A philosophy, not a dress code.
What is Barefoot Embrace?
Barefoot Embrace is an invitation:
• to explore dancing in the close embrace
• to help develop a collective of dancers and somatic movement practitioners
• to participate in classes, workshops, practice spaces and intensive dance weekends
• to dance in an inclusive environment informed by queer tango, where dancers are encouraged to explore both leading and following regardless of gender
Barefoot Embrace is also an R&D project exploring the close embrace in both dance and life.
Our Vision
Barefoot Embrace brings together dancers interested in the shared principles of connection, listening and musicality found in dances of the close embrace.
The project is the vision of Dr Becalelis Brodskis, whose unfinished film Tango at the Crossroads (2008), begun in Buenos Aires, explored Argentine tango and the embrace through lessons with leading tango dancers from different walks of life.
Where that earlier work asked the question of how to be a man with a perfect embrace, Becalelis has since moved toward a more gender-fluid relationship to dance and his own queerness
Our Dance Foundations
Argentine Tango
There is nothing like the connection of tango when danced with a focus on the mebrace and walking. At present Argentine tango remains our core specialism. See team page for Bios
Forró
Alongside this we are developing a strong base in Brazilian forró, which we introduced to Cornwall through workshops with Felipe Abreu. This dance can have the depth of connection of tango however it is far more accessible and offers a lively counterbalance to the intensity of tango. See team pages for visiting teachers.
Contemporary Dance
The movement of Barefoot Embrace is enriched by contemporary dance, drawing on professionals connected to the nearby Dance and Choreography course at Falmouth University, See Team page for details.
We are not seeking to create a fusion
We learn abaout the embrace from the particular qualities that different partner dances have in character, mood and technique. Their underlying principles allow the embrace to be explored not only within traditional forms but also across different kinds of music and movement practices.
Future Dance Collaborations
We are also seeking to bring additional close-embrace traditions into the programme.
Angolan Kizomba
We are currently seeking a teacher dancers with angolan roots to come for a intesive wkend in Cornwall . If you are one or know one you would reccomend please get in touch.
Learning Together
Barefoot Embrace supports a collective approach to learning, combining:
• beginner courses
• multi-session courses
• guided practicas
• peer-to-peer learning
• social dancing spaces
• intensive dance weekends with guest teachers
These activities aim to support and grow a local culture of partner dancing in Cornwall, while connecting it with wider international dance traditions.
Consent and the Embrace
Dancing in the close embrace involves physical proximity and shared movement. We therefore place strong emphasis on consent, communication and mutual respect.
Our workshops support dancers in developing confidence both in dancing in the close embrace and in communicating their boundaries — a skill that extends beyond the dance into life.
Dancers are always free to choose how closely they wish to dance, decline a dance, or step out of the embrace at any time.
Join the Collective
Barefoot Embrace is developing as a collective of dancers, teachers and movement practitioners interested in exploring dances of the close embrace.
No experience is required — a love of dance and openness to connection are the most important things.
Barefoot Embrace Dance 