What I forgot to mention in the last blog is that we perform biodanza without speaking either during the dancing or between dances.  The reason for this is that in order to talk, we have to engage our mind and once the mind gets going, it can start to chatter and take away from the focus and purpose of the dancing.  However, as previously mentioned, there is plenty of non-verbal communication in the form of eye contact and smiling. 

This is hugely powerful and engaging and reminds me of three of the things I teach my clients when training them in public speaking.  First of all, the necessity of making eye contact with your audience, without which they will be much less engaged.  Secondly, the international language of the smile which will warm your audience.  Thirdly, the power of the pause (silence) when speaking.  I constantly see a lack of use of this amazing tool, mainly because presenters are uncomfortable with it and yet there is as much meaning in the silence, and sometimes more, than in the words themselves.  Just think of how comedians use timing and then pause to get that all important laugh.

If you want to be a really good presenter, become more comfortable with silence. Silence is, of course, the opposite of sound and without it (silence that is), sound would not exist.  In exactly the same way, when we speak, if there was no silence between the words, they would all run together in a cacophony of meaningless sound.  So when you are speaking, pause from time to time just for a couple of seconds and let silence speak to your audience.

Yesterday evening, I went to a Biodanza class.  It was a very moving (pardon the pun) experience.  Although I had never done this before, I took to it like a duck to water. 

Rolando further extended his system to make it attractive to a wider public. Within a typical Biodanza class, we are invited to embark on an enjoyable exploration of our emotions. Dancing to a selection of inspiring music ranging from Bach to Beatles, and from fiery South American rhythms to wistful Celtic airs creates a decidedly “feel good” effect. Sometimes dancing is solo, at other times in 2s, and even in larger groups. It offers an opportunity to express yourself creatively through movement and dance in a safe and supportive environment.  My first experience was extremely powerful.  There was much eye contact between the Biodanza participants which personally I am very comfortable with and lots of genuine, heart-felt smiling.  It was contagious.  I couldn’t stop smiling and several times there were also tears.  Sometimes, they were tears of joy and other times tears of release.  I felt an internal beauty which I have never.  In fact, I felt like I had touched my very divinity.

So, if you are looking to combine exercise with both an emotional and spiritual aspect to it and are not afraid to step out of your comfort zone, step into Biodanza.