Frequently Asked Questions

Why Men-only?

After years of attending Yoga For Men classes, I discovered that the teaching was different, my emotional, mental and physical responses to the classes were different and my practice progressed by leaps and bounds. The teacher focused on an experience that was designed for the male physiology. The safe container of men changed my interest, behavior and commitment. And I bonded with the other students in different ways.

The dance world is predominantly female. I wanted a different experience. I would like to expand this approach to movement classes. I want to be of service to men.

Why not mixed genders?

There is nothing wrong with mixed gender movement classes. They are everywhere, especially in the Bay Area. There are hundreds and hundreds of options.

This is about the male physiology and how males live with the energy, agency, power, and excitement manifest in their bodies.

Is this a gay thing?

Nope.

However, this is San Francisco. And a lot of gay men are in touch with their bodies and like to make them move with other men, so there may be a lot of gay men in the space.

APE.Men is about expressing, exploring, developping and encouraging male energy through movement. Any man, regardless of who he has sex with, can participate - and enjoy - the class.

APE.Men is not a class in sexual activity. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.

How much does it cost?

Workshops and classes are individual priced and there are discounts for advance registration and payments. See the events page for individual details or the Eventbrite page to pre-register. PayPal and cash may also be options for payment.

Private.APE pricing is determined on a client-by-client basis.

What can I wear on my feet?

Due to the flooring of the studio that is being used, barefoot movement is preferred. Barefoot allows stronger neurological connection to the ground and gravity, and provides solid directional control. Some men may prefer socks, but this may be slippery on the studio floor. Street shoes are not allowed in the studio. Dance-specific shoes may be permitted under medical advice (please get in touch to discuss).

Is this a dance? Or exercise?

Neither. And both. Or at that mysterious place in between. Dance is moving with intention, which APE.Men sessions do include, but there are absolutely no aesthetic requirements and equally no choreography. It does not matter what you look like or how you move. Equally, there are parts of APE.Men sessions that are high energy, ecstatic and physically demanding. This is intentional, but any man of any physical capacity can benefit without harm – the idea is to keep moving.

There is also a dose of creative, expressive arts. Sometimes we draw and use creative writing. The mix varies with each session.

Will there be nudity, like in the photos?

Due to the nature of exploring male physiology, nudity may be a natural outcome during APE.Men sessions. Nudity is not expected nor required. It is personal choice, in the moment.

Naked.APE sessions require mandatory nudity, but will not be sexual or erotic in nature (go to Naked APE for more information).

How long is the session?

This varies with each session type. Please refer to the events page schedule for times and durations.

Short sessions have no break. Longer sessions have either short breaks or longer lunch breaks.

Please have water available to hydrate during the class.

How often are session held?

Please check Events for exact future class dates and times or sign up for updates.

What is Social Motion?

Social Motion is a new term that groups together the many activities people do together, from dancing together in a nightclub to taking group yoga classes to running a marathon to playing a game of basketball. It is that special situation where we find ourselves moving in social collaboration with others. Read about social motion here.

What is somatic movement?

The field of Somatics is concerned with sensing the body’s experience from within rather than seeing the body from the exterior - in either aesthetic or performance terms.

Somatic movement, as an extension, is moving the body in response to the physical and emotional sensations – real or imagined – within the body. There is no right or wrong movement, as long as the motivation for the movement is internal, not aesthetic.

Do I need special clothing?

No. All you need is to be comfortable to move your body – and its parts – in any direction. Loose and airy clothing is recommended. You will get warm and sweaty – hopefully. On foggy or winter days the studion may be cooler than you imagine. Be prepared.

What time do I need to arrive?

You may arrive at the studio anytime between 15 minutes before and the start time. Sessions start promptly. Please make every effort to arrive on time.

Due to APE.Men content, late arrivals are disruptive and discouraged. 15 minutes after the start time access to the building and entry into the studio are not guaranteed.

What else do I need?

A water bottle is recommended. For longer workshops, journals are recommended. If used, art supplies are provided.