BIODANZA
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.
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Biodanza was created by Rolando Toro, a Chilean medical anthropologist. While working in a psychiatric hospital in the late 60s, Rolando noticed that different types of music affected the patients in different ways. He went on to develop a series of exercises-to-music designed to improve their quality of life. This was so effective that the nursing staff and patients’ relatives asked if they could join in. Biodanza was born! |
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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.