What is the Yoga Dance philosophy?

FLOW

There is this flow concept, because with Yoga Dance, we want to flow by linking one pose to the other. Asanas (poses) are not isolated and worked on separately, but instead they are linked and mixed together so they become one : the choreography. 

This flow principle reminds us that life cannot be cut in many pieces; this is a mix of events one after another, ups and downs, the future being a result of the past…

Only the human ego wants to cut life into months, years, and put everything in the right place. The truth is that everything is linked and connected, everything is one. This is a buddhist and monist life vision (monism’s philosophy says that the world is one, we are one).

KINDNESS

In a Yoga dance practice, you won’t be able to hold a balance pose without kindness towards your body; any sudden move will make you lose balance. 

In our everyday life, kindness is an important human quality: to be understanding, permissive, indulgent, respectful, in regards of our own limitations, weaknesses. This is the key for inner peace.

This also works with our relationships with others.

STRENGTH

With Yoga Dance we engage, strengthen and work on deep muscles (in a gentle way) in every pose, it gives the body good support and alignment while protecting the bones at the same time. 

Strength is an important asset to face troubles, but also to sustain your integrity, honour your own needs, master your reactions, set boundaries, stay peaceful… all of this requires mental strength.

Willpower also allows you to move forward, face your responsibilities, be persistent, question yourself, accept failure and change, be assertive and take actions.

FLEXIBILITY

Every part of your body is stretched through asanas, but also through movement to loosen the joints. 

Yoga dance requires flexibility and range of motion: both will help you create a lifestyle based on letting go, acceptance, respect of others free will, adaptability and compromises. 

It is also very important to be flexible, kind and permissive towards yourself.

A flexible attitude will bring a deep sense of joy. 

Yoga dance is a happy practice. The essence of the pedagogy is based on jokes, so people can smile and relax, physically and mentally. 

Yoga dance is a “me time” activity, that keeps you away from your everyday troubles, concerns, grudges, etc…

FEMININITY

Undulations, light moves, grace, flow.. Yoga dance is inspired from Natya Yoga, itself inspired from Indian dance. 

Thanks to the music, we develop artistic skills, creativity, and soothe ourselves. All of those qualities are directly linked with femininity. 

Classes are obviously open to men, because they also need to develop those skills, just like women. It actually requires a lot of masculinity to accept your Yin side and try Yoga dance.

FREEDOM

Jazz dance incorporates values in freedom of movement, it is indeed very important to teach this philosophy to the students, even though we need to respect body alignment and yoga or dance techniques, it is therefore essential to add your personal touch and soul to the choreography. The student can also adapt the Yoga dance choreography and interpret it according to his mood, own life experiences and needs. Movement leads to body and mind freedom, this is an important concept.