About Lean_in
Movement. Relation. Community.
Lean_in was born from a belief that movement can be more than physical exercise or artistic practice.
Through movement we discover ourselves, meet others, challenge old patterns and explore new possibilities. Whether through dance, touch, creativity or community, movement offers a pathway into deeper relationship with ourselves and the world around us.
Lean_in exists to create spaces where people can train, connect, create and belong.
Our Story & Values
Lean_in emerged from a personal search for connection, creativity and expansion through movement.
As both an artist and human being, I found myself longing for spaces where we could bring our whole selves into the room - not only our strengths and achievements, but also our questions, challenges and ongoing processes of becoming. Through navigating periods of personal change and transformation, movement became a way to reconnect with myself, with others and with a deeper sense of meaning.
In the spring of 2024, Lean_in was created as a container for this exploration. What began as a framework for sharing movement practices and facilitating workshops quickly evolved into something broader - a growing community of training, retreats, residencies and creative research.
At the heart of Lean_in is a belief that movement can be more than physical practice. It can be a pathway into relationship, creativity and self-discovery.
This belief continues to shape the values that guide our work.
Curiosity
We approach movement as an ongoing exploration rather than a destination. Through play, experimentation and embodied inquiry, we invite people to remain open to new possibilities and ways of understanding themselves and others.
Connection
Whether through touch, dialogue, shared movement or community, relationship is central to the work. We believe that meaningful growth often happens through our encounters with one another.
Creativity
We value expression, imagination and the courage to step into the unknown. Creativity is not reserved for artists - it is a human capacity that can be cultivated through movement and lived experience.
Community
Lean_in exists to create spaces where people can gather, learn and belong. From weekly classes to international residencies and immersive retreats, we are continually exploring what it means to build supportive and authentic communities.
Continuation
We recognise that movement, like life, is a continual process of change. We encourage practices that support resilience, reflection and long-term development, both physically and personally.
As Lean_in continues to evolve, so too does its inquiry into the relationship between movement and relational psychology. Through workshops, performances and community experiences, we explore how our stories, patterns and relationships shape the way we move through the world.
Ultimately, Lean_in is an invitation - to move, to connect, to create, and to discover what becomes possible when we lean into the fullness of our human experience.
The Human Behind Lean_in
Founded by Josh Jones
Josh Jones is a contemporary dancer, facilitator and choreographer whose work explores movement, relationship and human connection.
Drawing from contemporary dance, floorwork, contact improvisation and embodied practice, he creates spaces that combine technical training with creativity, curiosity and community. His approach is shaped by a belief that movement can be a powerful tool for personal growth, artistic expression and meaningful connection.
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Over the years, Josh has facilitated classes, workshops, retreats and residencies throughout the UK and internationally, supporting people from a wide range of backgrounds to deepen their movement practice and explore new ways of relating to themselves and others.
As founder of Lean_in, he continues to develop projects that bring together training, artistic research and community, creating opportunities for people to move, connect and grow together.
Facts.....
Areas of Practice
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Contemporary Dance
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Floorwork
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Contact Improvisation
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Partnering
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Choreography
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Embodied Practice
Founder of
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Lean_in Nature
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Lean_in Residency
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From Floor to Flying
Based Between
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United Kingdom
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India
Looking Forward
Lean_in continues to evolve as a living movement organisation - shaped by the people, communities and experiences that gather within it.
What began as a personal exploration has grown into a network of classes, retreats, residencies, creative projects and shared learning experiences. As we move forward, our intention is to deepen these offerings while continuing to create spaces that support movement, connection, creativity and belonging.
Alongside the development of training programmes, international residencies and community gatherings, Lean_in is expanding its research into relational psychology and the human experience. Through movement, performance and collective inquiry, we remain curious about how we relate to ourselves, to one another and to the wider world.
The future of Lean_in is not a fixed destination but an ongoing journey - one that continues to be shaped by curiosity, collaboration and a shared desire to explore what it means to be fully human.
We look forward to welcoming you into the journey.
