​Conscious dance forms encompass a range of terms not typically found in standard dictionaries. Below is a useful compilation of commonly used conscious dance terminology and their meanings

5Rhythms: A movement meditation practice developed by Gabrielle Roth, consisting of five rhythms—Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and Stillness—designed to explore the body's natural movement and rhythms.

5Rhythms Medicine Circle: A gathering in the 5Rhythms community for healing through movement practice. Participants come together to explore Medicine Circle movement's transformative power in a safe and sacred space. It offers emotional release, spiritual connection, and personal growth.

5Rhythms Wave: A foundational practice in 5Rhythms, developed by Gabrielle Roth, consisting of five rhythms--Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and Stillness—performed sequentially as a continuous movement meditation. Participants move through each rhythm in a wave-like pattern, starting with gentle, fluid movements in Flowing, gradually building energy and intensity through Staccato, reaching a peak of wild abandon in Chaos, flowing into creative expression in Lyrical, and finally surrendering into deep stillness and integration in Stillness. The 5Rhythms Wave is a dynamic journey of self-discovery and transformation, allowing participants to explore and embody the full spectrum of human experience through movement.

A

Alexander Technique: A method developed by Frederick Matthias Alexander to improve posture, movement, and coordination by identifying and changing habitual patterns of movement. It emphasizes increased awareness and mindfulness to promote more efficient and balanced ways of moving and performing daily activities.

Authentic Movement: A practice where dancers move in response to internal impulses, often with eyes closed, to explore their inner experiences.

B

Biodanza: A system of self-development using music, movement, and positive feelings to deepen self-awareness, created by Rolando Toro.

Body-Mind Centering: A somatic practice developed by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, focusing on the embodiment of anatomical, physiological, and developmental principles through movement, touch, and imagery. BMC explores the interconnectedness of body and mind, emphasizing experiential learning and self-discovery to enhance movement efficiency, creativity, and overall well-being.

Body Scan: A mindfulness practice involving systematically directing attention to different parts of the body, often used to increase awareness of bodily sensations and promote relaxation.

Breathwork: Techniques involving conscious control and manipulation of the breath, often used to regulate emotions, increase energy, and induce relaxation.

C

Centering: A practice of finding balance and alignment within the body, often used in somatic disciplines to cultivate a sense of inner calm and focus.

Chakradance: A movement practice that combines spontaneous dance, music, and guided imagery to explore and balance the body's energy centers, known as chakras. Developed by Natalie Southgate, Chakradance aims to promote self-awareness, emotional healing, and spiritual growth by engaging in freeform movement and visualization exercises aligned with each chakra's qualities and themes.

Chaos: The third rhythm in the 5Rhythms, characterized by wild, uncontrolled movements. Chaos invites participants to let go of structure and explore spontaneity and release.

Coherence: The natural synchronization between various body systems in a healthy or relaxed state. This includes harmony and alignment between different physiological processes, such as the coordination between breath and heart rate, and the integration of various diaphragms within the body. Coherence reflects a balanced and efficient functioning of the body's systems, promoting overall well-being and optimal functioning.

Conscious Dance: A practice that emphasizes free movement, self-expression, and mindfulness. Participants are encouraged to connect with their bodies and emotions while dancing, often in a group setting.

Contact Improvisation: A dance practice where points of physical contact provide the starting point for exploration through movement improvisation.

Cycles-Psychological Freedom: A concept within movement practices like 5Rhythms, referring to the process of liberation and self-discovery through movement. Participants engage in cycles of exploration, expression, release, and integration, leading to psychological freedom. This journey involves traversing emotional landscapes, confronting inner barriers, and ultimately achieving a deeper understanding of oneself, resulting in a greater sense of inner peace and authenticity.

D

Dance Mandala: A free-form movement meditation practice that guides participants through different layers of consciousness using music and focused awareness.

Dancing Freedom: An embodied movement practice integrating dance, ritual, and community to promote personal and collective transformation. Created by Samantha Sweetwater, it encourages free-form movement, self-expression, and deep connection with the body, emotions, and nature, fostering healing and unity.

E

Ecstatic: A state of intense joy and emotional release often experienced during free-form dance practices like Ecstatic Dance.

Ecstatic Dance: A freestyle form of dance that focuses on freeform movement, often accompanied by improvised music or DJ sets. Participants are encouraged to let go of inhibitions and express themselves authentically through movement.

Embodiment: The process of inhabiting or fully experiencing the body, often used in somatic practices to describe a deep connection with bodily sensations and movements.

F

Facilitator: The facilitator is a person leading a conscious dance session, guiding participants through the practice and holding space for their experience.

Feldenkrais Method: A somatic education approach developed by Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, aiming to improve movement and function through increased awareness and exploration of bodily sensations and movement patterns. It uses gentle movement exercises and guided awareness to promote relaxation, flexibility, and improved coordination.

Flowing: One of the 5Rhythms, characterized by fluid, continuous movements. Flowing or Flow encourages participants to let go of tension and explore gentle, undulating motions.

Free-form Movement: Spontaneous, unstructured movement that arises naturally without predefined steps or choreography.

G

Gabrielle Roth's Mirrors: A deeper exploration of the 5Rhythms practice, focusing on the reflection of the self through movement and the rhythms.

Grounding: A somatic practice involving techniques to connect with the earth and increase a sense of stability and presence in the body.

H

Heartbeat: In 5Rhythms, the stage of the practice where participants connect deeply with their emotions and inner rhythms, exploring themes such as vulnerability, courage, love, and connection through movement.

Holding Space: The practice of creating and maintaining a safe, supportive environment for participants to explore and express themselves through movement.

