CONNECTION LAB - A Conscious Alternative to Dating Apps
Friday, August 14, 2026 · 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM ET
Alexandria, VA
Hosted by Everyday Tantra
This event is open to all genders and identities. What’s This About? Connection Lab is a playful, embodied social experience designed to help people connect through movement, shared experiences, curiosity, and authentic interaction. In a world filled with dating apps, endless texting, and carefully curated profiles, many people have forgotten what it feels like to experience another human being in real time. To laugh together. To move together. To play together. To discover connection through shared experiences instead of clever messages. This is not a speed dating event. It's not a singles mixer. And it's not a workshop where you spend the entire evening sitting and talking. Instead, we'll explore connection through movement, partner exercises, authentic relating, acroyoga, rope inspired activities, contact improv, dance, and playful group experiences that allow people to discover chemistry, compatibility, trust, and connection naturally. Whether you're single, partnered, dating, married, polyamorous, curious, or simply looking to meet new people, Connection Lab offers an opportunity to connect in a way that feels more human, more embodied, and more real. Evening Flow Doors Open: 6:30 PM Session starts at 7:15 PM Opening Circle: Arrive, connect, be seen and heard. We'll create agreements together and establish a welcoming environment where everyone can relax and participate at their own pace. Connection Lab Experience: Throughout the evening we'll explore a variety of connection exercises, authentic relating games, movement activities, partner practices, acroyoga, rope inspired connection exercises, contact improv, dance, and playful experiences designed to help people connect naturally. Closing Experiences: As the evening unfolds, three beautiful pathways will emerge side by side: Ecstatic Dance For those who want to move, express, celebrate, and let their bodies lead. Open Rope Jam For those who want to explore trust, containment, creativity, boundaries, and connection through rope. Acroyoga Play Space For those who want to collaborate, support one another, laugh, fly, and experience connection through movement and trust. Closing Circle: 11:00 PM What to Expect? A welcoming and inclusive environment A blend of guided exercises and free-flow exploration Movement based connection activities Authentic relating and communication games Acroyoga inspired trust and connection exercises Rope inspired partner activities Dance, play, laughter, and meaningful conversation Participation is always optional Observers are welcome Open to individuals and couples of all genders and orientations An intentional space especially welcoming to trans, queer, and nonbinary folks Who Should Attend? This event is for you if: You'd like to meet people beyond dating apps You're curious about authentic connection You enjoy movement, play, and embodied experiences You want to practice communication, trust, and connection You're open minded, respectful, and kind You enjoy meeting people in a relaxed and authentic environment No experience is required. No dance experience needed. No acroyoga experience needed. No rope experience needed. Just a willingness to show up, participate, and explore. What to Bring? Comfortable clothing you can move in Water bottle Food or snacks for yourself or to share A curious mind and open heart Optional items for dance, movement, or rope exploration No drugs or alcohol, please. We value presence, consent, and authentic connection. Cost (Love Exchange) Singles: $59 Early Bird General $69 Pairs (for 2 people): $89 Early Bird General: $99 At Door: $80 Single $120 Pair Book Now Limited capacity. Advance registration is highly recommended. If you'd like to pay us directly and save on ticketing fees, please contact us using the information below. Please contact us with questions or for direct payment options: 619.601.8852 619.305.3402 Your Facilitators Monique Darling Author of Beyond Cuddle Party, Monique has facilitated nearly 3000 workshops over the past fourteen years, helping people reconnect with themselves and others through embodiment, communication, play, and authentic connection. Learn more: www.everydaytantra.com Peter Petersen Qigong teacher and massage therapist with more than twenty five years of experience. Peter helps people feel more comfortable in their bodies through movement, breath, awareness, and practical tools for connection. Pocketz Known for his warmth, authenticity, and ability to help people feel at ease, Pocketz who has facilitating rope spaces for over 10 years now, helps to create opportunities for meaningful connection through bondage, movement, and play. Come solo. Come partnered. Come curious. Move. Dance. Fly. Connect. Witness. Laugh. Or simply relax into the energy of the room and enjoy being part of a community remembering how to be human together. Because sometimes the most meaningful connections begin when we stop trying so hard and simply allow ourselves to connect.