The one and a half hours of non-stop dancing is physically rejuvenating, but it is the emotional inspiration that will take you by surprise. Independent movements, vocal sounds and partner interaction are all used to express feelings – both happy, sad, and everything in between. You truly will 'dance like no one is watching.'
Dancing On The Ground
The class opens with an introduction to explain the structure and a bit about its intention. The participants are welcomed to introduce themselves and share what it is they brought with them that day – their gift, such as love, energy or compassion. Although it is an independent journey, everyone in the class is embarking on it together and interacting at a level deeper than what is typical in your daily routine. It is at this point you should set your intention for the class if you wish. This concept of setting a mental and/or physical goal is what connects JourneyDance to a yoga or meditative practice.
Just as in yoga, you begin by connecting yourself to the ground. The idea is to be part of the earth and you warm up by playfully rolling around on the ground in a childlike manner. Slowly as if you are growing from the earth, your dance rises up until it eventually floats around the room. The instruction guides you through a dance isolating different parts of the entire body from your toes to your hips, back, arms and neck. The movements bring focus to the Chakras – the energy centers along the spine.
Improvisational Release
The amount of choreography will vary according to the instructor but you are always encouraged to act on impulse and follow your body’s lead. Many instructors will provide minimal guidance forcing you to dance improvisationally.
Your experience is broken into stages of dance reflecting the elements of earth, water, prayer, fire, warrior and heart. Different genres of music dictate your style and the types of movements appropriate to the stage of dance or body part you are focusing on.
To further delve into the spiritual journey the participants interact verbally flooding each other with compliments and enthusiasm -- a whole song dedicated to sharing energy. Screaming thoughts and opinions at the top of your lungs raises the energy to a new level.
Participants lead each other across the floor with traveling dance moves – one person sharing with the class her own personal expression. The climax of the event is a visual exercise that unites every one through a ceremony of releasing their spiritual and mental negativity. The dancers build their own fire in which to burn their harmful thoughts and fears. From there, the class will manifest their flames into one large inferno, cultivating nothing but positive feelings and ambitions.
Supporting these positive ideas, the pace slows to a softer air nourishing love and compassion. Some instructors may even conduct a partner routine in which one participant closes his eyes and the other guides his body through a graceful dance in which they have no control. Everyone feels like a ballerina.
The end result of this type of practice is a sense of an uninhibited connection between your mind and body -- the release of emotion is deeply cleansing.
How to Participate
JourneyDance workshops are offered to groups of all sizes and physical levels. They range from 1 1/2 to 2 hours. There are also half-day or two-day workshops with a specific focus or intention. For more information, please see www.journeydance.com.
