Open Floor Dance is a conscious movement practice that
combines elements of dance, mindfulness, and self-expression. It provides a
space for individuals to explore their bodies, emotions, and creativity through
movement. Open Floor Dance sessions are typically facilitated by trained
teachers who guide participants through a variety of music and movement
exercises.
In Open Floor Dance, there are no specific choreographed
steps or routines to follow. Instead, participants are encouraged to move in
ways that feel authentic and natural to them, allowing their bodies to express
themselves freely. The focus is on the individual's personal experience and
self-discovery, rather than on external performance or judgment.
Open Floor Dance draws inspiration from various movement
modalities, including contemporary dance, somatic practices, and mindfulness.
It promotes body awareness, emotional intelligence, and connection with oneself
and others. Through movement, participants can release tension, express
emotions, increase vitality, and cultivate a greater sense of well-being.
Open floor dance is not limited to any particular genre
or music. The dancers can choose to dance to any kind of music they like, be it
pop, jazz, rock, electronic, or traditional. The dancers are free to express
their emotions through movement and music, creating a unique and personal dance
experience.
One of the core principles of open floor dance is
inclusivity. Open Floor Dance sessions are open to people of all ages,
backgrounds, and abilities. The practice emphasizes inclusivity, respect, and
non-judgment, creating a welcoming and safe environment for participants to
explore and express themselves through movement.
Benefits
Open Floor Dance offers a range of benefits for
participants. Here are some of the main advantages associated with this
practice:
1. Self-expression:
Open Floor Dance provides a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to
express themselves authentically through movement. It allows for the
exploration of emotions, creativity, and personal expression.
2. Mind-body
connection: Engaging in conscious movement through Open Floor Dance promotes a
deep connection between the mind and body. It helps individuals become more
aware of their bodily sensations, emotions, and thoughts, fostering a greater
sense of self-awareness and embodiment.
3. Stress
reduction: Moving the body in a free and expressive way can help release physical
and emotional tension, promoting relaxation and stress reduction. Open Floor
Dance offers an opportunity to let go of stress and connect with a sense of
inner peace and well-being.
4. Physical
exercise: It is an excellent form of exercise that improves flexibility,
coordination, balance, and overall physical health.
5. Emotional
release: Dance has the power to facilitate the release of pent-up emotions and
provide a healthy outlet for emotional expression. Open Floor Dance allows
participants to move through and process their feelings, promoting emotional
release and catharsis.
6. Increased
vitality and energy: Engaging in movement and dance can invigorate the body and
increase overall vitality. Open Floor Dance sessions often involve a variety of
music and rhythms, which can help boost energy levels and uplift mood.
7. Connection
and community: Open Floor Dance sessions provide a communal experience where
individuals come together to move and connect. It offers opportunities for
social interaction, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging within a
supportive and inclusive community.
8. Body
awareness and self-care: Through Open Floor Dance, participants develop a
deeper awareness of their bodies, movement patterns, and physical capabilities.
This heightened body awareness can lead to improved self-care practices and a
greater understanding of one's physical needs and boundaries.
What sets open floor dance apart from other dance forms
is its focus on the present moment. In open floor dance, the dancer is
encouraged to be fully present in their body and the experience of the dance.
This fosters a deep sense of mindfulness, helping dancers to be more aware of
their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations.
Facilitation and structure
The practice of open floor dance is often facilitated by
trained instructors who guide the dancers through the experience. The
facilitator's role is to create a safe and supportive environment that
encourages self-expression and creativity while providing guidance and
structure when needed.
Open floor dance is often practiced in groups, creating a
sense of community and connection amongst participants. The dance floor becomes
a sacred space where dancers can connect and communicate through movement,
fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
Participants of open floor dance often report
experiencing a profound sense of liberation and catharsis. The practice
encourages dancers to take risks and explore their creative potential, leading
to a sense of empowerment and liberation. It can be a transformative experience
that helps individuals to break free from limiting beliefs and patterns and
connect with their true selves.
Open floor dance is often practiced at events and
festivals, adding to the celebratory and festive atmosphere. It is a great way
to connect with like-minded individuals and celebrate the diversity of human
expression.
The structure of Open Floor Dance sessions can vary
depending on the facilitator, the duration of the session, and the specific
intention or theme of the class. However, there are some common elements that
are often included in Open Floor Dance practices. Here is a general overview of
the structure:
1. Arrival
and Warm-Up: The session typically begins with a period of arrival where
participants gather and settle into the space. The facilitator may lead a
gentle warm-up to prepare the body for movement, which can include stretching,
breath awareness, and simple movement exercises.
2. Guided
Movement Exploration: The facilitator guides participants through various
movement explorations, inviting them to connect with their bodies, sensations,
and emotions. This can involve a range of movement exercises, improvisation
prompts, and invitations to explore different qualities of movement, such as
rhythm, speed, or dynamics.
3. Free
Dance: A significant portion of the session is dedicated to free dance, where
participants have the opportunity to move in their own unique way without
specific instructions or choreography. This time is often accompanied by a
diverse selection of music that supports different moods and rhythms.
4. Integration
and Closing: Towards the end of the session, there is typically a period of
integration and reflection. Participants may be invited to come back to
stillness, engage in gentle grounding exercises, or share reflections in a
closing circle. This time allows for integration of the experiences and a
gradual transition back to everyday awareness.
It's important to note that Open Floor Dance emphasizes a
non-judgmental and inclusive atmosphere, where participants are encouraged to
listen to their bodies, honor their boundaries, and move in ways that feel
authentic to them. The facilitator's role is to hold the space, offer guidance,
and create a supportive environment for individual and collective exploration.
History of Open Floor Dance
Open Floor Dance is a relatively new movement practice
that emerged in the late 20th century. It was developed by a group of movement
teachers, including Andrea Juhan, Lori Saltzman, and Kathy Altman, who drew
inspiration from various somatic disciplines, therapeutic modalities, and
expressive arts.
The roots of Open Floor Dance can be traced back to the
1970s and 1980s when the founders were involved in different movement practices
and explored the intersection of body awareness, dance, and personal growth.
They integrated elements from disciplines such as Gabrielle Roth's 5Rhythms,
Gestalt therapy, Body-Mind Centering, Authentic Movement, and mindfulness
practices to develop a unique approach to movement and dance.
In 2005, the Open Floor International organization was
formed to promote and support the growth of Open Floor Dance worldwide. Since
then, Open Floor Dance has gained recognition as a distinct movement practice
and has attracted a growing community of practitioners and facilitators around
the globe.
Global Website: https://openfloor.org/
