MOVEMENT MENU: Discover your journey from somatic to ecstatic conscious spring 2010 issue #10 movement for a better world
“Yoga is the riverbank, DANCER dance is the flow.” –Micheline Berry at Exhale Spa
Yog a+Dance Facilitators give your practice room to move Convergence Biodanza Embracing the intensity
PLUS: Fresh Ganesh College credit to AXIS Shake your asanas Amazing grazing with MC Yogi Gyrotonics gets results
• PLAYING ATTENTION • Dance–Camera–Action • BREEZY CLEANSING
;WYS4O``SZZ2WQY5`SU]`g ! 3fVWPWba A^SOYS`a>O\SZa /[g5]]R[O\8cRWbV=`Z]TT; 2 E]`YaV]^a5`SS\0caW\Saa 2O\;WZZ[O\>OcZAbO[Sba 6SOZbVESZZ\Saa 8]\ObVO\5]ZR[O\1O`]ZW\S1OaSg 0]]Yab]`S0]Rge]`Y 2O\\W]\0`W\YZSg2OdWREWZQ]QY the Mystery of Music music for yoga • relaxation • reiki • spa • wellness • meditation C M Y CM MY CY CMY K Spirit Lounge | Various Artists Featuring music by Snatam Kaur, Miten, Deva Premal, Aethera, Manish Vyas, Terry Oldfield, Tulku, and Prem Joshua. Drawing on voices from around the world, Spirit Lounge is a unique musical journey sure to entrance and seduce its listener. Browse our selection of over 100 albums available online or at Borders, Amazon & iTunes DOWNLOAD NOW! Get unrestricted MP3 tracks and full albums from our website today! www.GTSkombucha.com newearthrecords.com • myspace.com/newearthrecords or call us at 1.800.570.4074 conscious dancer | spring 2010 1 creating wellness one person at a time with organic essential oil body care Chakra oils work energetically and physically to help restore natural balance to the body Chakra Oil #2 miracle energy contains a jasmine essential oil blend and inspires sensuality and grace One of seven in the chakra wellness collection 310.455.9962 goldenearth.net 2 conscious dancer | spring 2010 The world's fastest growing Fusion Fitness System for Women. Fitness infused with Belly Dance, African Dance, Bolly/Bhangra, Pilates, Yoga and Meditation. Register for one of our highly acclaimed Instructor Training Courses! Buy the rst Instructional DVD TM with earthAlice Bracegirdle Watch trailer, get more info at: www.bellyfit.ca The Connecting TM the w GROOVE orlds Method of f itness and dance! The Groove Method is a fun and easy methodology in movement and tness that makes the joy of DANCE accessible for everyBODY to foster vibrant health and wellness! re:THINK your workout. GROOVE it! Get Certi ed in April 2010 in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto and more!!! Learn to create safe and inviting spaces where everybody can experience the freedom and joy of dancing! For more information visit www.thegroovemethod.com Earn an advanced degree focused on the healing power of movement Lesley University’s Master of Arts in Expressive Therapies with a specialization in Dance Therapy and Mental Health Counseling trains students in the psychotherapeutic use of dance and movement. t Train with diverse populations in a variety of clinical, medical, and educational settings t Prepare for the Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) process in Massachusetts t Earn your R-DMT credential upon graduation Take a course this summer! Intro to Dance Therapy, August 2–6 Let’s wake up the world.SM www.lesley.edu/info/dancer GR10_EXT_PA017 conscious dancer | spring 2010 3 ³8QLWHERG\DQGVRXOWKURXJKPRYHPHQWDQGVHOIH[SUHVVLRQ´±'DQ/HYHQ LIFE Movement, ’ Leven Institute for Expressive Movement, is dedicated to healing and transformation through movement. Our two training This formula of organic and wild crafted programs, Shake superfood transforms health! Fully nourish with crucial vitamins, minerals, enzymes Your Soul®: The Billy Merritt is an expert of sorts with his formulation of Yoga of Dance and Balance and stabilize blood-sugar levels SomaSoul®: Somatic therapeutic herbal nutrition. His Infi nity Greens superfood Optimize digestion and eliminate toxins Expressive Therapy TESTED 25 BILLION formula has become integrated into a number of my treatments. 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Since 1915 Grace in Motion teacher trainings | workshops | retreats | classes • Green Energy • See website • Colon Cleansing for full line • Diet Tea “Naturally” of herbal capsules TrAIN to Become a certified Yoga Dance Teacher with Megha in 2009/2010: Let Your Yoga Dance® FREE a chakra yoga dance fusion of power, Catalog grace, and passion. healing through Joy! Upcoming TrAININGS and rETrEATS - March 19-21 Let Your Yoga Dance with the Sun and Sea! winter, Spring 2010 with Megha, Discovery Yoga, St Augustine, Florida creator and founder: Let Your Yoga Dance® 25 year Master Teacher-Trainer, kripalu center Programs at Kripalu Center Let Your Yoga Dance® with the Sun & Sea! March 28- April 2 YogaDance Teacher Training - Level 1 March 19-21 a joyous weekend for all levels Discovery Yoga, St Augustine, Florida June 6 - 11 - Level 2 kripalu YogaDance™ Teacher Training PrOGrAMS AT krIPALU cENTEr, STOckBrIDGE, MA: October 4 thru 9 LEVEL 1 YogaDance Teacher Training May 7-9 Mother’s Day YogaDance celebra- December 6 thru 11 LEVEL 2 March 28-April 2 PART 1 AND June 6-11 PART 2 tion Kripalu Center, Stockbridge, MA Mother’s Day YogaDance celebration Let Your Yoga Dance® Teacher Training ® May 7-9 All are welcome, mothers and kids age 11 and up in a Jungle Paradise–for yoga teachers only San Francisco Herb & Natural Food Co. August 8-13 Let Your Yoga Dance Teacher Training for ® feb 7-20, 2010 Let Your Yoga Dance Teacher Training Special 47444 Kato Road, Fremont, CA 94538 • Fax: 510-770-9021 Nosara Yoga Institute, Guanacaste, Costa Rica for special populations Learn to teach in and out of chairs Populations Aug 8-13 Let Your Yoga Dance® with Sun & Sea! www.herbspicetea.com • 800-227-2830 Learn to teach yoga-based movement in - and out of - March 19-21 rEgiSTEr: www.letyouryogadance.com chairs Discovery Yoga, St Augustine, Florida 4 conscious dancer | spring 2010 Seane Corn and Michael Franti move the crowd on Earth Day in Los Angeles. 20 Rolando Toro embraces 14 his protégé Belisa Amaro. Dancers Rodney Bell and Sonsheree Giles from the AXIS Dance Company. 9 FEATURES 9 Inspiration: Moving Art 14 Rolando Toro's Biodanza AXIS Dance Company pushes beyond physical We spoke with the poet of human encounter and learned boundaries to create performance magic. Departments about his vision for an embodied humanity, the meaning of 11 WARMUPS "vivencias," and how the seven powers of Biodanza could • Letters to the Editor: Shareback • Baby Wearing: Bundle of Bounce transform healthcare as we know it. • The Pulse with Aspen Madrone • Physical Integration on Campus article by karen mireau, interview by belisa amaro • Debbie Rosas Stewart: The Body’s Business 26 VITALITY: Amazing Grazing 20 Yoga Gets its Groove On Laura Cirolia thinks outside the lunchbox to pair up the best in portable snacktime munchies. of Bi o danza / Teachers and facilitators get in the spirit as the yoga-dance t e s y fusion gains momentum. Music and laughter is what people 29 SOUNDS: MC Yogi Martin Tickle meets the rapping sensation who is Co ur are after as today's yoga studios become the movement making waves in the yoga world and beyond. centers of tomorrow. Hear what Shiva Rea, Dan Leven, 31 MOVEMENT MENU Michael Franti, and Micheline Berry are discussing. • Spring Highlights: Events worth traveling for • Book reviews: Linden's Last Life, Bridge Between Worlds, Arthur Fink Photography top : Bar b ara Bruckman / • CDs: Baka Beyond and David Starfire • DVDs: Women of Monday Morning and Nia opal • MixMaster: DJ Dragonfly 42 RESULTS: The Peaceful Wave Amity Hotchkiss discovers the freedom of fluid motion brought forth by Gyrotonics. f lickr.c o m/ photos /kendiala Tri b L aPrade / www. PHOTOS: cl o ckwi s e Fr o m 26 conscious dancer | spring 2010 5 1ӅӂU̙ȺѽҳD̙Ⱥ̢ͧеJΝ ǑOȠ̢ӂӭ̢̙͝͡FǑ̢͡UҕȢ͝Gt(ǑȐ҅JȢ͝MȺ3е̛ 5IF.PWJOH$FOUFS4DIPPMJTEFWPUFEUPIFBMJOH UISPVHIUIFQSBDUJDFPGUIF3IZUINT¥NPWJOHNFEJUBUJPO 8FBSFDPNNJUUFEUPCSJOHJOHBXBSFOFTT BMJWFOFTTBOENPWFNFOU UPBOZPOFXIPIBTBCPEZ CSFBUI BCFBUJOHIFBSU BOEBXJMMJOHTQJSJU 5IF.PWJOH$FOUFS4DIPPM XXX.PWJOH$FOUFS4DIPPMDPN 6 conscious dancer | spring 2010 ConsciousDancer.com hat you are now reading is a bold best-of-the-best journeys and events worth experiment. When we rolled the traveling for into a super Summer Travel Wdice a few years ago, we were gam- Special. What's your destination? In Septem- bling on the growth of a movement, so we ber, we're tackling teacher trainings, the phe- created a media garden where the flowers nomenon that fuels the spread of conscious of conscious movement could bloom. From movement. Who was your mentor? And in day one we have approached this enterprise December, we're covering fitness and sacred with the spirit of reciprocity, asking readers, Checking In dance. How do you put the fun into fitness? "What is our unique value to you?" and ask- What makes dance sacred to you? ing ourselves, "How can we better serve our It takes thousands of conversations to readers’ needs?" or pass it along to inspire a friend. We're create a magazine. We invite each of you If you’re a subscriber, hats off to you for confident that Conscious Dancer supports the to chime in; your inspiration, insights, and your individual vote of support. Someone growth of a movement. Longtime ambassa- advice are the raw material from which our may have passed along their copy to you, dor Steve Bollinger notes that "Over the long stories and profiles emerge. We owe each of making you one of the three or four people run these magazines go a long way in build- you a huge helping of gratitude, so thanks for who read each magazine. Or perhaps you ing dance community." Three years ago the planting the seeds! picked up a complimentary copy somewhere Reno/Tahoe area had one community dance; special like a retreat center or a community now there are four. It's a simple equation— In Movement dance venue. when our advertisers hear from our readers, No matter where you got your copy, our the magazine and the movement grow. goal is that you remember this magazine, We have really exciting plans for 2010 H AM B UR G P hoto : HO WARD and either hang on to it for future reference, and they include you! We're collecting the m a r k m e t z , Editor-in-Chief STAFF CONTRIBUTORS founders & publishers Mark Metz & Aspen Madrone Daniel Leven, RSMT, is founder of Leven Institute of Movement Therapy, Editor-in-Chief Mark Metz LIFE Movement. Daniel has developed two approaches to body-mind well- Creative Director Aspen Madrone ness, Shake Your Soul® and SomaSoul®. A former professional dancer and Quantum Communications Laura Cirolia program director at Kripalu, where he cofounded Kripalu Danskinetics,™ graphic Design Melissa White Daniel leads workshops and professional trainings at Omega Institute, Kripalu Senior Editor Rachel Trachten Center, and Rhythms, his center in Massachusetts. He is faculty at the Body- Associate Editor Mariana Thorn Centered Gestalt Training Program in Hartford, CT. www.leveninstitute.com Editorial interns Fiona Ramus & Chaska Adams Staff writers Laura Cirolia, Efrain Correal, Mariana Karen Mireau’s film and television projects have aired internationally on Thorn, Rachel Trachten, Aspen Madrone NBC, PBS, and Cartoon Network. As a creative literary agent, Karen has Staff photographers Laura Cirolia & Tyler Blank assisted others in manifesting their dreams for more than 25 years. She spe- Sales and marketing Mark Metz cializes in media, publishing, and uncommonly good marketing. In 2008, she Webmaster Steve Shaw founded Bio.Graphia in response to the growing interest in memoir. IT angel Luis Echeverria Bio.Graphia combines sensitive interviewing with literary expression to create Licensing Efrain Correal lasting family histories and life portraits. www.biographia2008.blogspot.com Printing American Web, Inc. Belisa Amaro pioneered Biodanza in the U.S., and is founder and director Editorial [email protected] Ad Sales [email protected] of the San Francisco School of Biodanza. Her program is the only certified Circulation [email protected] Biodanza school in the country. As a Biodanza facilitator and trainer, she has Subscribe www.consciousdancer.com witnessed the growth and evolution of this system that combines music, dance, and chanting with community. Born in São Paulo, Belisa brings to her other Inquiries & submissions work her passionate Brazilian soul and her impulse for genuine connection. [email protected] She interviewed Rolando Toro for the Biodanza feature. www.biodanza.us PO Box 2330, Berkeley, CA 94702 (510) 778-9131 Amir Magal’s work as a director, photographer, illustrator, and designer has Conscious Dancer is a quarterly active lifestyle magazine that celebrates transformative dance, mind-body fitness, and taken him on extraordinary assignments to distant corners of the world. He energy movement arts. Conscious Dancer does not endorse any specific modality, practitioner, or product. Please consult has explored the full range of human expression while attempting to capture a health professional before attempting any new movement and convey the ecstasy and inner turmoil that unites us all. In the merging activities or health regimens. Conscious Dancer disclaims any liability for loss or injury in connection with activities of athletics, dance, culture, and fashion, Amir finds his niche. By pushing the portrayed or advice given herein. Please send all editorial mail, envelope technically and vibrantly, he allows the images to pierce through manuscripts, letters to the editor, and address changes via email or to our Conscious Dancer address listed above. pop culture clutter and nourish our chaotic minds. www.amirimage.com © 2010 Moving Arts International. Printed in the USA with post consumer-waste content using soy-based inks. Please reuse COVER > Micheline Berry with Domonic Dean Breaux of Shaman´s Dream World Music Ensemble. and recycle. All rights reserved. PHOTO > Taken by Amir Magal at Exhale Spa in Venice Beach, CA. conscious dancer | spring 2010 7 SKIRTS TO THROW ON OVER YOUR PANTS • TO TAKE YOU FROM STUDIO TO STREET • TO COVER-UP OR ACCENTUATE me TM sheeky ms meSheeky.com 8 conscious dancer | spring 2010 inspiration In that moment in time I am present for you, with my all, to celebrate the uniqueness of ability. I honor dance the only way I know how – Ko te hi, Ko te ha.