How I became a Biodanza teacher in schools, youth shelters and children’s homes
Sooner or later, we all ask ourselves, “What am I doing here?” This primordial question appears in many forms, especially when we search for our vocation or mission following a profound meditation on the meaning of life. Sometimes there is even a sense of wasted opportunities when this question is formulated too late in our lives. The need to find my true vocation has always been present in my life, and sometimes in a painful way. It was in the course of my relentless pursuit to find my place in the world and my mission in life that I found Biodanza.
I was fascinated with the method since my first session in 1997. From then on, Biodanza became a very important part of my life. I had reached a point where I had two certainties – I wanted to work with dance and also with children, but I did not know how. With Biodanza I finally saw the opportunity to be a Biodanza teacher and to work with children at the same time.
After the training course and the specialisation in Biodanza for children and teenagers I started to teach Biodanza in public schools of Cascais County (in Lisbon, Portugal). This project was funded by the Ministry of Education and Social Security and targeted the children of the county’s poorest neighbourhoods. Achieving remarkable results, I was invited to work in more public and private schools, youth shelters and children’s homes, taking Biodanza to thousands of children and teenagers.
Biodanza helped the children develop their potentials, express themselves and be happier
With some groups I worked continually during three or four years. As those children grew they understood the Biodanza process and the results were very significant. The benefits of Biodanza were clear to all, including the schoolteachers and the families. And I felt so grateful! I believe that I achieved Biodanza’s goal with these children. With the help of Biodanza, I helped these children to develop their potentials, to create better foundations, to truly express themselves, and to be happier.
Biodanza for Children and Teenagers Book
I thought it would be good to share my experience with others who work with children, so I wrote
the book “Biodanza for children and teenagers”. In this book, my intention is to show the importance of creating environments capable of providing positive stimuli and also of integrating enabling elements where everyone can build their own project and their own story. It is the responsibility of all of us, the family and the school, to rethink the way of being and acting towards children and teenagers.
I introduce the Biodanza system as a means through which children and young people can express their genetic potential. I emphasize the importance of affection and emotions in laying the foundations, and how Biodanza can work with these in a progressive and harmonious way.
I hope that this book will be a useful contribution to those who are or want to be facilitators in this wonderful area. My wish that it will be a practical manual to help prepare Biodanza sessions for these age groups. Above all, it’s an invitation to use the Biodanza method in a prophylactic way, contributing to a better and healthier society!
About Manuela Robert
Manuela Robert is a Didactic teacher of Biodanza SRT. Over the last 15 years she has been leading Biodanza groups and socially engaged projects in schools, children’s homes, youth shelters, care homes for older people and prisons.
Testimonial
“Biodanza for Children and Teenagers is highly recommended for Biodanza teachers. I read it and throughly enjoyed it. It is useful and inspiring even if you don’t teach children and adolescents. The first part presents the Biodanza system with theoretical texts based on the writings of Rolando Toro, the second part focuses on structuring classes to suit the various age groups and the third part gives case studies.” ~ Jill Goodwin, Biodanza Association UK Secretary
How to purchase the book
This is a wonderful book for qualified IBF teachers.
Update on 5th October 2022 – BAUK no longer has copies of this book. Please contact the author directlly to find out more
Dear friends,
I would love to buy the book Biodanza for children and teenagers written by Manuela Robert. Could you suggest how can I do it? At the moment I’m in London. Maybe I can go some place to buy it.
I will be appreciate for your answer.
With love,
Diana ( Biodanza facilitator from Latvia)