Dance Creates Meaning

“Dance is the timeless interpretation of Life.”

_Shah Asad Rizvi

From the moment we are born, our physical presence is the foundation of all that follows. It is through the body that we encounter the world around us, and it is through movement that we learn. Each interaction with life awakens feelings; each movement is guided by comfort or discomfort. These feelings are embodied experiences. They are not abstract but experiences that guide us towards what is life-giving. In this movement meaning begins to emerge as each experience is registered in our nervous system and reflected up in the mind.

Dance brings this process into focus. In movement we engage in three interrelated spheres. The physical body is in motion generating sensations that stir up emotions. As we oscillate between movements that evoke emotions and emotions that are elicited through movement, conscious dance opens up the field to thoughts and insights.

This is why dance is such a powerful practice. It grounds us in our full presence of our physicality while music and movement awaken emotion. Reflection opens up the space to engage in the art of making meaning. In dance this process is embodied which makes it easy to transfer into our everyday lives. Day by day, our dances imprint themselves on our lives, giving them meaning.

_Christos Daskalakos