I

Inner Dance: The focus on the internal experience of movement, exploring emotions, sensations, and thoughts that arise during the dance.

Integration: The process of incorporating insights and experiences from movement practices into everyday life, often through reflection, journaling, or discussion.

Intention Setting: The practice of consciously setting an intention or focus for the dance session, guiding the movement and experience.

J

Journey Dance: A transformative dance practice that combines freestyle movement, visualization, and guided exercises to promote emotional release and personal growth. Created by Toni Bergins, JourneyDance encourages self-expression and connection with the inner self, fostering a sense of freedom, joy, and empowerment.

Journeying: Using dance as a means to explore inner landscapes, often involving visualization and guided movement.

L

Laban Movement Analysis: A framework developed by Rudolf Laban and expanded upon by others, used to describe, interpret, and document human movement. LMA examines movement in terms of four components: Body, Effort, Shape, and Space. It provides a structured approach for understanding movement qualities, patterns, and dynamics, and is used in various fields including dance, theater, therapy, and education.

Lyrical: The fourth rhythm in the 5Rhythms, marked by lightness, playfulness, and fluidity. Lyrical encourages participants to express joy and creativity through graceful, expansive movements.

M

Map of the 5Rhythms: A conceptual framework developed by Gabrielle Roth to guide the practice of 5Rhythms. It consists of five primary rhythms—Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and Stillness—each representing a different energetic quality and movement pattern. Practitioners use the map as a guide for exploring the full spectrum of human experience through movement, moving sequentially through each rhythm in a dynamic and continuous dance journey. The map provides a structure for self-exploration, transformation, and integration, allowing dancers to deepen their connection with themselves and others on the dance floor.

Mindfulness Movement: The ability to be fully present and attentive to the sensations, movements, and experiences of the body in the here and now. Mindfulness in movement enhances sensory perceptions, allowing individuals to engage with their physical sensations, breath, and movements without dwelling on past negative events or worrying about future outcomes. It promotes a sense of presence, embodiment, and connection with the body, fostering greater awareness, relaxation, and well-being during movement practices.

Movement Medicine: A practice that integrates movement, shamanic principles, and therapeutic practices to promote healing, created by Susannah and Ya'Acov Darling Khan.

Movement Meditation: A practice that combines movement with meditative awareness, helping participants connect with their inner selves and the present moment.

N

NIA: NIA is the acronym for Neuromuscular Integrative Action. NIA is a holistic fitness practice created by Debbie and Carlos Rosas in the early 1980s that integrates dance, martial arts, and mindfulness. NIA emphasizes joy in movement, body awareness, and emotional expression. It offers a cardio workout that can be adapted to all fitness levels, promoting overall well-being and personal transformation.

O

Open Floor: An embodied movement practice that integrates elements of various movement modalities, including dance, mindfulness, and somatics. Participants engage in exploratory movement sessions guided by trained facilitators, focusing on self-expression, connection, and personal growth. Open Floor sessions offer a safe and inclusive space for individuals to move, explore, and cultivate presence, vitality, and well-being through movement.

P

Pendulation: The natural rhythm of movement between constriction and release inherent in all physical systems. In Somatic Experiencing, it also refers to shifting awareness between past events and the present to facilitate processing and integration of experiences.

R

Resonance: The shared energetic connection and mutual influence between dancers in a group, enhancing the collective experience.

Ritual: Structured, ceremonial elements integrated into dance practices to create a sense of sacredness and intentionality.

S
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Sacred Space: The intentional creation of a physical or energetic space where dance practice takes place, often treated with reverence and respect.

Somatic: Relating to or involving the body, particularly bodily sensations and experiences. Somatic practices often focus on increasing awareness of bodily sensations and using movement to release tension and promote well-being.

Somatic Experiencing: A therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine for healing trauma and stress-related disorders. It focuses on resolving trauma symptoms by addressing physiological and neurological impacts on the body. Through gentle techniques, it facilitates the processing and integration of traumatic experiences, restoring a sense of safety and resilience.

Soul Dance: A spiritual and meditative dance practice that focuses on connecting with the inner self and expressing one's soul through movement.

Soul Motion: A conscious dance practice created by Vinn Arjuna Martí (Vincent Martínez-Grieco), emphasizing presence, connection, and awareness through guided and free-form movement.

Staccato: The second rhythm in the 5Rhythms, marked by sharp, percussive movements. Staccato encourages participants to express energy and assertiveness through precise, rhythmic gestures.

Stillness: The fifth rhythm in the 5Rhythms, representing a state of deep inner quiet and presence. Stillness invites participants to connect with the present moment and experience inner peace and clarity.

Sweat Your Prayers: In 5Rhythms, Sweat Your Prayers a session where participants engage in uninhibited movement exploration, letting emotions and energy flow freely. It's an intense, authentic dance experience, often likened to a form of prayer or meditation.

T

Trance: A state of altered consciousness achieved through dance, breathwork, or repetitive movement, often used for healing and insight.

Trance Dance: A ritualistic dance practice that combines dynamic movement, breathing techniques, and sensory deprivation (e.g., blindfolds) to induce a trance state for healing and insight.

W

Wave: In 5Rhythms, a sequence of moving through the five rhythms (Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and Stillness), often referred to as a "Wave."

Witnessing: The practice of observing oneself or others in movement without judgment, often used in practices like Authentic Movement.

Y

YogaDance: A fusion practice combining yoga postures, breath work, and expressive dance movements. YogaDance nurtures the body, mind, and spirit by promoting flexibility, strength, balance, and creative expression, integrating the mindful principles of yoga with the fluidity of dance.