The Yoga and Play of Dance
This year, I set the intention to play and have more fun. And I’m happy to say, I’m well on my way. One of the ways I like to play is by dancing. I just came back from a Bay Area weekend workshop in exploratory dance and group process. It was rich and inspiring and I had lots of fun. I’ve been doing various types of intuitive, expressive dance since my early twenties, after being formally trained in my teens. For me, dance is a wonderful form of self expression. I love the way the music moves my soul and when I really listen, I can let my body be moved by the different rhythms. For me, it’s also a great internal practice of listening for authenticity. Especially in a group setting, I notice my ego wanting to be seen, to be appreciated, included, recognized, to perform, etc. So I practice listening closely: “Is my dance coming from the inside out or from the outside in? “ And I often enjoy dancing and playing in wild abandon.
In this workshop, with so many hours of dancing, I noticed my legs and feet getting tired. I wanted to keep dancing, so I was thankful that I had the option to play in other ways than on my feet: I did a handstand at the wall for a while; I hung out upside down on a chair and moved my legs around; I crawled on my arms and legs like a lizard; and I played with moving on my back and belly. I love all the creative possibilities available to me in my body and how each new song inspires different movements in me, especially when I commit to breaking out of my habitual movement patterns.
I attribute a lot of my body awareness, strength and flexibility to my yoga practice. I think it helps me to stay safe and strong on the dance floor and gives me the ability to play in all sorts of relationships to gravity that I may not otherwise have. And my meditation practice shows up on the dance floor too; in the ways I notice my body sensations, my breath and my state of mind. The dance can be like a moving meditation; a conscious journey of listening in and responding to what’s arising in each moment.
I think yoga is a great compliment to any kind of dance and especially to Ecstatic or expressive dance. The dance can be a great release of energy and self-expression, but it can make our bodies tight and bring up a lot of old emotional stuff. Practicing yoga can give our bodies more options for play on the dance floor and mindfulness of when we’re caught in story or ego-driven movements.
One of my visions is to offer a regular dance exploration event that combines Hendricks’ practices. I’ve done this a few times and I can feel myself gearing up to offer this more regularly. I love the way expressive dance helps us face our issues around relationship dynamics, closeness and individuality. I think the Hendricks’ tools can support this journey. I’ll say more about this another time. So stay tuned if you’re interested in this!
Ciao for now!
xo
YES! Lets Dance!
Yes, look for a new dance experience offered through Inner Freedom Yoga coming soon!!! I’m so excited about it!