* – Rodney Bell, AXIS dancer Moving Art AXIS Dance Company raises the bar with performances that integrate abilities on stage and in class. Sonsheree Giles and Rodney Bell perform in Vessel, choreographed by Alex Ketley. Bell's name in his native Maori is Tawera, which means “the dawning.” P hoto : A ndrea F lores He is a member of the Ngati Maniapoto tribe from Te Ika a Maui, the north island of Aotearoa (New Zealand). Giles is originally from New Orleans, LA. * Maori for "with each breath" Shareback playful invitation Thank you for your inspiring article “Gath- ering Potential.” It gives me valuable insights into healing my holiday gloom. Through Geneva’s eyes, I feel invited to awaken my own living-room memories and to share the simple joys of movement with those less likely to dance without a playful invitation. I particularly welcome the support offered to help shift perspective and work through trig- gers of anxiety associated with family gather- ings. Again and again, you encourage readers to trust their gut response and reach out to connect. It reminds me of the shy little girl looking at her image in the mirror and wait- ing for the mirror to make the first move. In making the first move, I feel a young Geneva awakening in me too. Dance IS a great meta- phor for the holiday season and a reminder that we are all indeed going HOME, so we might as well enjoy the dance and celebrate a bit of heaven here on earth. Joyfully, Ali Cayenne Miller Oakland, CA metaphysically linked I found the whole magazine an inspira- tion—the quality of the articles and the beauty of the ads. I had no idea there was this whole danceCSFFNBDPN community out there that + & is so metaphysically linked! You are talking 5IF"SUPG#FJOH1SFTFOU about all kinds of dance that I’ve never heard '@E< )I@E:@GC we love hearing from you! Find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or send an old-fashioned email to [email protected] 10 conscious dancer | spring 2010 the pulse aspen madrone The music pulsates, my head folds to my knees, and swish, I am in Downward Dog as Janet Stone invites class members to move to their in- ner rhythm. At Yoga Tree in San Francisco, she leads a fluid yoga class, with moments of free- form dance taught to live music. This fusion gives me the freedom to express my creativity as a dancer, while the yoga provides comforting structure. For me, inversions symbolize the mind emptying and the release of the weight of being hu- man by giving in to gravity. Yoga is a perfect balance to my dance practice and my work as an entrepreneur. During magazine pro- Bundle of Bounce duction crunch time, I The ancient tradition of "baby wearing" returns with modern reach for Perelandra marvels of portable parenthood. It's never too early to share the Essences to keep my energy grounded, and I joy of movement with your new arrival and stay connected with Ola Loa your community. Today's options are ergonomic, eco-friendly, drink vitamin packets to fortify my and offer a fit for everyone. You can protect your baby's hearing, immune system. The best remedy is rest and support baby's head, and enjoy your rhythm and motion too. relaxation, and Bella Luna Yoga is a wonder- super snuggly > Moby Wrap ful choice. They offer facilitators an affordable Great for securing your baby, and for fitting different body types (shown above). vacation at resorts around the world in exchange This long, versatile piece of fabric allows your baby to go in five different positions. Worth the time to understand how to adjust. You can choose a variety of styles, for teaching. Or, teachers can create their own such as the nifty UV protection wrap, to keep the sun from harming your cute and retreat with ease by allowing One Hundred sensitive little one. (from $39.95) www.mobywrap.com Skies to deal with the logistics. Let’s share a cozy cruiser > New Native Organic Baby Carrier bodily experience soon; perhaps at Rancho La Made with 100% organic cotton, and is comfy, soft, and good for the environment. Sized to fit and works in different positions as the baby grows. Fun prints, colors, can Puerta for the perennial favorite Soul Motion match with your clothes and act as an accessory. Great for earth-conscious parents, or at an embodied festival like Wanderlust. and socially aware babies! (from $54) www.newnativeinc.com It feels like six degrees of separation, as Fitness favorite > ERGO Baby Carrier This is excellent for hands-free baby carrying. Adjustable straps allow for use as a Conscious Dancer magazine rolls along the Cos- backpack or front pack, with a great back strap to better support you. Provides great mic Highway serendipitously arriving at ecstatic security for activities such as hiking, dancing, going to parties. Good for weight dances in Australia or with guests at Findhorn t e s y One Hundred Skie distribution, and “ergonomic” for different sizes. (from $105) www.ergobabycarriers.com in Scotland. It’s gratifying to watch the move- Fashionista's Delight > Rockin’ Baby Sling ment gain momentum. Is this the tipping point? This is fashionable, fun, lightweight, and comfy. It is reversible, and features a variety I am excited about the future of my dancing of “diva” style fabrics that loop into two rings, with a handy pocket for keys/phone, baby toys etc. (from $65) www.rockinbabysling.com family and grateful for receiving external af- precious cargo > Peltor Kids Ear Muffs firmations of sacred commerce and build- These ear muffs provide excellent sound protection for your little one. Protects ing a foundation of support. Each copy of against harmful noises, and can be used with infants and toddlers. Easier than the magazine gets passed hand-to-hand; how earplugs, as it is form fitting and stays on snug.I t also eliminates the concern about f lickr.c o m/ photos /madeline / Co ur P hoto : www. choking associated with earplugs. (from $18.95) www.envirosafetyproducts.com far will your copy fly? Dance, Share, Love! conscious dancer | spring 2010 11 Mixed Abilities Dance Class at CSU East Bay, taught by Eric Kupers. AXIS Inspires Acceptance on Campus Dancers, choreographers, and teachers are expanding the language of movement. The definition of dance is diversifying in education as abilities integrate into a new body language. Beginning Modern will never be the same. –By Rachel Trachten “It’s nearly impossible for a disabled dancer to get a degree in dance.” These are the words of Judith Smith, artistic director of the acclaimed AXIS Dance Company, in which professional dancers with and without disabilities take the stage together. AXIS is blazing a trail into the university system through workshops, master classes, and performances at schools across the country. But until universities offer a specific curriculum of physically integrated dance (inclusive of disabled and non-disabled dancers), entrée to the world of academic dance will continue to depend on having a friendly supporter within the department. Jackie Heinz, who has muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair, minored in dance at the University of Northern Iowa and now owns and teaches at a dance studio. Heinz credits supportive professors with bringing her into the program and adapting it to her needs. “They worked hard on modifying what needed to be modified,” she says, “and they were good at pushing me to do everything.” One accommodation, a “tap table,” allowed Heinz to dance with her hands, wear- “I’m interested in ing tap gloves rather than tap shoes. Yulia Arakelyan, also a challenging the rigid wheelchair user, was inspired after taking a summer course in integrated dance with University of Washington Assis- qualifications–about tant Professor Jürg Koch. With Koch’s support, she went ability, size, age, on to earn a dance degree from the university, and today teaches creative movement at an elementary school. race, and gender– that dancers often Other schools receptive to integrated dance include UCLA and Texas Woman’s University, where choreog- have to fit in order rapher Alex Spitzer became the first wheelchair user in to be professionals.” the world to earn a four-year B.A. in dance. In Northern California, dance professor and choreographer Eric Kupers is collaborating with AXIS, and working to develop a program he calls Dance for All Bodies and Abilities. Kupers, who teaches at Cal State University East Bay and co-directs Dandelion Dancetheater, brings AXIS dancers to Cal State to teach classes, and hopes to be able to offer a bachelor’s degree in integrated dance. “I’ve been actively engaged in working with more body diversity in dance,” says Kupers. “I’m interested in challenging the rigid qualifications—about ability, size, age, race, and gender—that dancers often have to fit in order to be professionals.” Judith Smith sees some cause for optimism. “The definitions of what dance is and who a dancer is are still unfortunately narrow in most of the university systems,” she says, “but that is also changing slowly.” High marks to those dance departments leading the way in rethinking these definitions, and heads-up to those who haven’t yet opened their doors. “Hopefully,” says Arakelyan, “in the near future all dance departments will be open to dancers with many different body types.” P hoto : D iane aniel s 12 conscious dancer | spring 2010 the body’s business By Debbie Rosas Stewart Sacred Livelihood What does it mean to be “sacred”? The definition of sacred is “Devoted to an exclusive use, purpose, or person.” The Create Your word sacred reminds me to “live bigger,” to recognize my life as Declaration something profound and valuable. When I relate to myself as sacred, of Purpose! I realize every choice and action I make is a divine act. In a journal, What does it mean to Create A Sacred Livelihood? complete the Every aspect of your life—your work, your play, your dance—is a sentence “I am vehicle for sharing your personal gifts with the world. As a unique sacred, and my life’s purpose is to…” and sacred being, what you express is the product, or service, of the business of your life. In Nia, we call this “Creating a Sacred Refine your purpose into a single Livelihood.” Begin by identifying your purpose and recognizing that sentence. Rewrite everything you do, every word you speak, is a direct extension of your your sentence three purpose and a vehicle for your greatness. The returns for all you share different ways. include both financial and intangible rewards, such as inspiration, love, Integrate your and a deep sense of fulfillment. Collectively, we call these returns your sentences and write Cosmic Salary. When you align your choices and actions with your it again. purpose, you are in the business of Creating a Sacred Livelihood. Tips: Choose words DANCE AND BE FIT: with clarity. Eliminate How do you Create a Sacred Livelihood? Look inside and BRAZILIAN BODY methodology, i.e., VOTED #1 DANCE DVD explore your purpose. What unique gifts do you bring to the world? the “how” of what Discover your purpose and use it as your guide, as your North Star, you do. BY HEALTH MAGAZINE directing you to the greatness only you, a sacred being, can share. How I do it: What is my purpose? My purpose is to help people feel to heal. To watch a video on Creating Your Sacred Livelihood and download a beautiful free Sacred Livelihood scroll, visit http://tinyurl.com/y8fks8y. Beachwhere Dancemovement, music and nature merge SpringTime Invitation o m T.c A Ecstatic Dance Events Flowers emerge from seeds beneath the earth. Is the sun asking you to rise? Tendrils May – September of new growth unfurl. Are you uncoiling into the warmth? Roots burrow deeper into Move and be moved by the experience. the soil. How are you connecting to the ground? Ice thaws into running water. Where Come dance this summer on the shores does your stream flow? Flowers bloom in a riot of color. Which shade is your mood of Cannon Beach, Oregon. today? The wind blows clouds into trails of mist. Can you rise as high as your dreams? 503.860.7711 • www.beachdance.com P hoto : D r. T o ny M aca s ae t acaST Springtime is asking you to dance. Will you be her partner? conscious dancer | spring 2010 13 Meet the poet of human encounter. The beloved legend Rolando Toro on his signature practice, his hope for humanity, and the meaning of life. biodanza! B biodanza! biodynamic i o d a n z a , o r “d a n c e o f l i f e ,” e m b r a c e s o v e r 100,000 enthusiastic followers, but it is more than just an uplifting dance modality. Created by clinical psychologist, poet, and painter Rolando Toro Areneda, this visionary system integrates music, movement, and authentic human connection. Over the past 50 years, Biodanza has blossomed, and now boasts 150 schools in 54 ARTICLE BY countries with over 2500 certified facilitators. Karen Mireau Why all the buzz? “The essence of Biodanza is universal,” says certified practitioner and facilitator Michelle Macek, who has firsthand experience of the cross-cultural appeal of Biodanza. Macek first INTERVIEW BY experienced Biodanza in South Africa, later training with Rolando Toro in Brazil and Italy. “[Biodanza] belisa amaro provides a safe space for people to journey to a more joyful self through dance,” says Macek. “Your whole life is fused with peace and joy.” She began as a facilitator with hospice patients in Zambia and is now a certified practitioner and facilitator in the Washington, D.C., and New York City areas. Biodanza teaches people to live by putting life in the center and communicating this through the ex- Opposite: Belisa Amaro with her mentor; a teachers training perience of what Toro called the vivencias. By integrating five core aspects of human potential—vitality, workshop in Oakland, CA. sensuality, affectivity, creativity, and transcendence—Biodanza allows the whole body to be restored to a state of unity. It is a healing method that connects us deeply and profoundly to life and its power. Above: Grandson Alejandro Balbi Toro makes contact at The concept behind Biodanza arose while Toro was chair of expressive arts at the Pointifical Univer- the South Africa Encounter, sity of Chile in the 1960s. He then developed his methodology and a theoretical model while study- 2008; scenes from the San Bing psychiatric patients at the University of Chile and the Psychiatric Hospital of Santiago. The Francisco School of Biodanza. model grew with the introduction of new exercises and the description and measurement of the neuropsychological effects of the exercises on different clinical conditions. Toro found that by combining the mythological power of music and dance, he could awaken a conscious- ness for universal solidarity and help participants recover their joy and vitality. Find us nationwide R Belisa Amaro, executive director of the San Francisco School of Biodanza elaborates: at your local dance “The beauty of this is that no dance experience is necessary,” she says. “Biodanza classes hotspots and your S have a lot of rhythm in the beginning to ground you. They then evolve to trance-like states favorite retreats: that world allow deep connection with self, others, and the universe.” • Omega Although Toro based the structure of Biodanza in the life sciences, and particularly biol- • Kripalu ogy, it is much more than a science-based dance modality. Biodanza is an expressive arts • Esalen system whose schools follow a rich curriculum. Facilitators undergo an intensive three-year training program. Students attend workshops for 26 weekends, read scientific papers, write a • Tree of Life thesis and, after that, complete six months as a practitioner under the supervision of another • Kalani Retreat teacher. • Golden Door Spas Today, Biodanza is taught for adults, children, teenagers, and elders. The practice offers • Harbin Hot Springs NCE benefits for executives as well as populations at risk. Biodanza also has many clinical appli- • Studio Nia cations better a and is a valuable tool for stress management, and caring for those with Parkinson’s • Madrona MindBody Disease, cardiac problems, and high blood pressure. • Breitenbush The practice of Biodanza encompasses two-hour weekly classes as well as weekend work- • Ojai Institute shops. The experience is primarily nonverbal, which fosters participants’ connection regard- • Hollyhock less of their socio-cultural background. Advanced classes can be intense; experienced facili- tation is essential. But at the core of Biodanza is a profound respect for all