Hi everyone, Happy December!

In a season that's meant to bring us together, it's easy to feel pulled apart by everything happening in the world right now. The news feels heavy. The uncertainty feels constant. And yet, here we are, still showing up for each other, still finding reasons to connect.

As we head into the holidays, many of us are preparing to reunite with friends and family we haven't seen in months. In the rush of travel, gift-giving, and festivities, there's one powerful tool for connection that often gets rushed: the HUG.

We often treat hugs as quick greetings—a formality before we get to the "real" interaction. But science tells us that if we slow down and do it right, a hug can be a physiological reset button for both you and your loved ones.

This year, I want to invite you to master the art of the Long Hug. Here's how to do it, why it matters, and most importantly, how to make it comfortable and consensual for everyone involved.

The Science: Why You Need 20 Seconds

A quick "polite" hug is nice, but it doesn't change your biology. To get the full benefits, you need to hold an embrace for at least 20 seconds.

Why 20 seconds? That's the amount of time required to shift your body's chemistry:

The "Love Hormone" Activates: Sustained touch triggers the release of oxytocin, which promotes feelings of trust and safety.

Stress Hormones Drop: Oxytocin acts as a natural antidote to cortisol, the stress hormone. A 20-second hug can lower blood pressure and slow your heart rate, effectively melting away the holiday stress.

Immunity Boosts: The gentle pressure on the sternum during a hug stimulates the thymus gland, which regulates the production of white blood cells—keeping you healthier during flu season.

The Technique: Breathe, Hold, Release

To turn a hug from a greeting into a moment of connection, try this specific breathing technique. It helps synchronize your nervous systems and deepens the sense of relaxation.

1. The Approach: Once you're in the embrace, don't just pat their back and let go.

2. The Inhale: Take a deep breath in through your nose, feeling your chest expand against theirs.

3. The Hold: Pause and hold that breath for a brief moment. This stillness signals to the other person that you're present and safe.

4. The Exhale: Breathe out slowly through your mouth, relaxing your shoulders and letting your weight settle.

This conscious breathing encourages "entrainment," where your heart rates and breathing rhythms naturally begin to sync up, creating a profound sense of calm.

The Etiquette: Consent First, Always

Long hugs are powerful, but they require consent. Nothing ruins a moment faster than an unwanted or surprising embrace. To avoid the awkward "handshake vs. hug" dance, use these two strategies:

1. Announce Your Hug
Describing the hug before it happens removes ambiguity. A simple phrase like, "It's so good to see you—I'd love to give you a big hug," or "I'm a big hugger, is that okay?" works wonders. This gives the other person a chance to prepare or politely decline, ensuring the hug is mutually wanted.

2. The "Half-Step Read"
As you approach someone, stop about 18 inches away (a half-step back). If they extend a hand, shake it. If they open their arms, they're inviting a hug. This split-second pause allows you to read their body language before you enter their personal space.

Hugs in Our Dance Community: Connection with Clear Boundaries

In partner dancing, we're already navigating physical connection—but hugs are different. They're more personal, more vulnerable, and they happen outside the structured frame of a dance.

Here's what makes dance community hugs special—and how to approach them with care:

We're a hugging community, and that's beautiful.
Dancing brings us close. We share music, movement, and moments of joy together. Hugs are a natural extension of that connection, and they're one of the ways we celebrate each other.

But not everyone is comfortable with hugs—and that's okay too.
Some people are more reserved. Some are recovering from bad experiences. Some just prefer a high-five or a fist bump. All of these are valid, and none of them mean someone cares about you less.

Always ask first, especially with new dancers.
If you're greeting someone new to the community, a simple "Can I give you a hug?" goes a long way. It shows respect, it builds trust, and it sets the tone that our space is one where boundaries matter.

Dancing close doesn't mean you can skip asking permission.
Yes, we hold each other in close embrace during a dance. But that's a structured, time-limited connection with clear expectations. A 20-second hug is something different—it's more intimate, more personal, and it requires its own consent. Even if you've danced bachata sensual or close-embrace salsa with someone all night, you still need to ask before pulling them into a long hug. The dance floor has a frame; a hug doesn't.

Read the room (and the body language).
If someone steps back, crosses their arms, or offers a handshake instead, honor that. If someone seems hesitant, don't push. A warm smile and verbal greeting can convey just as much care.

Remember: Dancing with someone doesn't mean they owe you a hug.
Just because you've shared a dance doesn't mean someone is automatically comfortable with a hug afterward. The structured connection of a dance is different from the open vulnerability of an embrace. Always check in.

If you're not a hugger, you can say so.
It's okay to say, "I'm more of a wave person!" or "I'm not really a hugger, but it's great to see you!" You don't owe anyone an explanation, and you don't have to apologize for your boundaries.

This community is built on respect, connection, and joy. Hugs are one way we express that—but only when they're wanted by everyone involved.

Our January 2026 Dance schedule

DANCE-VENTURES In Guelph, ON
Salsa & Bachata Lessons On Tuesdays

Tuesday Evenings in GUELPH, ON | 8-Week Dance Blocks
January 06 ‘26 to February 24 ‘26

DANCE-VENTURES In Guelph, ON
Salsa & Bachata Lessons On Sundays

Sundays afternoons in GUELPH, ON | 8-Week Dance Blocks
January 18 ‘26 to March 15 ‘26

DANCE-VENTURES In Guelph, ON
Line Dance Lessons | Monday Evenings

8-Week Dance Blocks | Monday evenings in GUELPH, ON
January 19 ‘26 to March 16 ‘26

DANCE-VENTURES In Guelph, ON
West Coast Swing Dance Lessons | Monday Evenings

8-Week Dance Blocks | Monday evenings in GUELPH, ON
January 19 ‘26 to March 16 ‘26 

DANCE-VENTURES In Milton, ON
Salsa & Bachata Lessons | Thursday Evenings

Thursdays in MILTON, ON | 8-Week Dance Blocks
January 22 ‘26 to March 12 ‘26 

DANCE-VENTURES In Georgetown, ON
Salsa & Bachata Lessons | Monday Evenings

Our Tuesday Salsa and Bachata dance classes are now offered on Monday evenings.

Mondays in GEORGETOWN | 8-Week Dance Blocks
January 26 ‘26 to March 23 ‘26 

DANCE-VENTURES In Pais, ON
Salsa & Bachata Lessons

Wednesdays in PARIS, ON | 8-Week Dance Blocks
January 28 ‘26 to March 25 ‘26

DANCE-VENTURES In Waterloo, ON
Salsa & Bachata Lessons

Sundays in WATERLOO, ON | Dance Bootcamp
January 25 ‘26  

DANCE-VENTURES With The FDComm 
January 2026 NSS Schedule!

Practice your NEW dance skills. Hang out with your class mates. Meet NEW people!

Next Step Socials (NSS) in Guelph, Milton, Georgetown, Paris and Waterloo - the place to let go of the day’s woes. Come in your slacks, a bottle of water and no make-up. Social dancing with an instructor on hand to answer any dance queries. Let’s Dance!