Come on a DanceJourney
There are no steps to learn and no rules to follow - all that is a required is a willingness to let go and experience the pleasure of discovering your own way of moving to music, from trance to tribal, pop to meditative. If you're aged between 18 and 80, no matter what your level of fitness or bodyshape, then it's for you.
Moving to music is a way of entering, another world - of feeling, of being, of ecstasy. It can liberate you from your normal state of being and provide a creative way of relating to other people. It's also fantastic exercise! By the end of the evening, you'll be in a different place from where you started.
Those who have never been to a dance group before are very welcome.
Moving to music is a way of entering, another world - of feeling, of being, of ecstasy. It can liberate you from your normal state of being and provide a creative way of relating to other people. It's also fantastic exercise! By the end of the evening, you'll be in a different place from where you started.
Those who have never been to a dance group before are very welcome.
What happens on a DanceJourney?
There is warm-up music between 7.30 and 8pm whilst people arrive, followed by a five-minute opening circle in which fire and safety notices are given and we introduce ourselves to each other. Please note that there is no admittance after 8pm. During the warmup, it is advisable to do gentle exercises in order to stretch your muscles in preparation for dancing. If you want to dance too however, that's fine.
At 8pm we take the first steps on our DanceJourney. The music begins gently, gradually building in energy and tempo towards the middle of the evening. Towards the end of the evening the experience becomes more playful, then deeper and more meditative. You are free to move in whatever way you wish, or even not move at all if you wish to take a break.
If you wish to chat to someone, please do so in the lobby area, as the sound of other people talking can be very disruptive when one is lost in a piece of music or one's own dance process.
The evening ends at about 9.50pm in a closing circle during which we can take a few minutes to appreciate the sound of silence, not only around us but within ourselves, and we can share any experiences, feelings or thoughts that occurred during the evening.
At 8pm we take the first steps on our DanceJourney. The music begins gently, gradually building in energy and tempo towards the middle of the evening. Towards the end of the evening the experience becomes more playful, then deeper and more meditative. You are free to move in whatever way you wish, or even not move at all if you wish to take a break.
If you wish to chat to someone, please do so in the lobby area, as the sound of other people talking can be very disruptive when one is lost in a piece of music or one's own dance process.
The evening ends at about 9.50pm in a closing circle during which we can take a few minutes to appreciate the sound of silence, not only around us but within ourselves, and we can share any experiences, feelings or thoughts that occurred during the evening.
What Do I wear?
Please wear loose clothing as you may get very hot. Male and female changing facilities and toilets are available. You can dance in in bare feet as the sprung wooden floor is smooth. You can also wear dance shoes, but not street shoes, as these could lead to injury.
Safety
DanceJourney is an alcohol and drug-free environment. All you'll need is plenty of water. Either bring your own or drink the tap water provided. It is important to drink more water than you think you need, to avoid dehydration and stiffness the following morning.
Please take care of yourself physically so as to avoid injuring yourself or other dancers, i.e. look where you are going so as to avoid crashing into people, and be aware of your own muscular or other physical limitations. You are responsible for your own health and safety during the evening.
Please take care of yourself physically so as to avoid injuring yourself or other dancers, i.e. look where you are going so as to avoid crashing into people, and be aware of your own muscular or other physical limitations. You are responsible for your own health and safety during the evening.
When is it?
Some time around the Spring Equinox, next year (2010)
Let me know if you're thinking of coming, so I can get an idea of numbers beforehand!
Let me know if you're thinking of coming, so I can get an idea of numbers beforehand!
What does it cost?
It's on a donation basis, with a suggested donation of between £5 and £10, but all donations are welcomed. I need to cover the cost of hiring the hall and purchasing music, and hopefully something towards the purchase of new lighting and speakers. There will be a donation box at the entrance.
Will it be ongoing?
If enough people turn up and want to do it on a regular basis, it may become a regular event. So do come along, and tell your friends too!
Where is it?
Harwood Hall, Christ Church, Malvern Road, Cheltenham. See map below.
Who organises it?
DanceJourney is organised by Graham Boston. Email me if you have any questions or to let me know you are coming.