life. • Yoga Works “He was a human being in constant evolution,” says Amaro, speaking affectionately of DA • Open Center Toro. Until his passing at age 85, Toro continued to paint, write, play piano and lute, and trav- el extensively, serving as a vibrant embodiment of the life-boosting benefits of Biodanza. SPECIAL ONSCIOU ONE on ONE with Chile’s poet of human encounter: ROLANDO TORO Insights and inspiration from the eternal optimist whose ISSUE! for movement Support the Movement Subscribe Today! mission was to show us how to fall in love with life. C What is the essence of human race could be helped to move forward. SUMMER But I was also very aware that education was Biodanza? actually part of the problem and that schools TRAVEL TORO: Biodanza is the poetry of human and universities were in league with our in- encounter. Biodanza is a system of integra- dividualistic, ego-based society. The film The EDITION tion of the human potential. At the core of Wall, with the Pink Floyd song “Another Brick Biodanza is a profound respect for all life. in the Wall,” portrays this so well. PARADISE We are light, love, courage, beauty. When Biodanza arose in my personal experience, we are with other people we don’t generally and soon I discovered that its structure could t e s NEAR & FAR look into their hearts. We don’t perceive the be based in the life sciences and most par- happiness, the sadness, the suffering—we ticularly in biology. I believe that there were t e s / seldom really look. When we do, we realize many forces manifested within me to finally CONSCIOU S ® the most precious thing —that each of us create this coming together of art, science, : C e s ar Co r DA NCER is part of a totality. That realization changes and love. Everyone, for centuries, had heard movement for a better world the way we live our lives. about “love for our fellow man” as the pur- Reach our Readers est truth of Christianity. The manifestation What inspired you to create of human behavior, however, had become Summer Ad Reserve Date Biodanza? increasingly dissociated and violent. April 9th TORO: It was through the profound darkness Music was the universal language, the only Call: 510.778.9131 that I witnessed during the Second World War. thing everyone could understand in the Tow- At the time, I was a professor of medicine at er of Babel of the world. Dance was the ideal www. .com consciousdancer the Centre of Medical Anthropology in Chile, form capable of integrating body and soul. t e s y an f ranci c o hoo l of b i danza / Lo anna H off man C ar Co r Co ur looking for educational ways by which the The dance experience offered all participants P hotos : p re v i o u s sp read: cl ckwi e f r m botto le ft 16 conscious dancer | spring 2010 “I want to feel healthy.” sense, but a deep creativity that trans- 5 ways Vitality First is vitality or the forms our lives. We need to place our creativity at the service of life! That’s energy available to live. We are the result of our fragmented civilization, when it really flows and you become we are alive which obliges us to be hypocrites and the true protagonist of your life. live in a false way. We lose sight of “What do you desire from our real identity. Biodanza provides a “I want to love and be loved.” group of exercises geared to restor- Affectivity The fourth mode I call life?” Rolando Toro asked ing our integration, which restores our affectivity, which is the capacity for this question to hundreds of vitality. This is pure health. love. Most of us find love so danger- ous! Affectivity, though, is not only Chilean university students “I want to enjoy pleasure.” personal love. It is the ability to love all and Biodanza groups in Sensuality The second mode is living things: plants, animals–even the sensuality, or our access to pleasure universe. his extensive research to and our capacity for enjoyment. Gen- develop the vivencias. erally speaking, we place an embargo “I want to connect with the on our erotic feelings and hide behind essence of life.” Here are his definitions of a code of “proper” behavior. This Transcendence The fifth mode each of the aspects that gives rise to serious conflict. Biodanza is transcendence, which is the ability exercises awaken our sensuality. to see and feel further than the im- provide experiences of the mediate, to experience our personal intense perception of being “I want to create.” relationship with the totality. It is the Creativity The third group is cre- acknowledgment of our own sacred- alive in the present moment. ativity, the expression of our identity in ness. The set of exercises that relate art, to communicate with the language to this mode result in ecstasy and an of the soul. Not just in the aesthetic expansion of consciousness. ONE on ONE with Chile’s poet of human encounter: ROLANDO TORO happiness, tenderness, and strength. I also wanted to communicate this experi- fond Farewell ence to a large number of people. From both to our dear friend and these experiences and sensations, my desire mentor Rolando Toro, to form small groups of people to dance, who passed away sing, and meet within the music arose. Bio- as we finalized this danza became a way to share what was mar- issue, on the evening velous, together with others. of February 16, 2010. What happens during We are honored and a Biodanza class that grateful that we were is different from other able to speak with modalities? him one last time. TORO: Biodanza has about 250 exercises and dances whose purpose is to activate human movements in a harmonic and integrative way. “It is the ability In Biodanza, we integrate our motor dissocia- tion, produced by a dissociated culture, to re- to love all living turn the body to a state of unity. We integrate the three subsystems that operate our large things: plants, system: nervous, endocrine, and immune. animals, even We start by listening to a song, responding with movement, awakening our perception, the universe.” t e s y Ro land o T r dancing with emotion. The movement gets – Rolando Toro organized and the neurologic pathways of (1924–2010) P hoto : c o ur our brains also become organized. conscious dancer | spring 2010 17 I created a methodology that is being used when I love. We need an intelligence that is in many schools in Europe. It’s Biocentric affective. Education. The goal in these schools is “to Affectivity is a state of deep affinity to- prepare students for the challenges of the ward other beings, capable of originating third millennium.” Biocentric Education is feelings of love, friendship, altruism, mater- to teach to live. To put life in the center and nity, paternity, and companionship. Howev- teach this through experience, what we call er, opposing feelings such as anger, jealousy, vivencias. Biocentric education puts life in insecurity, and envy can also be considered the center, gives it priority. We now know components of the complex phenomenon that environments can suppress or stimulate of affectivity. the expression of our natural genetic poten- tials. This is the epigenetic science that we Tell us about the slogan teach in Biocentric Education. “Biodanza, the pedagogy During a class an acceleration of integrative of love.” processes happens through vivencias with mu- TORO: Biodanza is about feeling the inten- sic and dance in a group context. sity of the moment. If we are in the here Tell us more about your and now, then life becomes fantastic and ev- ery moment is full of enchantment. I believe concept of vivencias. each embrace, each genuine dance with the Xbou!up!ebodf!mjlf! TORO: When one receives external stimuli other, is capable of eliminating a gun, per- that can mobilize his body and his action, a haps even a bomb. The only bomb we need ofwfs!cfgpsf@ “vivencial” integrative process is produced. is the atomic bomb of love. We are an organ Many of the body’s illnesses come from the of our planet; we are not to dispose of it, to Xbou!up!dmfbs!vq! toxic aspects of our existence, our lifestyles. give priority to our economic interests. What Biodanza does with its exercises and pme!jokvsjft@ dances is stimulate vivencias. Is practicing Biodanza a political act? You are a very optimistic Xbou!mjgf!up!njssps!! TORO: Not traditionally, but in the human- person, but is humanity ist sense. A political act for me is to walk zpvs!ebodf@ really waking up for holding hands with a friend in the streets, to ecological consciousness? embrace other fellow human beings, to ex- Hfu!dpoofdufe/ TORO: Our civilization acts miserably. We change gazes with people in the streets. The humans have a lot to evolve still. We kill generosity is a political act. UÊ} Ê-ivÊÕ`>ViÊ for “spiritual” reasons. We value intelli- The wars are the expression of an affec- tive imbecility of our times. The only way to UÊ ÀiVÌÊ `ÞÊ7Ã` gence over affectivity… The world known only by intelligence is limited. Decartes stop them is to teach people to feel, to love. UÊ7"7Ê*ÀViÃÃ} says, “I think, therefore I am.” We need to It is essential to develop humanity’s affec- say: “I love, therefore I am.” I know I exist tivity. That is the action. To feel and dance. UÊ>à VÊ,iVÀ`à UÊ*iÀi>`À>ÊÊ THE 7 POWERS OF BIODANZA REVEALED ÊÊÊÜiÀÊ ÃÃiViÃ] ÊÊÊ >ÌÕÀiÊ7À] • The Musical Power ÊÊÊ `Þ-ÕÊÕà • The Integrating Dance Power Ê • The Vivencial Methodology Power Mpvjtb!B/!Ezfs • The Caress Power HOLISTIC COUNSELING • The Trance Power WOW PROCESSING gps!Qpxfs- • The Consciousness Expansion Power Qsftfodf!'!Wjubmjuz • The Group Power The pedagogical and therapeutic success of Biodanza is given by its effects on )939*769.2391 the organism as a whole and by its existential rehabilitative power. Each one in person and telephone sessions has a transformative effect, and if linked to each other, following a scientific t e s theoretical model, they constitute eco-factors with extraordinary effects, able ÜÜÜ°ÕÃ>`ÞiÀ°V to influence our genetic programming lines. P hoto : C e s ar Co r 18 conscious dancer | spring 2010 You often refer to Biodanza as “the poetry of human encounter.” How so? TORO: The poetic interpretation is that Biodanza is a radical worldwide system that awakens our potential to live life fully. It is about falling in love with life. This means deepening our love for ourselves, our con- nections to others and to nature, and all that is through movement and music! Can you explain the music? TORO: In Biodanza we select in accordance with a system we call musical semantics. We look at the “theme,” the qualities of each song, if the song is sad, joyful, melancholic, enthusiast, if it awakens self-confidence. The musical semantics is a study of the emotion- al content of the music. It costs us a lot of technical work to select the songs that are appreciated for the dances we propose. How many people practice Biodanza today? TORO: Biodanza is now in 54 countries. We have about 150 schools teaching this system, more then 2,500 certified teachers, and an in- credible number of teachers in [the process] of certification. I would say that currently more then 100,000 people practice Biodanza with regularity in the world. To what do you attribute Biodanza’s growth? TORO: Biodanza offers people what they most want and need: to love and feel loved, to create, to perceive the sacred in nature, to enjoy the pleasure of life, experiencing it as a wonderful miracle. Biodanza awakens our generosity, our em- pathy for others, our interest in social justice. The lack of social justice is an illness. Yet, social justice cannot be obtained through ideologies or through institutions. What we need is to develop deep feelings of love for others, feel them as equals (semellantes in Spanish), so we do not hurt them. Ethics can only be reached with love. What else do you do these days besides Biodanza? TORO: I have my atelier where I paint. I am taking photography classes as well as piano classes. And I love to play the lute. I have written six books of poetry and books about Biodanza. At 85 years old, I am busy. Bio- danza continues to evolve and there is still much work to do! conscious dancer | spring 2010 19 “The Hindus call it sahaja, a spontaneous realization of the divine flow.” Yoga gets its groove on shiva REA i visionary firekeeping yogini elemental raw energy of nature in order to manifest the creative force of kundalini shakti. How do you see yoga and dance The Hindus call it sahaja, a spontaneous realiza- integrating now? tion of the divine flow. REA: In some ways, what is happening now How are you verbalizing the yin of yoga is what has always been. In the United States, and the yang of dance nowadays? dancers knew about yogasanas and Indian REA: I can orient anyone to this basic pulsa- classical dance long before the American tion of life as the place in which the dance of public did, going all the way back to Ruth St. the body emerges just using the language of Denis and Martha Graham to Indian dance expand and contract, inward and outward, coil choreographers like Chandralekha putting and release. In yoga, yin is referred to as inward yoga on the stage. movement or langhana and outward movement The most fertile grounds for the union or yang is called brahmana. of yoga and dance for me are in the free- When people learn from you, form dance community that Conscious Dancer where are they taking it? supports or even in communities like cen- REA: The beauty of our school of flow arts is ter camp in Burning Man. The American that we have people from diverse backgrounds. yoga world needs more connection to the We have graduates of our teacher training who Asanas are flowing off the mat, as the yin of yoga and the yang of dance form a perfect union. Is it time to give your practice some wiggle room? “The Hindus acilitators are shaking up their practice, turning up the tunes, and call it sahaja, letting their sahaja loose. The reciprocal flow between yoga and a spontaneous dance comes of age in a magical merging of bodies in motion. realization of Around the globe, studios are recognizing the trend and support- the divine flow.” ing the convergence by adding sound systems, using circular mats, and inviting musicians—the goal is to create a welcoming container for expressionf and connection. “People want joy!” is how Dan Leven puts it, and we couldn’t agree more. We invited eight luminaries from the leading edge of movement to share some history, forecast the future, and tell their stories from the inside out. Welcome to the fertile ground where yoga and dance are blooming. Namast-Yay! Yoga gets its groove on are teaching yoga at the university level, as inhibitions and two thousand years’ worth in my dance from the pulse of the streets of part of their own dance program, or who of conditioning. We can all be translators or San Francisco as a little girl. It was raging. include yogatrancedance in their yoga studio poets of the nonverbal world of movement, It was very Shiva—dancing not destruction or school. Both fields now recognize how the one language everyone shares. but instead the dissolution of old structures important it is to dance if you are a human Describe your personal journey. that had to go. I am still finding out if the being on the path and how every movement REA: My father gave me the godname eccentric Granddaddy of Shakti James Brown can flow as yoga. Shiva—after Nataraja—the Cosmic Dancer is right when he says “you can solve any prob- How do you introduce people to the of the Universe. I remember being delighted lem with dance.” external flow of dance vs. the internal as I love-love-loved to move. Imagine that A form called “yogatrancedance” practice of yoga? your name in Greek means “ecstatic dancer” gradually emerged from my body like a REA: I just bypass people’s outer mind and or in Swahili “dancer of the sky.” When you rising force of healing expression that has talk directly to their cells. The core energy of are a little person, this thrills you and gives you changed my life by simply opening to the the cells is not biased. The cells are born danc- permission to dance. For me, it meant dance sahaja or spontaneous flow. This is the un- ing and they need help. They want to be happy all the time, in grocery stores, on tables at par- derstanding within yoga: consciousness, and literally have freedom to dance in the body. ties, and for hours and hours in my own lil’ life, everything we see and don’t see is Coax the cells to dance. It works every time. dancing universe. arising from the creative pulsation of life. When you grow up in the West you have to Then I read that Shiva was also the Lord of Om Namah Shivaya! learn how to devour the root of your own Destruction. I got that spontaneous freedom F “I always practicewithmusicbecause itopenstheheart.” 