Biodanza is a system of natural movements, dance music and expression,
for connecting with our full potential as joyous human beings, resulting in
personal power, well being, and happiness.
The dances connect us with our deepest self, connect us with others, tap
into our vital energies, re-awaken our instincts, integrate our yin and yang
energies, and give expression to our naturally warm, playful and joyful
selves. There are no steps to learn, the movements are very simple and no
one has to go beyond their capabilities.
The system integrates and harmonizes mind body, spirit and emotions. We
learn to re-attune ourselves to the rhythms, cycles and elements of nature
(earth, air, fire, water), and to be in the present moment, letting go of the
frenetic pace of modern life and the ‘survival’ mode of living which is so easy
to lapse into. It opens the heart to receive all that life has to offer in
abundance.
The system draws from major thinkers such as Sartre, Jung and Heidegger,
and extensive research on the effect of music on the body by Don Campbell
and Yehudi Menuhin, amongst others. A wide range of music is used, pop,
rock, Latin, orchestral. We allow the music to enter soul and our bodies
which then become a medium for the expression of what the music evokes.
Some dances are by ourselves, some with one other person, and others in a
group. The group is a vital component of Biodanza and represents solidarity,
support and a nest we can come back to again and again.
The system was developed in the 1960’s by an anthropologist in Chile,
Professor Rolando Toro, and there are now schools for teachers all over the
world, with regular congresses in Europe and South America.