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.
Testimonials
Liz is a passionate and talented facilitator of this amazing embodied movement practice, Qoya. As a Qoya teacher myself it is a privilege and such a treat to be on the receiving end of a class. Liz brings a beautiful energy and is a wonderful space holder. Always walk away feel lighter and more connected to myself and sisterhood after a Qoya class. Thank you Liz. Keep shining your light sister.
Jennifer A
At an extremely emotionally hard time in my life I discovered Qoya. What a journey it has been. Qoya pulls at your emotions and through Liz's guidance, her themes, her structured dance, my own free dance, her music selection in the hour and half, its the most embracing time in my busy week. Thanks Liz your connection with Qoya is magical 💜
Leanne W
When you walk into one of Liz's classes it is always pleasing to the eye and soothing for the soul. A magical hour and a half where the outside world disappears. Best night of my working week.
Sara W
I actually found Qoya by accident, and to be honest, wasn't sure what to expect. What I found was a safe space to express myself, and a chance to find myself. Liz is a great instructor, and made me feel super comfortable. Also, the playlist is always awesome, and even if you think you don't like dancing in front of people (which i don't), seriously, no one is watching!! Please come down and have a look, I think that you will love it! I certainly do.
Bec M
I was invited by my friend Leanne to a Qoya class run by Liz. It was the most free spirited, relaxed and uninhibited experience l have had in my life. The class included free dance, yoga movement, spiritual well-being aspects and more, but most of all non judgemental. No right or wrong just the most kindest, knowledgeable and caring person running a class of freedom of expression. Thank you Liz and Leanne for sharing this wonderful experience with me.
Wendy S
I am so grateful for the sacred space Liz creates, with a beautiful centrepiece that welcomes you when you enter. It is a beautiful experience setting an intention at the beginning and expressing this through dance throughout the class. Liz has a warm and down to earth style which immediately puts you at ease and embraces you into her circle of women.
Fiona B
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.
