CHP Magazines CHP Magazine Winter 2019 #14 | Page 65

ground into the vibration of the earth and feel this vibration dance through us. As everyone loosened up they felt more and more comfortable to literally dance with awareness but like nobody was watching. This is not a dance class – there are no steps to learn but the energy that is generated is electric. Using your voice for authentic expression is highly encouraged as making sound helps with the release of blockages. At varying stages throughout the afternoon there was yelling, screaming, wild laughter and sobbing. Wow, wow, wow . We asked Shell a couple of questions to clarify the experience: What is the significance of the Cacao Ceremony to Kundalini Dance? Kundalini Dance is an amazing process that encourages grounding into Earth feminine energy (Shakti) . Through the breath, sound and dance movement this energy flows through the chakra system of the body and brings into conscious awareness any areas where energy may be stagnant or blocked. As the blocks are danced through and cleared a feeling of lightness and love fills the spaces as the energy flows upwards and then back down to the heart to seek union with the masculine(Shiva) . This is alchemy in action. The doorway to this transformation is through the heart chakra and the sacred cacao can provide a deepening of this experience as it helps open the heart to love. Chakras – what are Chakras? The chakras are energetic centres that our energy naturally flows through. Chakra translated means spinning wheel. There are said to be 7 wheels or centres contained within the physical body – this information has come to the west from ancient Sanskrit texts and has been circulated widely with the growth of the yoga movement. These centres are located along the spinal column starting at the base of the spine and move upwards to the crown of the head. Each chakra resonates with a different colour, sound, sense, element and function within the human body. This energy that flows through the body is given many names in the east– prana, chi, lifeforce. Western science is only now beginning to unravel what the ancients have always known. at school who got her mum to write a note so I could skip dance class. Early in 2018 I signed up to dance a Kundalini Dance Series in Brisbane. A series goes for 7 consecutive weeks – Week 1 starts at the Root Chakra and then winds week by week through each of the chakras until it finishes at the Crown. I have been on a journey of self discovery for a long time and I found Kundalini Dance to be an amazing personal growth tool that quickly and safely encourages emotions to rise and be released. Oh, and its lots of Fun. So Dance – sure – bring it on. Teach it – Never. I should never say Never!!! Through a series of serendipitous events in September 2018 I found myself in Bali with my best friend of 40 years learning how to teach this amazing modality with the founder and creator of the dance Leyolah Antara. Leyolah is truly one of the most amazing women I have ever met – real, authentic and on her own personal mission to help raise the consciousness of humanity. 24 beautiful souls from all around the world gathered and together we danced, cried, screamed, howled, prayed and found hidden aspects of ourselves that allowed us to pass through the doorway from dancer to teacher. Teaching Kundalini Dance is an evolution for me –the more I dance, the more I learn about myself, the more I heal and the more able I am to hold the space for others on their own healing journey. So, is Kundalini Dance tm a healing modality? Many things are healing – watching a sunrise, a walk in nature, holding a new born baby – anything that connects us back in with ourselves gives us an opportunity for awareness and healing. Kundalini Dance offers a safe space to connect with ourselves and freely express without fear of judgement. At times it can get very noisy as we allow all those sounds we have repressed previously to find a voice. When we feel safe, we can let go. And the self can heal – through love. Is it Kundalini Yoga? No its not. I love Kundalini Yoga but there is no connection between the dance and the yoga style. Can anybody dance? My personal classes are for 18years and older. There are classes offered by others that are structured for young adults. Some dances are for Women only, some for Men only and some are integrated. Each has its own peculiar energy but all are very powerful. Michelle - [email protected] Where did you learn to teach Kundalini Dance? Well long story short, I’ve been teaching Yoga for a few years now but never in my wildest dreams did I ever consider teaching dance. I was the kid Autumn 2019 65