From the 7th to the 10th July, over 1000 people gathered in Eindhoven to attend the Sixth European Biodanza Congress, and celebrate 30 years of Biodanza in Europe and 50 years in the world. Following the initiative of Reinder Schoneville, the Congress Organisation Team with its 2 advisors, the IBF School Directors in the Netherlands, and the IBF Board put together a truly memorable event with 70 workshops and 50 lectures.
Their aim was to offer a 4-day Biodanza experience where facilitators and people from many different countries around the globe could meet, dance, eat, socialise and relax together in one location as a community. Here at the Biodanza Association UK we are really proud of the contribution made by our 6 members – together they facilitated a total of 4 vivencias, gave 3 talks, and offered their translation/interpretation skills.
What people are saying
Ingrid – I was impressed by the excellent and thoughtful organisation. The beautiful opening ceremony and the vivencias which I attended were great. It was wonderful to meet many lovely new people from different countries as well as connecting beautifully with treasured friends from previous events. It was a wonderful enriching experience. Well done Holland and all the contributors… and all the participants. My love remains with you always…
Miriam – The Congress was an amazing experience. Dancing at the opening and closing ceremonies with 1000 people was fantastic. It was incredible to walk around and hear so many languages, see so many people and spot the ‘big names’. But I decided to go to the smaller vivencias in the lighter rooms and there were some lovely spaces overlooking gardens and a big variety of teachers. Paula’s talk on musical semantics was interesting and moving. One of my highlights was having dinner (and a laugh) with old friends from the Bristol School in the hotel restaurant!
Paula – For me the congress was like a whirlwind of activity! I was busy translating, sharing my passion about social action and the power of music, and assisting Ruth Strupinski with her beautiful vivencia. I danced with German and Dutch school directors, and with very experienced teachers like Claire Lewis, Veronica Toro, Raul Terren, Rolando Acuna, Alejandro Toro and Hélène Levy Benseft. How can it get better than this? I also attended the launch of the English version of Antonio Sarpe’s book Identity, Eros and Transcendence. It is a book that stems from an entire life review and the experience and knowledge gained during 30 years of Biodanza work. If you’re interested you can order your book here.
Gita – What a magnificent CONGRESS! Almost 1000 people, 5 streams every day (2 of presentations, 3 of workshops), 80 offerings excluding evening entertainment and opening/closing ceremonies. And bar hangout or meditation room for those who wanted to opt out occasionally! I am so grateful for the solo teaching slot, surprised and affirmed that 50/60 people showed up given all the ‘big names’ were also teaching at the same time. The next congress is already pencilled in my diary…..
Were you at the congress? Would you like to add your voice? We’d love to hear from you!
The next Biodanza Congress in Europe
The next European Congress will be organised by the Association of Biodanza Schools in Spain and the date has been set – July 2018. If you want to know more you can sign up to receive our newsletter.
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