Syzygy Dance Project Founders & History
The Full Story
The inspiration for Syzygy Dance Project comes from the heart of Sylvie Minot, SDP's Executive Director. Twenty years ago, while assisting a dance class at an AIDS conference, Sylvie discovered her calling to bring movement to those unlikely to access it. She was profoundly moved by participants dancing in wheelchairs and with oxygen masks. One attendee remarked,
"The entire conference was about my illness and how sick I was, yet I felt more alive when I was dancing, free from the narrative of my disease."
This experience led Sylvie to recognize how many people feel trapped by their circumstances. She envisioned bringing freedom and a sense of possibility through movement to underserved communities.
Today, SDP's programs have expanded beyond the San Francisco Bay Area to reach an international audience. Sylvie now travels to facilitate movement classes worldwide, including in Mexico, Canada, Australia, and various European countries.
SDP serves people facing challenging life circumstances, corporations in need of wellness classes, health organizations, and anyone looking to heal through dance. From seniors and veterans to the visually impaired, Syzygy Dance Project continues to spread the transformative power of dance across the globe.
Sylvie Minot
Sylvie Minot is the co-founder, director, and facilitator at Syzygy Dance Project. She received her BA in Dance from San Jose State University and a Master's Degree in Theology, Spirituality, and Holistic Health. She is a certified 5Rhythms® Teacher trained by 5Rhythms founder Gabrielle Roth, as well as a Heartbeat teacher.
Sylvie has studied psychology, indigenous healing rituals, energy medicine, and sound healing. The teachings of cultural anthropologist Angeles Arrien, author Caroline Myss, and Peruvian sound healer Tito La Rosa inspire her.
Since 2000, Sylvie has taught weekly dance classes and workshops for various populations. Sylvie is often described as a catalytic shape-shifter because of her ability to meet people right where they are and move with them into new possibilities.
You can read more about Sylvie on her personal website SylvieMinot.com.
Wendy Heffner
Wendy Heffner is the co-founder, trainer, and teacher at Syzygy Dance Project. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 25 years of experience in private practice. She has completed extensive training in integrating the 5Rhythms with psychotherapy.
Wendy has been using dance as a practice for over 20 years and believes deeply in the power of dance to create positive change. She also serves on the board for SDP.
"When we cultivate a clear seeing, kind presence with ourselves and our vulnerability, along with the ability to connect with and listen to our embodied wisdom, new possibilities emerge, intimacy deepens." - Wendy
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