22 “In thespiritoffusion,KripaluDansKineticswasborn.” Michael FrantiMusician,activis or or drums as accompaniment. the playing or chanting Sanskrit to abandon total withdancing either was satsang of favoritepart My wouldtalk.presentwasgivetime)hethat a at Desai (Amrit the guru , whichsang included chanting, if and Seva lasted till dinnertime and after dinner we had a perfect balance to the serious tone of the community. the of tone serious the to balance perfect a Woodstock experience, but people’s spirit became unleashed, which was enforced—nothingexactlymuchexposed.a skinNottoo tight, or too only use music without sexual content, and soon there Wewereother. could dress the codes on women and room the of side one on dance to of sion were putting on tights and leotards and leg yogic warmers. ver A sort of People were eager to jump out of their yogic baggy pants; baggy yogic their of out jump to eager were People Toronto,from er 1980, of summer the In DAN LEVENisoma moderate yoga we style did in of those days. people’sdifferentverypores!A movement expression mildthantheto ingand thrusting, swinging arms and punching, and sweat flowed from - swirl started community, hips devotional meditative, idyllic, our From classone evening, and many “ashramites” went nuts. aerobics Jazzercise-style a offered He vacation. yogic conscious dancer| seva (the for Sanskrit workterm as selfless service). itation,andchanting before wedidourwork it actually was Kripalu Ashram. We woke at 5 a.m. for yoga, med- love with yoga and the yogic lifestyle we were living. In those days rom 1979 to 1984, . But since we were a monastic community, men had had community, men monastic a were we since But Flashdance. Virginia, July2005. Virginia, Masontown, W All GoodFestival; Michael Frantiatthe Backstage yogawith came with his family for a little little a for family his with came spring 2010 en Scott, a dance teach- dance a Scott, Ken I was a resident of est tic innova “It’s wherethelinear meets Seane CorniYogaambssado integrate it, my music, my spirituality, my music, my it, Iintegrate way the I I time. the at life my in happening was that everything K to listened Ijust where period whole this through I went day, and one practicing Iwas while U to listening I started Then song. this to listening stop Icouldn’t and stop, aK was There prayer. a and dance a is Yoga together. go to have always two The together. music and dance means that I my reason, my yoga, my dance. my yoga, my reason, my t totally transformed my life and my practice, practice, my and life my transformed totally t n Swahili there aren’t separate words for music or dance; there’s just one word word one just there’s dance; or music for words separate aren’t there n Swahili the twoenergies.” really the Kripalu Center, - sat circular tor &founderotheleveninsiu nice rishna Das and U and Das rishna and fell in just started crying and couldn’t couldn’t and crying started Ijust and on, was that song Das rishna women , &yogi balance and - in different ways around the world. merging were dance and yoga that time same the just at happening was Improvisation Contact of spread The disappeared. students other with competeor compare to need dissolved,theclass andthe of members within my body and a connectedness to others. The boundaries between flow energy profoundof senseclass,reactiondanceamywas and ern my teachers introduced this in new Improvisation.a form - mod One of Contact of modality emerging newly the through come had moment ern dance and believedhad andthroughdancecompetingperforming,Ithat and ern BFA a had dance. I - mod in of company, dance go let to need the felt I rriving at Arriving At formed out of two very different paths: aerobic dance and modern modern and dance/improvisation. dance aerobic paths: different very two of out formed improvisation.anddance modern Kripaluing DansKinetics eventually ripalu, once Kripalu, creates cried and grieved for my father, in fact for for fact in father, my for grieved and Icried 2 and I first discovered this when my father passed away. away. passed father my when this discovered first between versus connecting with the grace and power of the spirit. the power and versus of grace the with connecting in performing dance, which was of about mastering the body spirit or soul. This experience was a counterpoint to my years one’sdeepenconnectionto to means a as dance vehicleof with a community that shares the same intent—to utilize the rhythmssic,melodies,thebyand amplifies dance when you mu- by moved being of process That music. the by moved spontaneously felt body my when occurred which dance, of yoga the experienced I days those In it. of joy the for self, s a university dance student in the late’70s, the in student dance university a As dance only the year a For lost dance. the joy of ripalu in 1979 in Kripalu en Scott broke the ice, the broke Scott Ken a en route to work with a New York City City York New a with work to route en Seane Corn. celebrity flow Vinyasa t was a rough period. period. arough t was did was at satsang, at was did I I dove in and started teach started and in dove I my spiritual spiritual my just for my- for just 2 - Photo: Levity and joy appear when yoga and dance come together. The convergence of yoga and dance found a home at Kripalu. I re- member that Swami Kripalu asked his disciple, Amrit, why people were yelling and crying during a workshop called an Intensive. It was a cathartic, psychological, and body-focused weekend workshop to free up people’s inner constraints and limitations. Amrit responded that it was important to find ways that Westerners could relate to the core principles of yoga. So, in the spirit of fusion, Kripalu DansKinetics was born. The Kripalu community had the perfect mindset to allow for the birth of the yoga of dance. There was ample commitment and sincerity behind people’s practice of yoga, their spiritual development through a body/movement discipline, and an openness to discover other body/movement disci- plines. In fact, there was a movie of Swami Kripalu in India, spontane- ously following the movement of prana or energy in the form of a dance of body positions and mudras, that looked like an improvised T’ai Chi flow. Also, Amrit developed what he called “posture flow,” which was a process where prana (or life force) would prompt the body-mind to choose what posture to move into, how deeply to go into it, how long to hold it, and what posture to move to next. Amrit had a gift for connect- ing to prana and expressing it through movement. When the river of aerobics met the river of modern dance in the ocean of a yoga ashram, we couldn’t contain this incredible fusion and wanted to bring it out to the world. A core group of us started leading Kripalu Serenity among the DansKinetics teacher trainings. Back then we all had Sanskrit names: I springtime blooms on the grounds at the was Natraj, Ken was Nateshvar, Helaine Wolf was Ansuya, and Susan Kripalu Center. Camp was Anandi. Eventually Megha (Nancy Buttenheim) became in- volved in leading the teacher training at Kripalu. And Toni Bergins, a graduate of my DansKinetics training, developed her form of transfor- mation through dance, called JourneyDance. The three of us will teach a Tribal Jam workshop at Kripalu over Memorial Day. After leaving Kripalu in 1984, I felt the loss of my spiritual home, and I needed to ground myself. I began studying movement disciplines that supported me personally and fueled my evolution of DansKinetics, which I trademarked as Shake Your Soul. I trained with Martha Eddy in her integration of Bonnie Cohen’s work of Body-Mind Centering with Laban Movement Analysis. I studied T’ai Chi and Qigong for a number of years, along with African and Afro-Caribbean dance. I’ve also been inspired by Emilie Conrad’s work. My current work has its grounding in reconnecting with our fluid body and our energy body. Body-Mind Centering codified a wonderful map of the fluid body that has become a grounding to my trainings. In 1994, Kripalu entered a time of turmoil and pain, when it was dis- Students delight as covered that Amrit had been involved in inappropriate relationships Megha facilitates a . DA s with several disciples. Kripalu’s founder was asked to leave the com- workshop at Kripalu. munity. Suffice it to say that 16 years later, Kripalu has grown stronger A n T R i N iT Y t i o n s : M eli ss a Wh e from its fall from grace. Kripalu DansKinetics lives on and thrives. A alu / .:P few years ago, its name was changed to Kripalu YogaDance. Megha Nancy Buttenheim I love seeing how dance is growing. People want joy! They also want a t e s y K ri p movement experience that leads to greater mindfulness or conscious- Founder of let your yoga dance ness. Being a conscious mover is what yoga is about; being a conscious “I never in my life thought I was th .c o m / c ur dancer is what the yoga of dance is about. Any dance experience that fosters a mind-opening, spirit-awakening experience is embodying the ahead of my time back in the a R ea: A mir M g al / photo illu st ra t e s y le v en in st i u / mic h ael f ran i: Sam H. Friedman eane c o rn: No rman See yoga of dance. Yoga simply means union. If dance softens our exces- eighties, and now–WHOOOOSH! sively thinking heads and awakens the feeling consciousness of our bodies, we are in a state of union. people are dancin’, people are Let’s all keep dancing. Find the dance, the music, the community that yoga-ing, it’s all happening just Co nra Yog a: Paul a g e: D i s c ov ery works for you. You will know when you are home, because your soul P hotos : Pre v i o u s S p read: h oppos i t e: D an L e v en: c o ur th i s p will share its inherent joy with you! as I dreamed.” conscious dancer | spring 2010 23 FAITH McCLELLAN i journeydance trainer “This is where my YogaDance experience begins!” ven mountains need to move. Starting in mountain pose, I the warmth begins to grow. Now my spine is beginning to undulate feel my body frozen and hardened against the heavy grip of like ocean waves, back body cresting like the tides, arms taking flight Ewinter. Outside, the wind cracks against branches; inside, the like seagulls. After a swell of breath, my body lowers into a forward wind ripples through the crevices of my spine. My body feels held fold and I hang out there for a while, feeling the torso like a waterfall and brittle. My feet are callous and cemented to the earth. pouring down fluid and breath. Today, this is where my YogaDance experience begins. From win- My knees and hips soften down into child’s pose and I find a ter freeze, seeking the thaw of spring. I begin small: lift and spread dance with my arms and torso—curling and hugging in like a seed, the toes; root back down. Breathe up through feet to pelvis; open then radiating out and forward. I think of the tenderness and tenac- pelvis back down to earth. Lengthen spine to the sky. Breathe. Wait. ity of daffodils in late frost, growing even as the earth continues to Listen. Hear my body’s messages. thaw. My body is doing this now. Thawing. Growing. Reaching back Today my fingers call first. They form tight snowball fists trans- to the sun. forming into starbursts. Finger sparks begin to ignite the wrists, As I teach and practice yoga and dance, I find the two almost in- which twirl and circle like fire-spinners. Elbows and shoulders start separable. It is hard for me to stay in any asana without awareness of to play in space, popping and opening through the freeze. My moun- the subtle dance that wants to emerge or to dance without spontane- tain is beginning to crackle, unfreezing itself into a dance. ous calls back to yoga. For me, both yoga and dance are about giving Today, the deep freeze lives in my upper spine. I come into slow, space for the spirit to move in and through the body. I cannot melt tender, standing cat-cows. I inhale to invite in warmth and opening, off winter, but winter can melt off of me. Like the mountain, I need exhale to hug in to the spine. It takes many breaths and patience, but simply to breathe, and let the rivers run down. Siere munro i iAmBody fitness arts “Is it mind first? Is it body first? When we’re in that place of multi- dimensionality then we are truly functioning from all of the realms in an integrated way.” s / A mir M a g al bo dy.u t e s y www.iam micheline berry i filmmaker, yogini, & founder of zendancing “Yoga is the riverbank, dance is the flow.” P hotos : Fr o m top M ark L . Baer / Co ur Just as ocean waves ebb and flow, ripple and undulate, we too are designed to move in sensual and creative ways. By integrating somatic dance movements— in particular the circle, spiral, wave, and undulation—into your yoga practice, you will become strong yet supple and deepen the process of embodiment in your yoga sadhana. Just as yoga has the power to open up the body and its en- ergy channels through structure and breath, dance has the power to generate a tremendous surge of creative energy (prana). Dance has the power to stimulate a free flow of vital energy through our body that activates yoga’s rejuvenating power, allowing us to stay embodied and supple at any age. 24 conscious dancer | spring 2010 SAN FRANCSICO’S PREMIER YOGA STUDIOS Yoga Events SHIVA REA Retreat in Paradise Prana Flow Immersion April 29 - May 2 ANA FORREST Forrest Yoga Intensive May 21 - 23 JUDITH LASATER Experiential Anatomy June 7 - 11 Restorative Yoga July 19 - 23 Studio Locations: VALENCIA STANYAN 1234 Valencia @ 23rd 780 Stanyan @ Waller (415) 647-9707 (415) 387-4707 HAYES CASTRO 519 Hayes @ Octavia 97 Collingwood @ 18th (415) 626-9707 (415) 701-9642 Visit yogatreesf.com for more information or email [email protected] I 26 b when it is nourishing. Working up anappetite sweet, or savory. You can have it all, sans guilt Crunchy,salty,bitter,treats. yummy the away taking parent proverbial the without plished accom- be can and up growing of part key a is outlook healthy a Evolving needs. body your much how and what choosing means responsibly eat to Learning scheme. pyramid food ever-changing the lightly take I And hungry.you’re when snack and munchies the palate. your satisfy and amuse to combos flavor and ideas colorful of frontier new a discover You’ll road. off or on trip, culinary a take and humor, of dash a add side, wild your forth call So typical. than less often is answer the And a smile. with usually and bite a taking after comes this?” in “What’s tion, ques- kid typical A buds. taste curious and needs variedfamily’s my for tastes new py trip- offer super-nutritiveSuper-fun,edibles endeavor. artistic an is life my of mentum mo- the support and foundation physical healthya build that snacks and meals paring - Pre pantry. my in rest the storing and vive y Lauracirolia vitality conscious dancer| First things first. I think it’s okay to have to okay it’s think I first. things First food is more than eating enough to sur to enough eating than more is food gathering life, my of garden suburban urban- the In gather. I hunter; a not ’m Amazing Grazing SPRING 2010 - un-happy meals en route. If you have dietary dietary have you If route. en meals un-happy declining gracefully passengers other or child ally vibe with is an easy way to keep your inner dreaming up. 