who we are

Rainbow Moves started as a weekly drop-in class series at the Move Room in Hamilton, ON in January 2023.

It was created with the intention of bringing queer people together, of creating community within a practice that so many of us benefit from, but that can be intimidating to many.

Our aim is always to create more inclusive mindfulness and movement offerings for anyone who feels seen by the queer community.

Interior room with colorful mural, featuring abstract shapes and a snake design. Green pendant lights hang from the ceiling, and a large disco ball is overhead. There are wicker and upholstered chairs, plants, and a rug on the floor below the mural.

the move room’s first location at the ottawa street health collective.

the team

  • rachel is wearing a brown toque and sunglasses. they're smiling into the camera.

    rachel smiley (they/them)

    Rachel is a person who does a whole bunch of things in Hamilton, ON. Informed by yoga and Pilates, Rachel’s goal is to create fun and inclusive classes where everyone can find joy, strength, and mind-body connection. Rachel’s movement practice is rooted in seeking a place where curiosity and playfulness can exist while cultivating resilience in body and mind through progressive challenge. In general, they believe mindful movement practices can help us reclaim agency over our bodies, tap into our intuition, and find radical compassion.

    Rachel completed their first 200hr Pilates fusion teacher training with GOODBODYFEEL studio. In 2024, Rachel completed a 250hr yoga teacher training with The Branches Yoga in Kitchener-Waterloo. In between, they have peppered in other learning experiences and courses, including a mentorship program with Soulga Yoga.

    instagram // @_rachelsmiley_

    website // rachelsmiley.com

  • clairandean is looking past the camera. they have a spiky septum ring.

    clairandean humphrey (they/them)

    Clairandean is a Black Trans Media Artist based in Hamilton, ON. They are the founder of Clairity Tarot, offering spiritual guidance through the Tarot.
    Their work explores themes of Queer Identity, grief, intimacy and healing through ritual. 🧘🏾

    They finished their 200hr teacher training at GOODBODYFEEL in 2018 and remain an instructor with the studio. Their education in trauma informed movement, gender inclusive language and anti-oppressive frameworks includes training from New Leaf Foundation and Dianne Bondy’s Decolonized Yoga and Justice 300hr Teacher Training.

    instagram // @boipilates

    website // https://linktr.ee/clairandean

  • Smiling person with short hair and tattoos leans against a colorful wall in a room with wooden floors.

    jenn chester (she/her)

  • a 3/4 view headshot of Lu. they have a septum ring.

    lu caruso (they/them)

find us…