What is Biodanza?
The word Biodanza literally means the “dance of life.” Chilean anthropologist and psychologist Rolando Toro created Biodanza in the 1960s as a form of self-development through music, movement, expression & invitational encounters. In his words it is “a system of affective integration, organic renovation and relearning of the original life functions” with the aim to:
- stimulate the joy of being,
- promote internal integration and
- reconnect us as human beings.
Biodanza can be found in more than 50 countries around the world. The essence and arc of Biodanza–whether you are in Santiago, Lisbon, Cape Town or Providence– is always the same: a trained Biodanza facilitator skillfully weaves together music (ranging from rhythmic to restful) and dance invitations (accessible to anyone, always “at choice”) with group encounters that stimulate connection.
Following an arc that respects our human physiology, these three essential ingredients create conditions for the arising of vivencias, or “an experience lived with great intensity in the “here-now” that produces emotional, kinaesthetic and visceral effects.” It is through these intense experiences of both individual and collective presence that we reconnect to life.
Biodanza explores 5 primary lines of vivencia (from the Spanish word “vivir”, meaning “to live”):
- vitality (to have more energy & vitality in one’s life),
- creativity (to be creative in all aspects of life),
- affectivity (to love and be loved),
- sensuality/sexuality (to feel pleasure in all that we do); and
- transcendence (to feel connected to something greater).
As a practice, Biodanza is about falling in LOVE WITH LIFE.
Join us for our next Biodanza RI Collective Weekend!
“What we have to learn in our lives isn’t information or knowledge– we have to learn TO LIVE.” ~Rolando Toro
NO DANCE EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.
The Biodanza RI Collective offers classes every month in RI.
“Our first obligation as creators is to give birth to ourselves.” ~Rolando Toro
Interview with Founder Rolando Toro
More Reflections on Biodanza:
“My sensation of life is different. I can feel who, what and where I am, rather than endlessly analyzing and anguishing. Yes, the head does still come up with its agendas and strategies. But this heart connected embodied way of being has grown so much stronger. I trust it more and more.”
“For the first time I was able to conceive of myself as belonging. Not just being on the periphery … but fitting in as a human being and connecting deeply with others and through others.”
“Fortunately, I found Biodanza … it was something of a life saver. … I felt renewed, alive and joyful. It felt liberating to be able to dance and loosen my inhibitions without any chemical stimulant. I could have time to myself, to connect with myself, to dance, laugh, cry, discover, connect, express!”
“I see Biodanza as one of the most effective tools I have used on my life’s journey. It has assisted me in identifying and living my life’s purpose, and to journey as close as possible to the path my soul is destined to travel.”
“The ecological and social crisis is clear for all to see. There is one solution that is seldom seen – the restoring of the link of love between individual and individual, individual and humanity, individual and the world…”
“My suit of armour has been transformed into a suit of amour. The more love that is applied, the more sweetness, gentleness, tenderness I have felt and the more everything has been put together.”
“We intend to change this (anti-life culture), not with the help of ideology, but by re-establishing, in each instant of our lives, the conditions which nourish life.” ~Rolando Toro
More Videos about Biodanza:
- Biodanza RI Community: “Masterclass in Love” (Rhode Island)
- Explanation of Biodanza: The Dance of Life (San Francisco)
- “My Life Changed While I Danced” (in Portuguese w/ English subtitles)
- Biodanza with Children & Seniors: “Poetry of the Encounter” (Holland)
- Biodanza and Art: “Skin & Paper” (Portugal)
- Biodanza with Children (Belgium, in French)
- Biodanza with Construction workers (Chile, in Spanish)
- World Biodanza Day 2015 (Argentina)
Biodanza Rhode Island 