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According makes an otherwise flighty snack quite satisfy add, they flavor,depth umami savory the that and easy,addition, nutritiousan offer these butters smoothies, or spreads in Used years. for butters nut raw of fan a been has free, well together. But all in good fun. flavors play it’sall flops,because not alive, and way. 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Tahini and honey is the new peanut says. “They are recognizing healthy fats found butter and jelly. in raw nut butters; walnut butter in particular However you burn energy while moving ® is full of omegas.” From feeding your brain about your life, take the opportunity to widen to nourishing your skin and hair, raw nut but- your culinary horizons, surprise your taste ters are an all-around smart choice and they buds, and super-fuel up on a whole new array mix and match well with fruits, veggies, and of guilt-free snack foods. Bon appetit! Chow Down in Green Pastures Art meets science on the picnic table as new tastes blend with traditional treats. The Conscious Dancer team got together for a snack party, and we’re excited to share our discoveries. Try out our favorite grab-and-go essentials, daring pairings, and tried- and-true classics. For your snacking pleasure—whether you’re sharing with friends in a movement class, packing for dance camp, or just looking to jazz up those school lunch- Artisana boxes—here are some scrumptious inspirations to satisfy body and mind. Niu kinolau Ku Kalpa Vriksha Ahhh PAIRS (Coconut The Tree Of life) SATISFYING > Alive & Radiant Kale Chips and sprouted cashew spread with GT’s Kombucha. Crunch and munch down on this trio of raw, organic taste sensations. REFRESHING > Pop Chips Salt-and-Vinegar with Simply Organic Creamy Dill Dip. We love this crunchy, creamy, and sour mix of fun flavors. Perfect to pack for a party. UPLIFTING > Artisana Coconut Butter and bananas with Ayala’s Ginger Lemon Peel Herbal Water. Kudos to this amazing combo that should be in every kitchen. SAVORY > Eden Brown Rice Chips with Wildwood Raspberry Chipotle Hummus. Evolutionary Organic Creation Who would have thought to add berries to hummus? This surprising combo is outstanding. crust: SPICY > Garden-of-Eatin’ Red Hot Blue Corn Chips with avocado and lime. 1c each almond our and ax our. (grind separately in a Remember avocados, a classic superfood, full of healthy fat and protein to feed the brain. vitamix or coffee grinder) try dark and light ax for taste preference ELECTRIFYING > Kaia Foods Curry Sunflower Seeds with mandarin oranges. 1/3 c. date paste (soak fresh dates a few minutes in water if need be, pit, and press rmly into measuring cup) A light and digestible combo that travels well. Surprising synergy between flavors. ¼ c. Artisana coconut butter (not oil!) BITTERSWEET > Navitas Naturals Sweet Cacao Nibs and tangerines. 1 c. raisins (mannuka or red ame. Look for raisins not coated with oils, ie saf ower oil) Double-up! This sweet-tart fruit adds a tangy note to pungent raw chocolate. ½ tsp. cinnamon EXTRAVAGANT > Gone Nuts Maple Walnuts with jicama and feta. reserve ½ c. raisins. Blend all ingredients in food processor Add this combo to any salad and give your taste buds a happy meal at home or on the road. until well combined (about 1 minute). Add the reserved raisins and blend for about 3-5 seconds so chunks remain. ENERGIZING > Stonyfield Oikos Yogurt and Lydia’s Sprouted Cereal. Update this favorite with Greek yogurt, fruit, and exciting new raw granolas. Coconut cream: 1 c. “fresh” macs (must be white and sweet! Not yellow, GROUNDING > Lundberg Wasabi Rice Chips with Organic Valley Cottage Cheese. rancid and bitter!) ¼ c. Artisana coconut butter (not oil!) Zesty chips and creamy cheese make this a delightfully satisfying snack. 1 ½ c. ltered water ¼ c. date paste FULFILLING > Ezekial Sprouted Bread, Artisana Walnut Butter, Larrupin Mustard 1 whole vanilla bean (the whole pod, not just the seeds) Dill Sauce, Cultured Sauerkraut, and alfalfa sprouts. We love this faux Reuben sandwich. Hands-down favorite! blend in a high powered blender (ie vitamix) until creamy smooth, but don’t let it get too warm. Makes about 2 cups. Grab-and-Go STAFF FAVORITES Fruit: SALTY > Pop Chips Barbeque • Barbara’s Cheese Puffs • Somersaults • Flat Earth 4 spotted ripe large bananas, coarse sliced and then chopped. Veggie Crisps • Newman’s Own Salt and Pepper Pretzels • Mary’s Gone Crackers 1 ½ c. blueberries (frozen is ne) SWEET > Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss • Strawberry Crunchies • Navitas Naturals Cacao to assemble pie: press crust into pie plate. Use spatula to add banana layer, Nibs • Ayala’s Herbal Water • Artisana Coconut Butter • Sambazon Elixir • YogaChips working the banana until all air pockets are gone and the banana forms a gel like smooth solid surface. Next, spatula SAVORY > Transition Nutrition Bliss Mix • Muir Glen Black Bean Corn Salsa • Robert’s about 1 ½ cups of the vanilla cream across the banana layer, American Gourmet Veggie Booty • Living Intentions Salad Booster • Santa Barbara Olives or more if you like. Finally, place a nearly solid layer of blueberries onto the cream. That’s it! Enjoy! You can place it SOUR > GT’s Kombucha • Lifeway Greek Kefir • Woodstock Farms Baby Dill Pickles in the freezer for a couple hours to help rm it up before serving. It also freezes very well for longer storage. Thank you to Christian Mastor of Sebastapol for this Awesome Recipe! Premier Organics www.premierorganics.org (866) 237-8688 conscious dancer | spring 2010 27 Studio Owners, Event Producers, Teachers, Trainers, Workshop Leaders, Facilitators, Therapists, Dancers and Entrepreneurs Get in the Flow! 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VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT http://budurl.com/mobilewater for your invitation to our next Webinar or Teleseminar Preview – OR – CALL PAMELA AT (415) 200-0008 28 conscious dancer | SPRING 2010 sounds MC Yogi on stage with acro-yogis at the Wanderlust Festival in Squaw Valley, CA, 2009. Rock on Hanuman! MC Yogi flips Downward Dog on its tail and gives the yoga world a dose of elephant power. BY martin tickle t was a divine conspiracy” is MC Yogi’s hop. And in spite of the Hindu iconography powerful year for Yogi—the same year that he theory behind the numerous “aha mo- in his repertoire, Yogi explains: “I was raised released Elephant Power and it began its roaring Iments” and coincidences that led him to Christian, but I relate to Krishna Das when he climb in the world music scene. the top of the world music charts. Divine says, ‘I’m an un-do, not a Hindu.’” Why “Elephant Power”? [The elephant intervention is one explanation; hard work, Yogi’s wedding celebration, at the Yoga deity] “Ganesh is invoked at the begin- perseverance, and dedication are another. Toes studio he runs with his wife, provided ning of any undertaking,” says Yogi. “It’s a MC Yogi’s journey took him from yoga one of many aha moments. “The DJ was reminder of overcoming obstacles as we are teacher in Point Reyes Station, CA, to iTunes playing “Brass Monkey” by the Beastie Boys coming into our own power. Like the Buddha, chart-topping, speaker-popping world mu- and a friend of mine picked up a statue of Ganesh is also an appealing, widely recogniz- sic and hip-hop artist in a few short years. Hanuman, the Hindu monkey deity, and able image to the West.” As the story goes, the persona MC Yogi, started dancing with it,” he says. During his To produce Elephant Power, Yogi earned and the music that inspired the debut album honeymoon, a chance meeting with Mike D. the backing of record label White Swan and Elephant Power were the creative sum totals of the Beastie Boys in a yoga studio validated raised $13,000 from his Point Reyes Station of a series of life-changing moments. community, although not one song While he was still Nicholas Giacomini, the “I call myself an un-rapper” was yet complete. With encourage- 18-year-old was riveted by a meditation inten- Yogi’s emerging vision. “It was an omen of ment from his wife Amanda and production sive given by a teacher from India. A graffiti the union of the two worlds,” he says. support from producers Robin Livings- artist, Giacomini was drawn to the style and Through Yoga Toes studio Yogi hosted ton and Sean Dinsmore, the ideas behind colors of India’s urban and spiritual life. As a and befriended kirtan singer Jai Uttal and met Elephant Power were translated into a kid raised on old-school hip-hop storytellers kirtan luminaries Krishna Das and Bhagavan cohesive sound. like Slick Rick, he was equally captivated by Das. “Krishna Das came to my house after Whether it’s the kirtan-influenced “Temple Hinduism’s deities and their colorful tales. his performance one night, and I started free- Prayer” or the playful, upbeat tune “Rock on “Yoga is about freedom from en- styling over some classic hip-hop instrumen- Hanuman,” Yogi’s sound resonates with the tanglements; that’s why I call myself an tals,” says Yogi, describing another formative times. He describes Elephant Power as medicine “un-rapper,” says the man who translates the experience. In the meantime, Bhagavan Das for the world, and sends his inspired message g rill o .c m P hoto : photo ana g rill o www.ana wisdom of yoga with the language of hip predicted in a reading that 2008 would be a of healing and hope across the globe. conscious dancer | spring 2010 29 ™ vinn martí’s mystical movement ministry Become intimate with the motion of the soul in all directions and ground yourself in the present moment. soulmotion.com 30 conscious dancer | spring 2010 31 Education 38 Book Reviews 31 Events and Performances 40 CD and DVD Reviews 31 Festivals 40 MixMasters Top 10 33 Retreats and Workshops 42 Results Movement Menu Visit www.ConsciousDancer.com for the global directory, and sign up for the monthly eZine! s p r i n g h i g h l i g h t s e d u c a t i o n e v e n t s & performances I Can Do It 2010 Beyond Gravity May 13–16 San Diego, CA March 12–14 Berkeley, CA May 27–30 Toronto, CAN AscenDance Project was founded by German-born The ICDI conference has it all: a host of dynamic performance artist and mountaineer, Isabel von speakers to entertain and educate you; an onsite Rittberg. Her work explores the aesthetics of rock bookstore with a variety of books, CDs, DVDs, and climbing with dancers performing on a vertical stage other products from your favorite authors; dozens of without ropes. The work exhibits strength and grace fascinating seminars and workshops; an exhibit area enhanced by the effects of gravity on the dancers and offering wares from jewelry and clothing to crystals their ability to overcome it. They move through three and massages; and book-signing events with the dimensions, using time and space as inconsistent and authors after each session. Featuring Krishna Das, Dr. Try the 16 Ways to balance polarities - pg. 35 unpredictable variables. Von Rittberg’s aspiration is to Wayne W. Dyer, Louise L. Hay, Byron Katie, Caroline create a sense of detachment and lightness, to offer Myss and many more. www.hayhouse.com a completely new stage perspective, and to appeal to a collective appreciation of rhythm and movement. Sacred Activism Midwest Yoga Conference www.ascendanceproject.com June 3–6 Bloomingdale, IL The Midwest Yoga Conference is calling all sensual New York Dance Parade beings to come together and tip the energetic scales May 22 New York, NY of the solar system from craving and aversion to Free cultural fun at the fourth annual New York City beauty and truth. In the yoga workshops, intensives, Dance Parade. Featuring 60 styles of dance, over 120 and teacher trainings we will sing, dance, and share organizations, and more than 10,000 dancers who will healing stories of Sacred Activism. Our faculty includes flock to the fun-filled streets of New York. This is a free Julia Butterfly Hill, who spent over two years living in a festival to enjoy a celebration of culture, including redwood tree; Andrew Harvey, sharing universal teach- hula, swing, Irish step, salsa, tango, waltz, and more! ings on Sacred Marriage; Tony Bergins' JourneyDance House and techno floats to keep you stepping and Workshop Intensive on the relationship to our chakras grooving down Broadway, live bands, and free dance through movement and dance; and Rara Davis leading Get your shimmy on at RAQS Festival - pg. 31 performances. Join this nonprofit celebration to help t ural Rh y th m s us in "Dundaal Yoga," a warrior's journey into breath, promote dance as a unifying and expressive art form. sound, and movement to enhance our yoga and www.danceparade.org dance practice. www.midwestyoga.com t e s y of N a Columbus Dance Theatre Dance is the Answer Conference April 2–3 Columbus, OH t / Co ur June 16–19 Washington, DC Multimedia manipulations with daring movement and a Tenth Annual Conference, themed "Dance Beyond music blended with compelling visuals, all questioning Borders." Re-define your borders with this future the power of human touch. Directed by Tim Veach, art professional development event. This conference work by Tony Rio, original score by Korine Fujiwara, and features professional development sessions, advocacy live music by Carpe Diem. www.coldancetheatre.org on Capitol Hill, networking, and in-depth discussions. If you are in the field of marketing, artistic directing, human resources, finance, choreography, or dance, f e s t i v a l s this can greatly benefit you!S pecial performances from companies appearing in The Kennedy Center's Be embodied at Movement Play - pg. 33 Ballet Across America series, and local artists will also RAQS LA BellyDance Superstars Festival be showcasing. www.danceusa.org April 17–18 Glendale, CA This celebration of modern fusion and traditional Less Is More Feldenkrais Conference styles of belly dance is brought to you by The Belly- July 24–29 Loyola University of Chicago, IL Dance Superstars & Miles Copeland. Featuring profes- Inspired by the skyscrapers of Chicago, this year's sional performances, workshops, vendors, and traders theme stems from the city's simple architecture, which from all around the world; a Saturday night Hafla; and is direct and allows for a feeling of openness, light, a BellyDance Superstars Audition on Sunday. For the and freedom of movement. This is an opportunity for first time this year, the event is offering the 2010 Teen practitioners and trainees from all over North America Showcase, which will celebrate the new faces of belly and the world to come together and share ideas, con- dance! Auditions are required, and dancers will have tinue their education, sharpen their skills, and deepen a special showcase on the main stage on Sunday. collegial bonds. The conference features educational Teen dancers can win a full year of instruction, with workshops, midweek mentoring sessions, the annual the chance to get vouchers for seminars and classes. meeting, forums, and social events. Come join us and The Superstars will also be offering their full range of n / Bryan A l b er st os anc h ez.ne t / K yun g - s un Baek C arl Serm o n Bryan photos : Fr o m top www.marc be inspired. www.feldenkrais.com Step into your Dancing Priestess - pg. 37 dancewear, and new media releases. www.raqsla.com conscious dancer | spring 2010 31 dance paws ® Protect your feet and liberate your soul. Adjustable Dance Paws shield the ball of your foot from skin tears and burns, allowing you to focus on your movement. 