Spirit dancing or Spirit Dance is an ancient practice that combines the art of movement with the exploration of the inner self.

Movement is a natural form of expression for humans and even animals. Gestures such as a frown or stomping feet, for example, are used by people to show their displeasure.

Similarly, activities such as dancing help people release their pent-up emotions.

Spirit dance for mind, body and soul

More people in medical and psychological fields are discovering the connection between our minds and bodies.

Trauma and tension may be stored in the body. Letting go of these emotions is essential for ensuring a healthy and happy lifestyle. As well as being more verbal about your experiences is essential, you should also acknowledge that certain movements can help you overcome negative feelings.

Meditation, yoga, and dance are some movements that should be approached carefully if you want to establish a solid connection between your mind and your body. Regulating the tension and stress can help you determine the root cause of problems and deal with them head-on.

Is Spirit Dance a type of therapy?

Dance therapy has become quite popular in recent years. The phrase may sound like it’s a technique for pro dancers, but this isn’t the case. Dance therapy is for everyone who can move their body in the basic ways (stand, sit, walk, and lie on the floor). This technique aims to help you reconnect with your body and gain self-confidence. Rather than focusing on your appearance, you should focus on what you feel during the dance.

Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) is a branch of the somatic psychotherapeutic approach that enables people to express their inner feelings through dance.

It is a freestyle class, there are no steps to follow or routines to learn.

It transcends mere physical exercise, offering a holistic approach to healing and self-expression. Through this course, you will discover how spirit dancing can help you connect with your emotions, release trauma, and embrace your true, authentic self.

Remember those awkward school dances where pupils would stare across the room, too self-conscious even to flex a muscle. Others were afraid that their moves would be judged “uncool” or make a wrong step and they would be embarrassed?

What prevents us from dancing and singing is the conditioned mind, the programmes and patterns that have become the norm, obscuring the truth of who we really are. We live in our heads 

Where does it come from?

Meditation comes in many different forms – and not all of them involve sitting in silence.

Spirit Dance is a movement meditation practise. Its roots are from shamanic practices, Brazilian samba, yoga, tai chi, somatic body work, energy healing, improvisation and intuitive movement; Spirit Dance is about connecting us to our body’s innate wisdom, sometimes for the first time.

Why do Spirit Dancing?

“Over time as humans, we have become uncomfortable in our own skins; we have lost the ability to be happy with our bodies and express our true selves.”

Sarah Barker

The Benefits of Spirit Dancing:

1. Stress Reduction and Emotional Regulation:
   • Mind: Spirit dancing triggers the release of endorphins and other neurochemicals that reduce stress and promote a positive mood. A study published in “Frontiers in Psychology” (2015) demonstrated that dance can significantly decrease cortisol levels, the stress hormone.
   • Body: Lower stress levels have a cascading effect on the body, reducing the risk of stress-related illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and autoimmune disorders.
   • Soul: Managing stress and regulating emotions through spirit dancing can lead to a greater sense of inner peace and emotional resilience.
2. Enhanced Cognitive Function:
   • Mind: Dancing engages various cognitive functions, such as memory, spatial awareness, and attention. A study in “The New England Journal of Medicine” (2003) found that dancing is associated with a reduced risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
   • Body: Engaging in dance improves coordination and balance, reducing the risk of falls and related injuries.
   • Soul: A sharper mind fosters a deeper connection with your inner self, enhancing your self-awareness and personal growth.
3. Improved Physical Fitness:
   • Mind: Regular spirit dancing sessions can boost self-esteem and body image, promoting a positive self-perception.
   • Body: Dance is an effective cardiovascular exercise that can help with weight management, muscle tone, and overall physical fitness.
   • Soul: A healthier body contributes to a more vibrant and energetic spirit, promoting a sense of vitality and well-being.
4. Emotional Expression and Release:
   • Mind: Spirit dancing provides a platform for non-verbal emotional expression, aiding in emotional processing. A study in the “American Journal of Dance Therapy”  found that dance therapy significantly reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.
   • Body: Emotional release through dance can relieve physical tension, contributing to pain reduction and better physical comfort.
   • Soul: Expressing and releasing emotions fosters a sense of authenticity and inner freedom, promoting emotional and spiritual well-being.
5. Mind-Body Connection and Mindfulness:
   • Mind: Engaging in spirit dancing fosters mindfulness, enhancing self-awareness and the ability to stay present in the moment. Research in “Mindfulness” shows that dance can be an effective way to promote mindfulness.
   • Body: The mind-body connection strengthens through dance, improving proprioception and coordination.
   • Soul: Deepening the mind-body connection can lead to a greater sense of spiritual connection and a more profound understanding of the self.

How do we spirit dance?

There are no rules

Dancers, sometimes without the need to follow specific steps, release themselves to the rhythm and move freely as the music takes them, leading to trance and a feeling of ecstasy. The effects of ecstatic dance begin with ecstasy itself, which may be experienced in differing degrees. Dancers are described as feeling connected to others, and to their own emotions. The dance serves as a form of meditation, helping people to cope with stress and to attain serenity.

Let the rhythm and the dance move through you, become a channel for your spirit to help you to connect with your own ability to heal stuck and trapped emotions.

I am happy. I am free. I’m enough. I can relax and just be me.

Spaces are limited. Wear comfortable clothing. Bring a water bottle.