I discovered Soul Motion Dance at Esalen last February. For me it was a life transforming experience. This is a free flow class with few guidelines but what emerges is a spiritual practice which is deeply self nurturing.
Arjuna, the founder of Soul Motion is a remarkable teacher who drops golden messages throughout the dance that evoke both tears and laughter. The practice itself is such a heart opener and a fun way to strengthen the body. I have never walked so tall and am so pleased to find myself leading with my heart instead of my head.
There seems to be a global dance explosion and between Monterey and Santa Cruz County there is lots to choose from. In addition to Soul Motion there is also Gabriel Roth’s 5 Rhythms. I am currently taking a class from Rachael Jordan in Santa Cruz who is a student of Gabriel Roth. Gabriel Roth taught that there were 5 natural rhythms to our dance; flow, staccato, chaos, lyrical and stillness. The dancer moves through a musical “wave” that explores all 5 rhythms. The practice of these rhythms become a metaphor for one’s life and is a powerful way to heal old emotional wounds or discover aspects of oneself that may otherwise remain dormant.
The dance environment is completely non judgmental and there is an emphasis on play and making connections on the dance floor which create friendships and camaraderie among the dancers. Arjuna encourages these connections through simple techniques such as corridor dancing whereby students dance through the corridors of the dance circle. Each taking the limelight in the center of the dance briefly and moving with each other in and out of the corridors. The effect is a sensation of wholeness on the dance floor. We all become each other’s dance. It was wonderful! GO…..
Links to local dance:
http://www.the418project.com/current-class-schedule
http://www.consciousdancer.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wh2gpxzBA0s
I can’t wait to explore this. I’m especially curious about using the 5 Rhythmns as a form of meditation. I would much rather dance : )
Yes definitely. Some dancers are completely interior with their dance and definitely it’s a form of meditation. I like to think of it as a metaphor for my life.
I feel like dancing is the closest link with body to spirit. letting your body be art. To me this is when I feel elated and complete. I am right with you!!! union!
5 Rhythms is a beautiful experience! It is a wonderful way to explore your body and your emotions, as the different rhythms help open your mind and body. I definitely recommend everyone tries is at least once!