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“If you don’t do your dance, who will?”
— Gabrielle Roth Move Your Body. Come Home to Yourself. When we practice 5Rhythms and Somatic Movement, we open to the possibility of the present moment, awakening a deep, felt sense of being fully in our bodies. By connecting with breath, sensation, and emotion, we allow authentic movement to emerge, rather than trying to “perform” or get it right. This may look very different from dancing in a nightclub, at a party, or even in other dance classes. Here, the focus isn’t on how it looks, it’s on how it feels. We learn to listen inwardly and follow the natural flow of energy moving through us in each moment. Sometimes the idea that we must dance in a certain way can hold us back. That’s why I often call this practice movement rather than dance — an alive, creative relationship with yourself, your body, and the moment you’re in. And within that inward focus, there is still enormous space for freedom, expansion, and full expression. You can move powerfully or gently, wildly or subtly, whatever is true for you. Many people experience moments of joy, release, playfulness, strength, and deep emotional expression. Nothing is prescribed, yet everything is welcome. Rooted in 5Rhythms, Expanded Through Somatic Movement My foundation is in the 5Rhythms practice, a dynamic movement meditation created by Gabrielle Roth, who inspired thousands of people worldwide to rediscover the healing power of movement. As she said: “Put the psyche into motion and it will heal itself.” In 5Rhythms we explore five energetic patterns; Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and Stillness. Moving through all five creates what is known as a Wave. With over 30 years of personal practice and more than 18 years of teaching as an accredited 5Rhythms teacher, this work forms the backbone of my classes. Over the past decade, I’ve increasingly woven in Somatic Movement, deepening the practice from expressive dance into a profound process of embodiment, nervous system regulation, and inner listening. Last year I began formal training in Somatic Movement with IBMT. My approach has also been influenced by teachings such as Continuum Movement (developed by Emilie Conrad), Whole Body Focusing, somatic therapy, and most importantly from years of observing what bodies naturally need in order to feel safe, alive, and expressive. What Somatic Movement Brings Somatic Movement invites you to slow down and feel from the inside out. In class you’ll find permission to:
And importantly slowing down does not mean dull or restricted. From this grounded place, movement often becomes more spacious, creative, powerful, and free. Expression can arise naturally rather than being pushed. Many people experience:
There is no pressure to perform, only an invitation to explore, expand, and express in a way that feels true. What to Expect in a 2-Hour Class We begin by gently arriving into the room and into our bodies. This may include stretching, breathing, slow movement, or simply resting on the floor and feeling supported by the ground. Often, bodies need stillness first. Taking time on the floor creates a sense of safety and containment, allowing you to settle inward before gradually expanding awareness outward to the space and other dancers. From there, the movement unfolds naturally. There are no steps to learn and nothing to get wrong. You are free to discover how your body wants to move and express itself — whether that’s subtle, playful, powerful, expansive, or deeply restful. Each class has a different theme or focus, offering new ways to experience embodiment and expand your personal movement vocabulary. Many classes include a full 5Rhythms Wave, allowing space for grounding, expression, release, creativity, and integration. The Five Rhythms Flowing; Continuous, fluid movement — circles, spirals, and grounding through the feet or floor. We connect to the earth and allow awareness to settle into the body. Staccato; Clear, defined shapes and rhythms. This is the realm of expression, boundaries, strength, and communicating our inner world outward. Chaos; A peak of release and surrender. We let go of control, soften the mind’s grip, and allow powerful, liberating movement to emerge. Lyrical; Lightness, freedom, and expansion. After release comes play, creativity, spontaneity, and the joy of moving without inhibition. Stillness; Movement becomes subtle and essential. We arrive in presence — grounded, integrated, and deeply embodied, moving from a quiet centre. What to Bring
If you’d like more information about the 5Rhythms practice, visit www.5rhythms.com |