I for one have been amongst many in the UK in completing my Biodanza training and then starting classes for the public, with some initial enthusiasm and then experiencing class numbers dwindling.
How come I think, as I experience Biodanza as being holistic and magnificent and with some lovely people to spend time with and connecting with, in our dances to music from nations that covers large parts of our globe?
The answer to that conundrum is partly hidden from me, and probably fairly visible if I could find the cloak that’s hiding it from my eyes.
So, one of my insights in how I might turn this situation around and getting people to like Biodanza, is that some of the people who turn up to the classes barely know each other. Therefore, one of the things to build up between people is a kind of magnetic resonance (my creating community) – i.e., in simple terms, getting to know more about each other, what needs and wants do we have, being able to share our inner worlds with confidence, that those sharings will be respected and treated with confidentiality. When we know more, we are open to trust and like each other better. I remember writing about this exact topic (on successful human integration) in my Biodanza monograph, and here it is below:
Trust
Trust – in ourselves & our experiences to be a valid part of who we are
↓
Vulnerability
Vulnerability – letting ourselves open up, and our armour can start to fall away
↓
Openness
Openness – to others & what we feel, need and want. Incorporating others perspectives gains importance
↓
Expression
Expression – our confidence is increased & that we give ourselves permission that expressiveness is part of who we are
↓
Freedom into Change
Freedom – our light grows bigger & fears start to drop away – building and boosting, self-confidence, self-esteem & self-awareness
‘Once we trust ourselves to express ourselves authentically, miracles can happen.’
Community Building – so in the above comments I realise that if I can find ways of bringing people together in a social setting with Biodanza still being a (necessary) part of the process, then there is a future for me in creating a Biodanza community, and hence I can practice Biodanza with people in my local community.
At this point you are wondering, yes but how are you creating community I hear you think? I’m fortunate of having an open plan lounge space at my home and there is enough room for a few dancers (not sure of maximum yet), and so the plan of my community building events at my house of this type are:
- Create a mini Biodanza vivencia that we can dance and move to (about 45 minutes to an hour in length).
- Post vivencia we all participate in a bring and share pot-luck dinner that everyone thinks about and contributes to. Hence, it’s not all down to me to supply all the food and drink. I find the food criteria of being vegetarian/vegan is generally acceptable.
- Whilst eating and afterwards we chat with each other so that we get to know more about what’s going on for each other. I’m finding this part is good, as some good and strong relationships are starting to be built between people. I might be a facilitator, and I’m also just one of the people, and that there is no hierarchy in the discussions.
A recent photo of us:
So having been doing this ‘creating community’ for about a year, I know that it’s working and it’s good preparation for future Biodanza classes in the more public domain where more people can attend.
How could I keep on creating community:
- Get people to share in our communication channel (in this case WhatsApp) other events that people want to go to, and want company.
- Social gatherings together – picnic in park, meet in cafés, other dance events.
- Knowing each other’s birthdays so that they can be celebrated.
- Being there to listen to people if they need some support or just to be heard and explore their feelings.
This creating community at my house feels like a healthy stepping stone towards a healthy Biodanza community going forward.
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