866.326.2829 dancepaws.com US Pat 7,051,457. Made in USA. 32 conscious dancer | spring 2010 Breathwork, Meditation, Stretching, interactive crafti- f e s t i v a l s ness, and more. Camping, swimming, and hot tubs powered by solar energy! All-organic food provided DMJ International Video Dance Festival by Table Nectar, and included in price. Three hours April 29–May 2 Tokyo, Japan north of San Francisco, this intimate event is one of the most nourishing festivals in existence. The festival is organized by Dance and Media Japan (DMJ), in partnership with Asahi Art Square, a group www.movementplay.com dedicated to the creative collaboration of theatre, WestWave Dance Festival dance, and media arts. The festival features dance July-Dec Monday Evenings San Francisco, CA film and dance video, a genre that is different from WestWave Dance Festival is a choreography festival mere documentation of dance performances. A dance presented in a shared-program format in San Fran- film or dance video presents choreography that has cisco each July. Its mission is to provide veteran and been specially made for the camera. Its aim is to act newly established choreographers of all cultures as a medium to transmit cultural notions concerning and disciplines, in and beyond the Bay Area, an performing arts for the new generation, causing an opportunity to present their work in a professional alchemical collision of every kind of artistic discipline. venue in order to experiment, develop, and refine www.dance-media.com their repertories, and to build audiences without the Joshua Tree Music Festival burden of self-producing. This project of DanceArt was May 14–16 Joshua Tree, CA founded in 1998 by Joan Lazarus and Linda Rawlings. This eighth annual festival provides an intimate set- Their combined enthusiasm for all things dance- and ting in the infamous and beautiful National Park. This performance-based, as well as their commitment to festival features an eclectic mix of music including the the San Francisco Bay Area arts community, compelled Mexican Institute of Sound, Fort Nox Five, Midnite, them to focus their resources on particular projects and Geri x! This is also a family event, kids under ten that had the potential to touch the lives of local, inde- are free, and The Love Train offers ongoing activi- pendent artists. www.westwavedancefestival.org ties for little ones throughout the three days. On-site SEEDS Festival camping, two stages, world market, organic food, July 9–18 Earthdance Retreat: Plainfield, AM drinking water in the music bowl, art installations, SEEDS (Somatic Experiments in Earth, Dance + Sci- playshop stage, and Kidsville. Hot showers in the ence), a unique summer festival dedicated to arts and campground and shade over the music bowl! This ecology, cultivates innovative practices—the integra- family-friendly event is a weekend of dance-world- tion of environmental stewardship and artistic process. electro-funk-grooving. This year's ten-day festival features workshops with www.joshuatreemusicfestival.com Butoh Ritual Mexicano Dance artist Diego Piñon, San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival Body-Mind Centering® and Contact Improvisation- June 6–28 San Francisco, CA influenced K.J. Holmes, and experimental dancer/ For more than 20 years, local amateurs have enter- choreographer Benoît LaChambre, plus land and tained visitors with high-class and unusual dance in permaculture projects, films, panel discussions, live the glorious setting of the Palace of Fine Arts. The Bay performance, and interdisciplinary investigation, all Area has been acclaimed as one of the hottest dance in the gorgeous wooded hills of the Berkshires in spots in the country, and the San Francisco Ethnic Western Massachusetts. Come for the entire festival or Dance Festival brings the world under one roof. Daz- attend a single seed/event. www.earthdance.net/seeds zling artistry from as many as 28 of the Bay Area's most Sacred Dance Guild Festival exciting dance companies is presented over three July 26–31 New London, CT consecutive themed weekends in June. Featuring dance from as far afield as Portugal, Mexico, China, In- Explore diverse spiritualities, cultures, and dance styles Mett ler Studios’ Summer Workshop dia, and Tahiti, the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival in workshops with today’s leaders in sacred dance. En- In Vermont is genuinely diverse and entertaining. joy informative lectures and performances. Shop our marketplace for unique attire, props, music, and more. www.worldartswest.org Daylong schedules feature morning meditation, yoga, Harmony Festival technique classes, and informal performance and June 11-13 Santa Rosa, CA networking opportunities. Experience our huge com- Celebrating 32 years of "Harmony From the Roots munal dance event! SDG is an interfaith, international, Up," focusing on progressive ideals, community activ- inclusive, and multicultural organization. All ages and ism, and uplifting music. Join us for Harmony After abilities are welcome. Day rates or full session. Accom- Dark with the legendary Techno-Tribal Dance and its modations available. www.sacreddanceguild.org bedazzling celebrations of music and underground dance culture. Fire spinners dazzle the eye as daring aerialists soar through the dark reaches above the r e t r e a t s & w o r k s h o p s pulsing crowd, whose bones vibrate with massive bass beats. Also featuring a global artisans market, healing village, workshops, and a Sunday morning ecstatic Goddess Healing dance hosted by Conscious Dancer magazine. March 19–24 Sedona, AZ CREATIVE DANCE www.harmonyfestival.com Ladies, join Shanti during this unprecedented time of spiritual awakening, when the cosmic scales of IMPROVISATION Bates Dance Festival light are balanced in perfect equilibrium, when night for Adults Jun 27–Aug 8 Lewiston, MA is equal to day. With winter behind us it’s time to This festival brings together an international com- celebrate our blossoming life force, to transform our munity of dancers, choreographers, educators, per- inner darkness to light, and to plant the seeds of a Individual & Group formers, and students to collectively study, perform, new dream of deeper personal wisdom, understand- and create. It is separated into four sections including ing, patience, abundance, health, love, and peace. IMPROVISATION Young Dancers Workshop, Professional Training Together during this Spring Equinox, we’ll re-awaken in Bratt leboro, Vermont Program, Youth Arts Program, and the Community our remembrance of the divine Goddess within. Dance Project. Bates Festival is known for providing a www.journeysofthespirit.com/trips/sedona-goddess/ July 12-16, 2010 safe place to dance, creating a unique and accept- Tuiti on: $300 ing atmosphere, and fostering a sense of community. Silent Retreat, Language of the Soul (fi nancial aid available) www.batesdancefestival.org March 25–April 1 Costa Rica The Silent Retreats are the heartbeat of the sacred Dancers and dance educators on all Movement Play Micro-Festival journey. They provide a restful environment for the levels and professionals in the fi elds of June 25–27 Willits, CA deepest inquiry into the truth of one’s being. One educati on, recreati on, and therapy are The third annual Movement Play brings together is dissolving into the timeless here and now. This is encouraged to take part. No previous music, art, community, and movement of all types in where profound steps are taken through the journey of experience is necessary. a summer paradise setting. Beats by Random Rab, transformation. A Silent Retreat is a rare and precious Alxndr, Dragonfly,N eptune, and BombGoddess. opportunity to focus solely on the most earnest ques- For Informati on or to register contact: Griff Goehring Workshops include Contact Improv, Modern Dance, tions of the heart and to spend some days in silence, [email protected] Tribal Belly Dance, Hip Hop, Breakdance, Nia, Yoga, in a beautiful, natural setting. (The “Who is in ?” is a Partner Yoga, Thai Massage, Hooping, Poi, Staff, Con- prerequisite for participating in the Retreat). 802.380.0068 tact Juggling, Slackline, Improvisational Storytelling, www.pachamama.com conscious dancer | spring 2010 33 Deep in the heart of AUSTIN DALLAS HOUSTON HUNTSVILLE Texas WIMBERLEY CONTACTS SCHEDULE EVENTS AUSTIN MONDAY Austin Yoga School 9:30- 11:30am Movement Exploration ZAZ Studio 1122-C S. Lamar Blvd. 10:30- 11:30am “Moonday” Movement (Heather) Unity www.dancingtogether.org Afternoon Joy Dance (Children) ZAZ Studio (512) 923-4643 BODY CHOIR- AUSTIN 7:30-9:30pm Contact Improv (Tom) NiaSpace Body Choir 16th Birthday Galaxy Dance Studios TUESDAY www.bodychoir.org www.bodychoir.org 10:00-11:15am Dancing for Birth (Heather) Studio B (512) 680-4212 6:00- 7:30pm Partner Yoga/Contact Improv CONSCIOUS DANCE ADVENTURE- 5 Rhythms® Classes Crazywood DALLAS at www.ConsciousDancer.com Galaxy Dance Studios Heather Gream @ Priya Yoga www.dancingfi relizards.com WEDNESDAY 1:30-3:30pm 2nd Saturday of each month [email protected] 9:30- 10:30 am Nia (Heather) Studio B www.drumdancesingsilence.com (512) 444-0443 Afternoon Joy Dance (Children) Zaz Studio NiaSpace 7:45 - 9:45pm Dancing Together Austin Yoga 5RHYTHMS®, DALLAS 3212 S. Congress, 78704 www.niaspace.com (512) 443-3013 THURSDAY Mati-Vargas-Gibson Classes, Sweat Your Prayers™ DALLAS 6:00-7:10pm Dancing for Birth (Heather) June 5-6: You, Me & Us: Waves Workshop Heather Gream- MA, CEAP Move Studio w/ Adam Barley Priya, Unity, Move Studio, Studio B 8:30-9:45pm Conscious Dance August 6-8: Spiritweaves w/ Michael & www.drumdancesingsilence.com Adventure (Heather) Move Studio Anneli Molin-Skelton [email protected] 7:30-9:30pm 5Rhythms® Endless Wave Class Full Schedule @ 817-229-6134 Galaxy Dance Studio www.bodyspiritdance.webs.com Mati Vargas-Gibson ® FRIDAY TM Certifi ed 5Rhythms Teacher ® JOURNEYDANCE - HOUSTON www.bodyspiritdance.webs.com 7:00- 9:30pm 5Rhythms Night Waves Mati-Dallas (1st Friday) w/ SunShine [email protected] schedule: www.ecstaticdancehouston.com 214-280-4204 7:45 – 9:45pm Dancing Together NiaSpace HOUSTON SATURDAY DANCE SLUMBER PARTY Ecstatic Dance Houston 10am - noon 5Rhythms® Sweat Your Prayers Last Fridays @ Crazywood Sydney “SunShine” Strahan Galaxy Dance Studios Arrive Fri. after 6pm, depart Sat. by 6pm 5624 Larking St., 77077 Pot luck buffet, overnight & spa www.ecstaticdancehouston.com SUNDAY (281) 748-8080 www.crazywood.org 10am- noon Ecstatic Dance Planet Funk Hope Stone w/Leslie Scates 10am – noon Body Choir Galaxy Dance Studios 1210 Clay #26 WIMBERLEY EVENTS 10am – noon Dancing Together Austin Yoga Trance Dance www.hopestoneinc.org 6:00- 8:00pm Contact Improv Hope Stone (713) 824-1197 6-9pm, April 3rd @ ZAZ Studio & HUNTSVILLE Yoga & Movement Exploration CLASSES, WORKSHOPS & EVENTS WORKSHOPS CLASSES, Crazywood Dance Spa In the heart of dance: 1:30 – 2:45pm, May 1st 1416 Sam Houston Ave. eventscommunitymusicandyou! @Heart of Texas Yoga Studio www.crazywood.org Lauren Robins & Becky Jordan (936) 662-5250 DANCING CHEF CATERING [email protected] (512) 847-9665 www.laurenrobins.com WIMBERLEY LOOK FOR ZAZ Studio w/ Lauren Robins [email protected] “The Women of Monday Morning” www.laurenrobins.com A Documentary about 13 years of Movement 512-847-9665 Exploration in Wimberley r e t r e a t s & w o r k s h o p s Movement Improvisation Master March 25–28 Port Townsend, WA Ruth Zaporah is bringing her creation, Action Theater: The Improvisation of Presence, to the Madrona Mind- body Institute for a four-day intensive. Fully immerse yourself in being here, unveiling yourself to yourself, one moment at a time, one moment leading to the next. Ruth's movement exercises, physical, vocal and verbal, invite the practitioner into unknown yet uncan- nily familiar territories, territories of the embodied imagination. Participants experience fresh views of themselves, who they are, how they perceive and respond to the ordinary, and how vast is their poten- tial. Open to the novice as well as the experienced, all those who relish living in a human body and like to move. www.madronamindbody.com Writing the Waves with Continuum March 26–29 Santa Monica, CA Join Emilie Conrad and Rebecca Mark as we emerge from the sourcing of our Continuum journey. Previous Continuum experience necessary as we put pen to paper and revel in the writing, hieroglyphic renderings, ciphers, and mysterious cave drawings sometimes appearing as stories, poems, and possibly dialogues as emergent characters surprisingly arrive. We find ourselves in a process individually illuminating, mys- terious, communally healing, politically radical, and in forms of genius never seen before. We move, we sound, our voices blend, our gestures reveal the mo- ment as alive with creative fire.U ltimately this process helps us witness the immense brilliance of the wave of cellular illumination and innovation we as humans are suspended in. www.continuummovement.com The 16 Ways: Level 1, Fundamental Energies April 10–11 Los Angeles, CA The 16 Ways is an innovative, groundbreaking, body-mind development modality that focuses on the bioenergetics of consciousness and movement. Developed over a ten-year period by Juilliard-trained choreographer/composer Dylan Newcomb, this new approach to using movement for self-transformation brings together core elements of Integral Theory, I Ching/Yin-Yang principles, Spiral Dynamics, MBTI, Energy Psychology, Emotional Intelligence, and more. Loving Release- Dance with the River Using eight specific vowel sounds together with intui- and Play on the Bay ... with our tive full-bodied movements and specific cognitions, Creative, Conscious Community! this powerful alchemy of sound, breath, movement, thought, and emotion rapidly brings the whole system into new levels of health, alignment, and coherence. www.the16ways.com Dancemeditation April 10–11 Asheville, NC Dancemeditation™ explores the relationships be- tween