Dancing Together: Exploring Relationship through Movement and Dance

January 5, 2007 (Laramie, WY) --Confucius said, "If we could understand dance, we would understand the
workings of the universe." Dance is a microcosm of life itself, for it expresses physically what is present emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. For this reason, dance serves as a powerful mirror. In observing our movements, we discover--through posture, rhythm, range, and tone--our feelings and desires as well as our fears and blocks to self-expression.

Dance can be especially useful in revealing relational patterns--how we interact with peers, authority figures, or intimate partners. The way in which we enter into the dance, our tendency to lead or follow, our physical proximity, and how we disengage mirrors our day-to-day interactions. Do we express ourselves truthfully? Are we spontaneous and flexible in response to our partner? How do we establish boundaries
and negotiate differences? Do we take risks or conform to others? Do we favor intimacy or independence, receptivity or assertiveness? Can we be playful, powerful, still, sensuous? Where do we come up against our edges and what do we do when we encounter them?

This type of dance class does not require prior dance experience. Simple movement exercises encourage students to find the rhythms and moves that feel best to them. Many report that the class helps build their dance vocabulary. Some participants choose to bring a partner, friend, or child to the class to investigate relational issues between them. Others come solo and experience various partnering relationships.
Habitual ways of relating arise regardless of which partner we choose.

Dance is a potent means of developing community. It levels social hierarchy, provides a wholesome and pleasurable means of relaxation, offers a safe way to interact socially, and creates an opportunity for creative expression.

Experimenting on the dance floor is a fun way to discover our relational "dance steps" and explore constructive alternatives.

Dancing Together: Exploring Relationship through Movement & Dance

Saturday, February 17, 1:00-4:00 pm University of Wyoming, Beta House,

Medicine Bow Room

Fee: $79

Instructor: Diane Henn, Somatic Psychotherapist, Movement Educator,

303-440-8710, dmhenn@earthlink.net

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For more information, please contact
Sheila Atwood-Couture at
(307) 766-5641 or satwood@uwyo.edu.

Dancing Together: Exploring Relationship through Movement and Dance

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