Dance awakens connection to the body

• Are we always aware of what is going on in our body?
• How aware are we of how we are moving?
• And, do we realise our postures and movements directly influence our experiences?

I was ‘hobbling’ across my studio the other day in pain caused by sciatica. Suddenly I realised that my body was hunched over, my movements erratic and generally I felt miserable. In a flash I decided that this has to stop NOW! I pulled myself up and shifted gears from slow shuffle to purposeful strides across the space. To cut a long story short, I have been very consciously ‘overriding’ my body for the past week and I have noticed a dramatic reduction in pain. Movement and determination have started to shift my experience – I feel the mastery of creating my own reality through my body.

This would never have been possible without the awareness of body and how it is moving and interacting with life. It seems symbolic that in the middle of my dance space I came to a realisation based on my all too sensitive connection with my body. But what a gift! This story would not have been possible without dance. How many people live life from the neck up – in their heads? How many people have limited awareness of self and their world? How many people accept life this way?

Almost evangelical in my mission, I see the difference I can make in the life of people. And what joy! To be able to dance life – not just endure it.