​As the U.S. presidential election draws near, I am filled with anticipation for November 3rd.

​I search for a ray of hope--a sign that we will find our way out of this aching disparity.

Where do you find hope?  What offers you a glimpse of light, a place to breathe, and the freedom to let go?

I practice being with my anticipation, the unknowns, and my feelings of hope. I allow these feelings to expand and contract with my breath--breathing through my emotions until my breath becomes soft and connects with my inner joy.  

For me, when you move to music, you can also breathe through your emotions to release your joy. As you step about your space, you lose your body into the beat. Your mind softens, and your breathing intensifies, carrying you to a state of relaxation and, finally: joy.

Neuroscientists at Columbia University discovered that when you move your body in tune with the rhythm of music, the positive effects of music amplifies. To make the most of a dance experience is to synchronize your movement with the beat, so you increase the amount of joy you feel afterward. (Psychology-Spot.com)

I want to dance with the beat and breath in this week's class to embody the space where hope lives and joy springs forth.

Connecting with hope and moving toward joy isn't a solution to the world's problems but can be a positive beacon in darker times to helps us see a way forward into the light.

With love,
Sylvie and the SDP Team

PS. No dance experience is needed for Sylvie's classes! Beginners are always welcome!​

5Rhythms is a simple movement practice designed to release the dancer that lives in every body regardless of shape, size, age, or experience. While the dance itself is simple, it has the power to catalyze deep healing and creative expression.

The primary teaching of this work is: If you put your psyche in motion, it will heal itself.

The five rhythms are Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and Stillness. They come together to create a wave. There are no dance steps to follow. Each rhythm has a different energy and tempo in which you tap into the wisdom of your body, bring awareness to the patterns in yourself and your life, and find your individual expression.

In Sylvie Minot’s weekly online 5Rhythms class, you will be led on a journey of self-discovery as we come together in community. The class is made up of two waves. The first wave is your time to arrive, let go of your day and settle into your body. During the second wave, we dance more deeply and explore a specific theme.

Any level of fitness, agility and ages are invited to participate. All are welcome and no prior dance training or ability is required.

​About Sylvie Minot 

Sylvie Minot received her BA in Dance from San Jose State University and is a certified 5Rhythms® Teacher who was also trained in the Heartbeat (emotional) map by Gabrielle Roth.

Sylvie has studied psychology, indigenous healing rituals, energy medicine, and sound healing and is inspired by the teachings of Angeles Arrien, Carolyn Myss, and Tito La Rosa.

​Since 2000, Sylvie has taught weekly dance classes and workshops for a variety of 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.