“You dance love, and you dance joy, and you dance dreams.”
_Gene Kelly
Everyone knows about the five senses of perception, yet there are two senses involved in dance that have a profound effect on our experience of self and the world. These are our kinetic sense and proprioception. Both these senses are intricately involved with our physicality. They contribute to our awareness not only of our bodies and their movements, but also our relationship to the space around them. Moving through space with a greater awareness of ourselves and experiencing this through our bodies is a powerful way to connect with a sense of self. Usually, these movement experiences are carried out unconsciously as they form part of our learnt patterns of behaviour. What dance can do is bring awareness to the forefront so that our connection to our bodies and self is deepened.
In essence, dance serves as a transformative practice that opens up the possibility of a profound journey of self-discovery. The integration of music and movement means that not only are we experiencing the dance physically, with all the benefits that may have, but also emotionally through the music. The integration of physical and emotional aspects expands our perception. It feels as if the dance unveils the hidden secrets of the world, inviting us to participate with others and the world around us in more meaningful ways.
The movements we make in the dance are not only experienced physically. They are imbued with emotion and meaning leading to a richer experience of life. With greater awareness comes compassion, empathy, and love. We learn to love ourselves, others, and the world when we dance through it with passion and intensity – the complete opposite of gently strolling through life!
_Christos Daskalakos
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