self and other, self and cosmos, self-with-Self, and self-to-the-Divine-Eternal. By encouraging recep- tivity, creativity, and present-ness, Dancemeditation cultivates our inherent ability to heal and self-regulate using a wide variety of movement techniques (includ- Mark your calendars now! ing Fluid Yoga, Breath Dances, Deep State Motion, Subscribe for updates at [email protected]. and Gesture) within a primarily nonverbal study Our California trips are popular, and will fill fast. environment. Practitioners drop out of an over-active, distracted mind into intuitive embodiment. Inner and June 25-29 ~ Kings River Flowfest outer witnessing are balanced. For more workshops For 8 years, ending NCDC Dance Camp with a splash! around the country: www.dancemeditation.org July 16-18 Teotihuacán Mexico ~ Yoga, Meditation & Sea Kayaking April 22–27 Mexico City, Mexico Cleansing Retreat on Tomales Bay ~ with Nina Wise & Davida Taurek. Using the layout of the city as a model for transcen- Catered by Elaina Love of Pure Joy Planet. dence, we spend four days changing our dream of May 21-27, 2010 frustration and suffering to a dream of inner peace. Harbin Hot Springs July 29-Aug 1 ~ 5Rhythms® on the Trinity River Discover all the things that have been preventing you from expressing yourself fully and authentically The nurturing support you Jan / Feb 2011 ~ Wildlife & Rivers of Costa Rica in this lifetime. Just as the ancient Toltecs did here at Teotihuacán, we too will practice the three masteries need to cleanse & revitalize! for personal freedom: Awareness, Transformation, and RiverGuidess Intent. www.journeysofthespirit.com/trips/teotihuacan/ Yoga Raw Foods Massage Breathwork Movement Meditation Adventures Joyful Connections 2010 California, Baja & Beyond ~ since 1993! April 24–May 1 Costa Rica Nutrition Sauna Salt Scrubs This Yoga and Expressive Arts Retreat will be held Reg. by Apr. 1-Wkend $365/Wk$686 Call Gail at 415-312-3112 by Tracy Carruth of Yoga Balance and Silky Hart of Info:(707)987-4812, [email protected] Expressive Hart. We will combine yoga and creative www.RiverGuidess.com expression to give you a retreat experience filled with conscious dancer | spring 2010 35 r e t r e a t s & w o r k s h o p s Make Love opportunities to joyfully connect with nature, your magnificent self, creativity, and new friends. At the ® Pura Vida Spa in Costa Rica, participants will enjoy to Life daily yoga classes, expressive arts activities, eco-tours, and healthy cuisine while being pampered in a country waterdance renowned for its natural beauty. Retreat includes three delicious and nutritious meals a day. No previous background is necessary. Just bring your desire to play Watsu and have fun! www.expressivehart.wordpress.com Omega: Truth Heals, What You Hide Can Hurt You April 30–May 2 Rhinebeck, NY Join Master Healer Deborah King for the adventure of a lifetime. Heighten your innate healing abilities, con- nect to your guides, and learn contemporary healing techniques. Step-by-step, King guides you to develop the foundational skills of a healer, demystifying the world of healers, sages, and shamans. Attendance is limited so you can work individually with Deborah. Sign up today for the transformative Truth Heals expe- workshops, retreats, rience! www.eomega.org/omega/workshops & tools to re-connect you, Relax…Release…Surrender…A quiet world of healing and transformation A Greener America Workshop nature, sense and soul May 27–30 Fayetteville, AK A community cob building experience at Wattle Hol- low retreat and learning center. Expect your building Join us on the to this nurturing reat yourself experience to be accompanied by music, whimsy, and east and west coast, massage in a pool of warm water in the dancing. We will also have a guest lecturer, Richard Mexico & Hawaii tranquil hills of San Anselmo. Free from Herman, sharing his expertise on permaculture. Our Tthe effects of gravity, your body can meals will be gourmet vegetarian (from local sources), some of the food cooked in solar ovens. Daily yoga unwind in new and unexpected ways. classes for those who wish. This is a time to relax, learn, and commune with friends and nature. BOOK THE EXPERIENCE www.wattlehollow.com/schedule www.VividlyWoman.com Davida Taurek: 415-455-8981 KiahKeya Afro-Butoh Nature Spirit Dance June 2010 Alto Paraiso, Brasil www.VividExistence.com [email protected] Hernando Villa, Kathi Von Koeber, and Nancy Eagle www.davidadance.com Spirit lead this intensive nature-dance workshop in Alto Paraiso, Brasil. A unique and powerful exploration of authentic movement with cleansing sweat-lodges, yoga, plant-medicine ceremonies, and interpretive dance experiences that reveal each participant's true nature in relationship to oneself and as an integral part of the universe. Connecting with the deep, vibrant the ocean nature of the land, facilitators create a space for participants to discover self-preservation of one's own refuses instinctual mechanisms. Through dance and voice- facilitated exercises, the canvas of spirit is used as a palette to create form. www.kiahkeya.com Release in the Rhythms June 4–6 Harbin Hot Springs, Middletown, CA ™ Join us as we use the healing power of hands, rollers, a Soul Motion Experience and balls to discover and let go of our muscle and joint tension. We’ll dance into release, release in our hosted weekly by Michael Z. dance, and birth this new freedom into reality. Let’s liberate feet and legs until our weight becomes pal- pable; dig into hips and thorax so the pulse between us is loud and clear; let go of tightness in shoulders, Thursdays, 6:30 - 8:00 pm neck, and face to land in a community of release; Jeffrey Bihr Studio wave-upon-wave, supporting us in feeling new ways to surrender. Let’s feel the joy of dancing our unique and Oakland’s Rockridge district precious body. [email protected] { a short walk from Rockridge BART } Circles to Spirals June 11–13 Albany, NY Let Nature and dance awaken you to your Vividly dance the dance that you are. Woman essence. Discover peace, power, and fulfill- move with music, move in silence. ment in re-union with your sacred sensuality. Leela Francis invites you to join her in the heart of nature on alone, together. listening, inside and out. an enriching path of beauty and aliveness, connect- express. exalt. exhale. dance. ing you more deeply with self, your sisters, and the wisdom of the natural world. Savor the awakening of body and soul through explorative movement and dance, creative ritual, and the circling community of Vividly Woman, a safe and nurturing place to rekindle your love affair with the creative wisdom of your body. www.vividlywoman.com Private sessions, special events, too: NCDC Summer Dance Camp [email protected] 510-847-7736 June 19-28 Dunlap, CA www.lucidmz.blogspot.com Come dance, play, celebrate, and grow as we co- Michael Zipkin is a Soul Motion Apprentice create a village for nine days in the southern Sierras. Daytime classes in a wide range of movement 36 conscious dancer | spring 2010 modalities as well as music and art. Fabulous daytime activities like swimming, canoeing, frisbee, and hiking, plus electric evening dances. Fun for the entire family. www.ncdcdances.org Fieldwork Intensive June 26–28 Flagstaff, AZ BIODANZA® Fieldwork is a creative laboratory where artists develop “The Poetry of Human Encounter” their performance-based work by showing it to each other and exchanging reflective feedback, facilitated Joy by a professional from the greater artistic community. This workshop is for artists of all disciplines, facilitated Music by Jayne Lee, Delisa Myles, and Paul Moore of Human Dance Nature Dance Theatre at Canyon Dance Academy. At Expression each meeting, participants present their works-in-prog- ress and exchange feedback artist to artist. Sign-up is Community open to artists working in dance, music, performance Ecological_ art, visual art, and theatre. http://web.me.com/leejayne/ Consciousness Human_Nature_Dance_Theatre/FIELDWORK.html Settling into Stillness Retreat Weekly Classes June 26–July 3 Corfu, Greece In SF and East Bay Welcome the sun each morning with a two-hour empowering Kripalu Yoga practice focusing on a sequence of 27 postures, pranayama (breathing) Workshops synchronized with 15 hand mudras. Add to this a late for Personal morning Kirtan using the vibration of sounds to open Development the heart and move the body spontaneously. After- noons are spent enjoying the sandy Mediterranean beach, receiving a massage, walking through the olive Teacher Training groves, or sitting in quiet contemplation. Late after- Open Enrollment noons alternate between Heart Chakra meditations, a for Fall 2010 four-directional rhythmic-moving breathing-meditation accompanied by music, or guided iRest Yoga Nidra sessions. Two evening dance parties complete the week. www.globalyogajourneys.com SAN FRANCISCO SCHOOL Empowering Creativity Through Movement, OF BIODANZA® Metaphor, and Dance [email protected] June 28–July 7 Kentfield, CA www.biodanza.us This workshop offers time to feel and to listen deeply (415) 339-8739 to the powerful intelligence of the body, to play and Rolando Toro System express with imagination through the arts, to create personal and collective dances that have meaning, and to bring new vision to the life themes that matter to us in our daily lives. The workshop will begin in the studio with four days of Life/Art Process with Taira Restar, ex- ploring body mythologies through movement, poetry, and drawing and will end with five days with world- Sacred Dance Guild renowned dance innovator Anna Halprin. Spontaneous Festival 2010 and authentic dances will emerge through somatic ex- ploration, non-stylized movements, and improvisation. Participants will generate personal and group dances and rituals that speak to the deep truth and knowing of individual and collective bodies. www.tamalpa.org Shop our marketplace. Network Spiral of Love in Turkey with fellow sacred dancers. Cel- August 11–16 Gokcedere, Turkey Come dance in the spiral of love, integrating the ebrate in motion. physical and non-physical dimensions. Guided by the Accomodations available. poetry of Rumi and Hafez, explore love’s intoxica- tion through movement that lies between trance and control, letting go and technique. Gain more aware- The Sacred Dance Guild wel- ness of your energy anatomy and the ability to dance your Heart inside the spiral of love. Take home a daily comes dancers of all genres, faith movement practice that supports an inner alchemy of traditions, cultures, and abilities. turning negativity to gold. Our setting is a Sufi/Dervish House or Dergah, a true tavern of love, beyond any particular religion and open to all. Our days are a Interfaith International Inter- Simply Soaring balance between dance, yoga, chanting, music, medi- generational Inclusive. tation, sharing, developing our own creativity, and the ISBN 978-0-9715994-3 July 26-31 chance to explore individually the beautiful beaches, Connecticut College, New London, CT. villages, and sites of Turkey’s exquisite Marmara re- gion. www.namah.net/workshop/spiral-love-turkey Be uplifted by exciting classes, Dancing Practical Priestess workshops, and performances. Enjoy August 18–22 Atlanta, GA networking, our marketplace and a huge Your inner priestess forms the part of your conscious- communal dance experience. ness that directly connects you with the Divine. When activated and practically applied to any area of life or All ages, spiritualities, cultures, dance creative pursuit, the priestess within helps you bring styles and abilities are welcome. Spirit into the physical world. The priestess archetype Accommodations available. deepens your ability to fully run the energy of the Written by a teacher of ballet, expressive, Divine through the temple of your body and dance and sacred dance, Lisa Michaels. DETAILS & RESERVATIONS: 877-422-8678 in step to the sacred rhythms of nature. Join Lisa Claim 4 free gifts NOW when you Michaels in this powerful process to strengthen your [email protected] ability to align with the forces of creation, taking the visit www.naturalrhythms.org. sacred dance of your life to the next level. www.sacreddanceguild.org www.naturalrhythms.org conscious dancer | spring 2010 37 TTantricantric Dance menu > favorites of the REVIEWS Divine Feminine BOOKS withKathy Kali Linden’s Last Life Alan Cohen An adventure novel with a message, Linden’s Last Life is reminiscent of other bestseller sensations such as The Celestine Prophecy and The Da Vinci Code. In this mind-expanding book by Alan Cohen, we are taken into the world of Linden Kozlowski—a down-and-out San Francisco writer who has just reached his limit for meaningless existence. We encounter him on the ledge of the Golden Gate Bridge with a lost sense of hope in living. Just before he leaps, Linden is intercepted by a monk who convinces him that if Dance he opts out of life’s lessons, he will only have to do them all over again next time, and his problems will be even worse. And so our main character sets the power out on a journey to make a supernatural deal to die and never be reborn. of your In an adventure odyssey that includes determination, love, discovery, and unexpected awakenings in consciousness, Linden’s Last Life delves into the inner Shakti... interplay between free will and destiny. The hero must decide if his fate is strictly subject to forces beyond his control, or if he is in charge of how his life turns out. Year and a Day “Millions of people are questioning their purpose and direction in life, and how they fit into the greater Program of weekend scheme of things,” says Cohen. This book is his response to life’s big questions. Fiction with a greater purpose than simple entertainment, his tale is one individual’s quest through the terrain of the eternal human questions workshops starts “Why am I here?” and “What happens when I die?” May 2010 in Seattle Like all of us, the lead character in this supernatural thriller is challenged to see through to the essence of the most foundational human relationships, and to “do the right thing” as he clears karma and awakens to his To register: call Molly Allen true nature. We are with him as he struggles through painfully distant phone conversations with his mother, (206) 708-9400 ~ or e-mail and as he encounters true love in the most unexpected moment. But will he choose to embrace his newfound [email protected] reasons for living, or will he continue on his quest for transcendence? “Many people give their power away to outside forces such as astrology, the economy, bad programming www.tantricdance.org by their parents, religious oppression, and evil people or institutions,” Cohen explains. “One of my purposes in writing this book is to give readers inspiration and tools to reclaim the power they have attributed to people and events outside themselves.” www.hayhouse.com ® Bridge Between Worlds: Extraordi- Dance! Images from the Bates Body Tales nary Experiences That Change Lives – Dance Festival – Arthur Fink Dan Millman and Doug Childers In his evocative and compel- Having experienced their own ling book of images from the path-altering twists of fate, Dan Bates Dance Festival in Maine, 3 days of Body Tales in the santa Cruz Millman and Doug Childers photographer Arthur Fink Mountains: Intuitive Movement, Spoken came