Hear us out…DANCE IS A THERAPY!
“Dance, when you’re broken open. Dance, if you’ve torn the bandage off. Dance in the middle of the fighting. […] Dance when you’re perfectly free.”
-JALALUDDIN RUMI
Many folks often think that dancing requires skill and is only reserved for those who have grace & rhythm. Often seen as a performing art that should be pleasing to the eyes of an audience, the roots of dance are far from this concept. The natural impulse to dance may have existed in early primates before they evolved into humans. Used as a way to communicate and commemorate history in every culture in the world - dance has been an important part of ceremony, rituals, celebrations and entertainment since before the birth of the earliest human civilizations. It is no question that moving our bodies to a melody is an instinct ingrained in humanity to express and ease ourselves. What if we were able to connect to this primordial intention that created the act of dancing to a perspective of healing; and therefore, dance as a therapy? Learn more about how giving your body over to a rhythm may be the healing modality you need.
Dance/Movement is already a widely practiced & recognized therapy
Also known as DMT, is a type of therapy that uses movement to help individuals achieve emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration. Beneficial for both physical and mental health, dance therapy can be used for stress reduction, disease prevention, and mood management. [1] In addition, DMT's physical component offers increased muscular strength, coordination, mobility, and decreased muscular tension. Dance/movement therapy can be used with all populations and with individuals, couples, families, or groups. In general, dance therapy promotes self-awareness, self-esteem, and a safe space for the expression of feelings.
According to The American Dance Therapy Association, Dance/Movement Therapy relies on the following premises:
Movement is a language, our first language. Nonverbal and movement communication begins in utero and continues throughout the lifespan. Dance/movement therapists believe that nonverbal language is as important as verbal language and use both forms of communication in the therapeutic process.
Mind, body, and spirit are interconnected.
Movement can be functional, communicative, developmental, and expressive. Dance/movement therapists observe, assess, and intervene by looking at movement, through these lenses, as it emerges in the therapeutic relationship in the therapeutic session.
Movement is both an assessment tool and a primary mode of intervention.
Dancing releases stagnant energy within you
In the metaphysical perspective, dancing serves as a way to unblock energetic body. The Chakras are energetic conductors within us that govern certain life themes and aspects. Living behind your navel, your Sacral Chakra is your energy centre for creativity, joy, prosperity, passion, openness, and playfulness. [2] An open and balanced sacral chakra means you embrace your creativity, have high self-esteem, and are able to relax, have fun, and play. When your sacral chakra is blocked, you may feel withdrawn, tense, negative, and/or fearful. Dancing is one of the best ways to allow energy to flow freely throughout your body as you release any tension you may be holding onto within.
Dancing can free you from low back & hip pain
From a physiological stand point, the hip area is where we tend to tense up the most in we are stressed because the hips act as the central connection point of one's entire body. Arizona based Physical Therapist Nina Lee explains “Your pelvis and hips are the centre point for your limbs and trunk to work off of," noting that major muscles and tendons attach and cross the pelvis area. "In a fight or flight situation, your muscles respond by tensing up. If you think of your pelvis as the centre point for your body to work off of when trying to get away from trauma, and your body's response to trauma includes making your muscles tense, it makes sense that your hips tend to store a lot of tension."[3]
Let the rhythm take over!
The great thing about Dance as a therapy is it can be done as a individual and introspective experience. Does the idea of dancing in front of people feel too overwhelming? That’s okay! This practice can often be most beneficial when you’re completely alone. If you’re at home or somewhere safe, play some music that resonates with you. It can be fast and upbeat or slow and sensual. You can set the mood by turning off lights, lighting candles, and/or changing into clothes that make you feel your best.
Here are some playlists put together by The Aura House Teachers to help you find your rhythm:
Feeling romantic and sensual? Try Lisa’s Eros Playlist:
Looking to find your calm & flow slowly to relax? Try Chelcie’s Reiki Playlist
link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DWWvgjYSMUA0Z?si=MrQAU4SoQyK3xeQ-wqtEhg&nd=1
Get an energy boost with Diana’s BDay Pilates Playlist
link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7e6jplQ902lDF5sLl885kQ?si=o_foBr2PT26bXittN9lVzA&nd=1
Let the beat loosen your hips with Rebecca’s MOVE playlist
Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5Mgv510ZflOHlnc2xEUGtg
Ready to give it a try? Come explore Aura Dance on Saturday, September 9th!
Aura Dance is a form of ecstatic dance where you learn the language of your body to experience freedom of expression. Although there are no choreographed steps, you’ll be given movement cues and tools to then piece together in a way that feels authentic to you.
No rhythm or dance experience is required. Just a love for music and a willingness to move. Aura Dance can be adapted for seated and reclined movement explorations, so no need to worry if your joints or body need less weight bearing in order to feel free.
This class is specifically for those who identify as female and/or non-binary and/or queer.
Please wear comfortable clothing that feels good to move in while also making YOU feel good, and bring water. Chairs and mats can be provided if adapted movement explorations are requested. Register for the experience through our WellnessLiving here.
So get up, feel the groove and move! We hope to see you soon in the space - Come home to yourself at The Aura House.
