Reflective Dance Practice

A meditation practice for kinesthetic people.
With Winky Wheeler
Third Friday of the Month
6:30 - 9:30 pm
$15 - $30 sliding scale
Pre-registration is not required, but we'd love to know if you're planning to attend.
Contact Winky at wwd@comcast.net

Held at:
Momentum Studio • 1028 SE Water Avenue #250 • Portland Oregon

My thoughts on this practice:

It may seem odd to dancers to find a contemplative practice being offered on a Friday night. It's counter intuitive to our cultural idea that Friday nights are for blowing off the week with rambunctious activity! In fact, when I first started offering Reflective Dance Practice in April of 2007, I thought I might be nuts! In those early days I had a bit of a hard time getting myself there.. the idea of curling up on the couch and zoning out with a movie and a glass of red wine was greatly appealing ~ but ~ as the practice took root and unfurled itself I found that a contemplative practice on Friday night is perfect*. Now I look forward to it knowing I'll go home feeling refreshed, delighted by the experience and feeling deeply connected (sometimes reconnected) to myself and to the other dancers. It's a lovely way to end the week!

Specifics about Reflective Dance Practice

The simple structure of Reflective Dance Practice, when outlined, frankly sounds uninspiring. But, as with many things, it's within its' simplicity that the power resides. The session combines periods of sitting meditation with sections of solo and group movement. The opening circle outlines the sequence and a group intention is offered. The transitions between activities are noted by the ringing of a bell. Once the session commences there isn't any further instruction or spoken word.

Participants are encouraged to be comfortable by dressing in layers including warm socks, bring a water bottle and perhaps a cushion to sit on. Momentum Studio provides yoga mats, simple cushions and blankets. There is a water dispenser onsite.

I have found this simple approach to movement and meditation brings us closer to our intuition and that the connections amongst the dancers has a wonderful quality of intimacy and trust. Meeting once a month brings us into greater sensitivity to the seasonal cycles and the ways in which our lives, emotions and beings are influenced by these natural rhythms.

I invite you to join us....slow down, stretch into your senses, and surrender to the process. You'll be glad you did!

*so much so that we added Gestures and Inquiry to our Friday night schedule.

For more information or registration:
Winky at wwd@comcast.net