The first and most important thing to know about these sessions is that you are in charge of your own experience. I am about to tell you some general things to know, but (apart from the safety things) don't take any of them as hard and fast. The most important thing is that it is enriching and nourishing for you. 

 

See below for a bit more information about conscious dance and the way that I approach it.

 

What is conscious dance?

You can think of conscious dance as a type of moving mindful meditation. The purpose is to use the body to get in touch with and work through what is happening within your heart and mind - knowing that the whole system of our selves is interrelated. And/or, to simply have fun dancing!

 

There are many different forms and types of conscious dance - from Ecstatic Dance, to 5 Rhythms, to Ritual Trance Dance and more. The way I generally run a session is outlined below.

 

How will the session run?

We'll start with a welcome and then a short mindfulness on the theme of the month (this month it is receiving abundance and wisdom). To transition from this into the dancing, we will do a gentle warm up related to the theme, to help you begin tuning into your body and the ways it wants to move. In your own time, as the music slowly increases in energy and pace, you will then transition into whatever dance and movement works for you.

 

You might be coming with an intention, but you might not. If you have an intention, hold it loosely, and see what comes up in the dance. If you get stuck in thoughts or feelings, try to express those through movements. You can move big or small - sitting in a chair and just dancing with your hands or feet the whole time is a perfect way to engage, if that is what your body wants to do. If you want to stop for a while and sit quietly, do so. This is your time.

 

The music will reach a peak of energy and then start ramping back down, until finally we will come into a state of rest to integrate what we have experienced, and finally have a closing circle.

 

Preparation

• Create a space which feels nurturing and nourishing for you, where you will feel free to move without impedance. Some ideas are using plants, art, fairy lights or pleasant smells.

• Ensure you have headphones or a good speaker

• You may want to create a small altar or put a focus in your dance space

• You may want to set an intention for the evening

• You may want to also have some art materials or a journal for processing your dance time afterwards.

 

Safety

• Please listen to your body. Don't push into pain or overextension, and do movements that feel safe and helpful for your body.

• Take care of any parts that feel tender, tight or sore. See what they need from you. Sometimes it may be stiffness or soreness that needs loving movement to shift. Other times the body part may need rest. Do whatever you need to to take care of these parts safely.

• Stop as often as you need to

• Hydrate before hand and keep some water nearby

• Try not to have too full a stomach and it's a good idea not to have drugs or alcohol.

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If you have any questions, please contact me :)