothing that is comfortable to move in. I usually wear active wear and a sports bra but I've have women who come to my class in jeans, dresses or trackies. You do you!
Can I do Qoya if I have mobility or an injury?
The beauty of Qoya is that there are no levels and no way to do it wrong. I give directions during the class of the kinds of movement to make but they are an invitation only. If I give a direction that doesn't work for you, please find a way to move that does. This means you can decide how you move in a class, and can make an adjustments you need to. At each of my venues, I have access to chairs to help you get the most out of each class. You could do the entire class sitting down or lying on the floor if you wanted to. IT'S YOUR CLASS, YOUR BODY, YOUR CHOICE. And lastly, please make sure you consult your doctor regarding physical activity and injuries you might have.
What does the word Qoya mean?
"Qoya" comes from Quechuan (keh-chuh-wuh), an indigenous language from Peru. It means Queen, but not like the bejewelled Queens of Europe ruling from on high, but instead a Queen as an empowered woman. The founder of Qoya, Rochelle Schieck, later found out on a trip to Lake Titicaca that there were also an ancient tribe of people who used to live there called the Qoya.
A water bottle and your curiosity! You might also like to have a yoga mat and a jumper or blanket for the final relaxation at the end of the class.
What should I wear to a Qoya class?
Ideally, you should wear clothing that is comfortable to move in. I usually wear active wear and a sports bra but I've have women who come to my class in jeans, dresses or trackies. You do you!
Can I do Qoya if I have mobility or an injury?
The beauty of Qoya is that there are no levels and no way to do it wrong. I give directions during the class of the kinds of movement to make but they are an invitation only. If I give a direction that doesn't work for you, please find a way to move that does. This means you can decide how you move in a class, and can make an adjustments you need to. At each of my venues, I have access to chairs to help you get the most out of each class. You could do the entire class sitting down or lying on the floor if you wanted to. IT'S YOUR CLASS, YOUR BODY, YOUR CHOICE. And lastly, please make sure you consult your doctor regarding physical activity and injuries you might have.
What does the word Qoya mean?
"Qoya" comes from Quechuan (keh-chuh-wuh), an indigenous language from Peru. It means Queen, but not like the bejewelled Queens of Europe ruling from on high, but instead a Queen as an empowered woman. The founder of Qoya, Rochelle Schieck, later found out on a trip to Lake Titicaca that there were also an ancient tribe of people who used to live there called the Qoya.
