More than a quarter of a century ago I was lucky to discover a form of free-expression dance called the Five Rhythms. As one who had spent most of my life in my head, it was incredibly liberating to re-inhabit and deeply explore the rest of my body through my emotions. I have surrendered to the dance and my body has danced me.
Around the same time I was introduced to Ida Kelarova, who taught through singing, that there is no such thing as a “bad” emotion, that all feelings offer us the possibility of connecting our inner hearts with the world out there. I learned that even the darkest energies of Rage and Grief can be transformed into beauty if we give them generously to the Universe, instead of grasping them tight to ourselves, making us feel special in our self pity and self-righteousness, or projecting responsibility onto those around us.
I have not danced since my condition became apparent. Tonight I hope to dance again among good friends in Cambridge, where Lavinia and I have so often danced before. Physically, I will be exploring new territory having lost significant control and balance on my Right side, so I look forward to new discoveries. Emotionally it should be a blast!