together to present 37 offers a visually stunning col- Word, Embodied Stories, Supportive Witnessing, true stories about the possibili- lection of moments in dance. ties for awakening offered by This splendid 42-page spread Creative Expression, and Healing... circumstances that range from documents the humanness of Intimate, Depth Work - 12 person Max. severe to truly extraordinary. dance in a rainbow of images, Bridge Between Worlds is a some portraying a blur of line Olivia Corson Lysa Castro deep and uplifting collection or movement, others moving in close to capture with and of stirring accounts of ordinary a dancer’s foot or the back of a head. The viewer Tend and Attend Body, people as well as iconic figures, past and present. perceives both beauty and effort. From the stories of architect Buckminster Fuller and “I document the work and energy that goes into Earth and inner World West African writer Malidoma Patrice Somé to the dance…not just the final performance,” says Fink. account of an unknown Vietnam vet, these real-life “Being in the studio as dances are created, or as 2010 Retreats: memoirs speak to our own quest for meaning. dancers prepare themselves, feels like being in a The key to transformation lies in the turning point. delivery room as children are being born. Amidst Spring Summer Fall Through tales about people who find life’s meaning pain or anguish, tempered with rhythm and support, March 26-28 July 16-18 Oct 22-24 in myriad ways—initiation, love, a dream, and even and bolstered with faith, new life emerges. It’s physi- prison—this impressive collection bridges faith with cal, sometimes sensual, often spiritual. Too often this Join us for 3 days of Body Tales - reason. In one piece, a grieving widow recognizes process is ignored, as image makers look only at the intuitive Movement, spoken Word, divinity in the presence and symbolism of birds; in final result—the dance.” another, a young man pierces through emotional Fink came to specialize in dance photography embodied stories, supportive Witnessing, dichotomy during an arduous initiation; in a third, a through a journey of self-discovery. Hosting his Creative expression, and Healing. world-known genius encounters his purpose in his first creative shoot with a group of dancers, he felt intimate, Depth Work, 12 person maximum own darkest hour. These tales reveal the way that the enveloped into the realm of spiritual experience storyteller’s life unfolded after the pivotal event, and emanating from his subjects and was compelled to in the Beauty of the santa Cruz Mountains how each person turned the hand of fate into medi- capture it. That ineffable something that we try so cine for themselves and for the world. We see, time hard to put into words, he has elegantly framed with 707-823-2652 [email protected] and again, that it is so often the human plunge into thoughtful and well-composed images. the dark night of the soul that allows us to perceive As Fink so aptly articulates it, “My statement is in www.bodytales.com the light. Well worth a place on your bookshelf! the visual experience you have.” www.newworldlibrary.com www.arthurfinkphoto.com 38 conscious dancer | spring 2010 NEW IN L.A. INTUITIVE fi rst session FREE NEW IN L.A. with this ad MOVEMENT JAM Every Monday Night at 7pm jp_biz(o).indd 1 8/11/09 11:10:27 AM With a hybrid of DJʼd WWW .IMJAM.NET music accentuated with live 568 E. Mount Curve Ave, Altadena, CA percussion and fl ute. In the Facebook & Twitter: MovementJam beautiful old Davies Theatre 5RhythmsBuilding® Movement at the base Practice of the %DPERR weekly Saturday mornings in New York City ZZZEDPERR\RJDSOD\FRPZZZZZZZEEEDDPPEEERRRR\\\RJDDSSOODDD\\FRFRFRP monthly in Connecticut LQIR#EDPERR\RJDSOD\FRPLQLQIQIIRR#ER##E#EDDPPPEERRRR\RR\\RJDRJJDSSOSODODD\\FFRRPP [email protected] 203.209.0047 “Re-wire your Brain - Tune your Muscles!” Body of Sound® DSFBUF$VTUPN#MFOETPOMJOF IFBMJOHCPUBOJDBMTtDIFNJDBMGSFF A Journey into Rhythm, Voice & Movement with Alyssa DeCaro EFTJHO :063 Explore your body as an instrument through Body Percussion, Vocal Expression, Ecstatic Dance, PQUJNBM Contact Improvisation, Circle Song and Balinese Kecak Upcoming events... OBUVSBM Bay Area National Dance Week, San Francisco, Ca ~ April 29th "Join the Movement" Esalen Institute, Big Sur, Ca ~ June 11-13th, 2010 Movement Play Campout, Willets, Ca ~ June 25-27th, 2010 PSHBOJDtDSVFMUZGSFFtWFHBO TLJODBSF www.Muscle-Brain.com www.BodyofSound.com - [email protected] Interested in Booking for your event? Please call 1-415-971-6452 HSBUFGVMCPEZDPN conscious dancer | fall 2009 39 menu > favorites REVIEWS CDs DVDs David Starfire Women of Monday Bollyhood Bass Morning The new sounds of the During this season of rebirth and underground are about renewal, enjoy the inspirational building bridges with bass. documentary Women of Monday Cross the border into Morning. This film portrays a India and Asia with this group of women in Wimberley, rickshaw-rocking collection Texas, who have been meeting of well-crafted cuts released by Six Degrees Records. every Monday morning for 13 David Starfire has earned his reputation through a re- years to spontaneously dance and move as a way of lentless touring DJ schedule and a knack for devastat- opening the mind, body, spirit, and heart. These dedi- ing dance floors. This outstanding release showcases cated friends remind us that the spirit of dance has no his taste and talent by blending 14 cutting-edge bass limits. The film is a learning tool for anyone interested riffs with sacred sounds and voices of the Hindu and in dance therapy, and an expression of authentic Arabic worlds. Guest appearances by iCatching, Lynx, movement as a spiritual practice. Women of Monday and Jamie Janover round out this must-have mix. Morning depicts the healing potential of art. Directed Cream of the crop! www.davidstarfire.com by Kakki Keegan. www.laurenrobins.com BAKA BEYOND Nia opal Beyond the Forest Encouraging you to discover Existing simultaneously the yin and yang within yourself on Earth are the people and your movement expres- who enchant animals by sion, Nia’s opal class experience song and the technology DVD brings something to smile to share in the music that and sweat about. Brilliantly connects us. Inspired by designed from the student’s the Baka Forest People in Cameroon, Baka Beyond perspective, this DVD can transform your living room blends European Celtic traditions with West African into a classroom, with you as your own teacher. rhythms and melodies. Their latest album, Beyond The Nia philosophy encourages you to move in the Forest, carries us from the longing call of the your body’s way, and to make the moves your own. Celtic coastline to the heart of humanity. Royalties Watching and participating in opal, you can witness Tamalpa Institute from sales come back to the musicians’ communities. the authentic joy, creativity, and inspiration of other Movement Based Expressive Arts Creating cross-cultural respect and reciprocity, each students—encouraging and allowing you to experi- musician honors a lesson of the Baka people: “every- ence your own. opal offers balance for you to spring one to be listened to.” www.whiteswanrecords.com into form. www.nianow.com MIXER iÛ}ÊÌ iÊ MIX MASTERS SPOTLIGHT ÜÃ`Ê DJ Dragonfly – Top Ten vÊL`ÞÊEÊ a r t i s t / t r a c k t i t l e >}>Ì 1. Earthrise Soundsystem photo: Rick Chapman ©2005 - Makyen Ghrir 2. Celt Islam - Halaqa 3. Bombay Dub Orchestra - Journey 4. Evan Bluetech - Mysteriosa Flambeau 5. Jef Stott - Lamaset (DJ Oud Remix) DJ Dragonfly- The Groove Gardener 6. Bird of Prey Mr. Martin Tickle is the gaia-tronic groovemaster known as DJ - Xenomorphic Dragonfly. With a well-earned reputation as the hardest working 7. Tony Talwar Public workshops and DJ in the Bay Area, he is the force behind the legendary monthly - Alien Vs Bollytronic Groove Garden in Fairfax, CA. Celebrating ten years of conscious training programs in 8. Desert Dwellers mayhem in a courtyard garden that is a church by day, Groove movement based expressive – Raga Saga Garden enters its second decade of ecstatic, purpose-driven gath- arts education and therapy. 5"."-1"*/45*565& erings that combine global spirit, DJ culture, sound technologies, 9. Ching - Shiva Soundsystem's Mo-Flo www.tamalpa.org and healing arts. We tip our hat to the man behind the decks, a fan and supporter of Conscious Dancer from the start: event producer, Remix v id R ay Tamalpa Institute • Kentfield, CA • 415.457.8555 party rocker, genre surfer, comedian, and all around amazing char- 10. David Starfire acter. Let the bass go boom! - Shenai Wobbler P hoto : D a 40 conscious dancer | spring 2010 3966 Piedmont Ave, Oakland Public Classes in Oakland: TUESDAY 9:45–11:15 am, $15 FRIDAY 5:45-7:15 pm, $15 Oakland Yoga Studio, 4 Yosemite St WEDNESDAY 12:00-1:00 pm Yoga for a Cause Donations fund the work of 108 non- Private Yoga, CranioSacral & profi ts Heart Centered Therapies for peace, conservation & Yolanda Marie Vazquez ✓ Feng Shui Consultationshuman rights. Pritam Hari Kaur ✓ Interior AlignmentPiedmont Coaching Yoga, 3966 Piedmont Ave ✓ Space ClearingPrivate Ceremoies Yoga Therapy: CMT, NCTMB, IYNAUS Please call for appointment (510) 268-9321 Private Yoga, CranioSacral Claire Rumore & Heart Centered Therapies quietmind.com 415.690.9167 [email protected] 3966 Piedmont Ave, Oakland (510) 268-9321 quietmind.com SOULWORK THROUGH THE BODY www.clearingthenoise.com SOULWORK THROUGH THE BODY Public Classes in Oakland: Progressive Primitivism TUESDAY 9:45–11:15 am, $15 in Dallas Building Bridges FRIDAY 5:45-7:15 pm, $15 Oakland Yoga Studio, 4 Yosemite St Heather Gream, MA — Certifi ed Expressive Arts Practitioner Between WEDNESDAY 12:00-1:00 pm • Nia Blue Belt Yoga for a Cause Injury and Repair Donations fund the work of 108 non- • Dancing for Birth Instructor profits for peace, conservation & human rights. • Conscious Dance Adventure Creator Piedmont Yoga, 3966 Piedmont Ave • Drum Circle Music Island Facilitator • Birthing From Within Mentor Chiropractic • 5 Stages of Self-Healing Guide • Neo-Humanist 510-769-6066 1414 Everett St., Alameda, CA www.drumdancesingsilence.com Experience the World Famous ® Private Yoga Therapy: tm BIODANZA East Coast USA Please call for appointment with Michelle 'OMNI-SWING'the Ultimate in Anti-gravity Total Home Gym ‘Yoga Swing’ technology Sistema Rolando Toro “Poetry of Human Encounter” Let fabulous music, authentic movement and • Weightless Fitness Dance/Movement Therapy Courses heartfelt emotion be part of your life. Weekly classes in the DC area and monthly classes in NYC. • Inversion Therapy for Northern & Southern California Explore the role of movement in therapeutic self-experssion • Back Care and relationships. DMT Alternate Route Training Courses and • Pelvic Traction MFT/LCSW CE Credit Courses available. For information, visit www.movement-education.org/therapy • Pain & Stress Management! www.OMNI-SWING.com www.YogaSwing.com Patent# www.biodanza-usa.com 7255666 1-877-YOGA GYM 0HONE s #ALIFORNIA ""3 #% 0ROVIDER [email protected] • Facebook: Biodanza East Coast USA conscious dancer | fall 2009 41 menu > results RESULTS I turn the handles and feel the motion flow through my Gyrotonic is a neck, spine, and joints in a circular undulating pattern. Arching multidimensional fitness system that and curling, twisting and turning, I feel my movements on the supports flexibility, Gyrotonic tower slowly unwinding the day’s tension. Breathing ease, and grace. deeply, I feel my mind calming, in rhythm with the peaceful wave of this dynamic yet tranquil method of exercise. my facilitator, tara coyote, told me that Gyro- tonic was created by Juliu Horvath, a former dancer who had been injured, which is what first piqued my interest, as I am also a dancer. She said, “Gyrotonic combines gymnastics, swimming, Kundalini yoga, and ballet in a series of three-dimensional circular and spiral movements. The exercises build strength, increase flexibility, elevate the heart rate, and mas- sage the internal organs and nerves.” I had to see what this was all about. i had persistant pain for several years from a bro- ken jaw, years ago. I also commute five days a week to work, from Sonoma to Marin County, and my back is tight from all the hours spent in a car. From my injury, I often experience pain in my neck and back, as well In the flow on a Gyrotonic tower. as achy joints. I needed a gentle form of movement that wouldn’t further compress my joints or compact my upper and lower spine like running or aerobics would. When I first tried Gyrotonic I thought I wasn’t getting any My dancing results, as it felt so easy. Afterwards, I noticed more flexibility and buoyancy, very similar to what I feel doing gentle dance move- has improved ments. I’ve noticed my dancing has improved as my body feels as my body more open and fluid. As I do a Gyrotonic side opener, it’s like warming up in dance, doing a side stretch. I love the dolphin div- feels more ing exercise I do with my legs in the straps, which make me feel like I’m swimming and take the pressure off my joints. The addi- open and tion of the weights on the pulley tower makes my muscles more fluid. flexible and increases my range of motion. All the usual exercise equipment I’ve seen before is linear, while the Gyrotonic machines all move me within a continuous circular/spiral pattern. After a long day at work, teaching, I usually come to my ses- sion feeling tired, yet when I walk out of Studio Equilibria’s door, I feel energized and renewed. I sleep better at night as well. Tara has a gentle way of guiding me and will correct and lengthen my stretch, sometimes by touching certain parts, such as my ribs, to help further the extension. The handle unit assists me in going deeper into my shoulders, back, and ribs, and I feel like I have Amity Hotchkiss more movement in my hips and spine. My joint pain has lessened, High school teacher and I feel like I have more space in my joints. There is so much Santa Rosa, CA Age: 46 more to explore with the movements, and I feel lucky to experi- Activities: Dancing, ence it with her one on one. backpacking, poetry, As I am in my mid 40s, I want an exercise routine that is fluid and hot springs soaking, gentle and calms my nervous system. Gyrotonic is exactly what I writing, and being a need to take me into my later years. Arching and curling, I keep mom. spiraling deeper into the center of myself. Tara Coyote teaches Gyrotonic in Fairfax, CA. www.studioequilibria.com g e H. N eedleman Pai Gerri sh / b el o w: P hotos : a bov e: S h elly 42 conscious dancer | spring 2010 4(% 2%*56%.):%2 ¤ 0HYLLIS ,IGHT 0H$ 4ELEPATHIC (EALER ! ,)&%4)-% /& (%!,).' !.$ 02/4%#4)/. s 0ROTECTS FROM %-&S AND OTHER DAMAGING FREQUENCIES FROM COMPUTERS CELL PHONES MICROWAVES 46S SATELLITES WIRELESS INTERNET ETC s (ELPS COMBAT FATIGUE HEADACHES TK AND EYESTRAIN TK s (ELPS STRENGTHEN THE IMMUNE SYSTEM s %NHANCES INTUITION AND SPIRITUAL AWARENESS s 0ROTECTS YOU FROM OTHER PEOPLES NEGATIVE ENERGY #OME VISIT US «ÀÊÎäÊpÊ >ÞÊÓ .%7 ,)6).' %XPO s "OOTH VÕÀÃiÊ Ý LÌÊ iÌiÀ]Ê->ÊÀ>VÃV ÜÜÜ°iÜÛ}iÝ«°V ,IGHT 5NLIMITED WWWLIGHTHEALINGCOM conscious dancer | spring 2010 43 TK closing circle “The rhythm of the body the melody of the mind and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life.” –B.K.S. Iyengar hoo .ca , f 3 fotos @ya t P hoto : D aniel He b er TK