Dance as a Spiritual Practice
“Have you ever considered how often your body moves?
From reading this webpage, getting out of bed, to a full-blown dance party, each task requires a body's full attention often while you are unconscious to every physical action. If you've ever felt disconnected from your body and its function, you may have experienced a lack of coordination or poor balance. This disconnection may also be impacted by or lead to dissociation, a mental defense mechanism against overwhelming stress or trauma. Individuals who feel "out of touch" with their bodies can also experience anxiety and emotional dysregulation.
Mindful movement is one great way to get back into the present moment. With the use of sensation, breath, and dance, you can benefit from an improved focus, emotional state, and relationship with yourself. What makes Dance as a Spiritual Practice different is that in addition to cultivating mindfulness, compassion and presence, these sessions are designed to connect us to the greater divine, natural, and human experience.
Dance as a Spiritual Practice is designed to promote body awareness, mindful movement, and spiritual growth. It is not intended to be a substitute for your professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other quallified health providor with any questions you have regarding medical conditions. Don't ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking help because of the information or movement techniques offered in these sessions.
Did you know adults who dance regularly can significantly reduce the risk of dementia by up to 76%?!
I learned that from my professor and other eye-opening stories and statistics about dance. “It’s not only about the physical,” she’d say, “it’s about the social engagement, the mood stabilization, and improved cognitive functions!” It was a fascinating course, to say the least. And in my heart, I knew I couldn’t be bothered to continue my education for another handful of years to become a dance therapist, but I knew I wanted to incorporate what I learned into my life as an artist...
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Jazlyn Ruiz is a professionally trained and certified dance teacher from Orlando, FL. She teaches dance techniques and mindful movement to children and adults at Orlando Ballet. Currently, Jazlyn is developing material for a program to teach children and adults "Dance as a Spiritual Practice" to integrate movement and prayer for people on their spiritual journey.