I have been shadow dancing this morning. It is a strategy that I suggested to some of my students: to overcome creative inertia, try dancing around it. Or diving into it. Or changing the station.
Dancing around it means that I am doing the opposite of honing in. I am shifting focus, paying attention to whatever is flickering at the edge of consciousness and being lighter, more fluid and delicate in my physical self.
There is a tendency when writing or working here – in this digital place where we meet – to get stolid, turgic, thick-feeling in the body. So finding ways to bring in lightness and less density is a good way to shadow dance.
How do you engage your playful body as you are working?
Beautiful Paula. I love the idea of ‘shadow dancing’. I just learned about you – would love to study with you and see you perform. I am a dancer, writer, visual artist, Nia teacher, and an equestrian educator. I dance before I ride. I dance before I paint. I dance every day to keep my energy moving. I am the creator of Nia For Equestrians®. Incredible movement practice that combines dance, martial arts, healing arts. Horses love it too! Just wrote this story you can read it here .
http://www.nianow.com/story/2012/02/nia-for-equestrians-a-synchronous-partnership
Beautiful Paula. I love the idea of ‘shadow dancing’. I just learned about you – would love to study with you and see you perform. I am a dancer, writer, visual artist, Nia teacher, and an equestrian educator. I dance before I ride. I dance before I paint. I dance every day to keep my energy moving. I am the creator of Nia For Equestrians®. Incredible movement practice that combines dance, martial arts, healing arts. Horses love it too!
Just wrote this story.
Hi Randee,
Thank you for writing! I am just finishing teaching an online class called Breaking into Blossom: Moving into an Improvisational Life. That will be an eBook available for purchase in mid-March. I do guest teaching and perhaps we could talk about doing something at your facility. If you look at my website under coaching and classes, perhaps that will spark some ideas. Look forward to connecting a bit more.
Paula
Fantastic Paula. I really am enjoying looking at and reading your website – the more I read, the more I find! Brilliant! I have an incredible dance studio – 1500 square foot with sprung floor on my ranch and an arena as well as three horses. I will keep reading and see what sparks. Perhaps a combined workshop that would include both of our work. I also posted your website to my Facebook page to inspire others.
Sounds good Randee. Your place sounds amazing! Let me know your thoughts. And thank you for sharing my site on FB.