The Language of Movement: Understanding the Dancer's Essence

Our primal expression is movement, and it can be greater than words. Both know this very profoundly (one who dances) Whereas through movement, the language of dance — one that does not need to be voiced. Each gesture, movement is filled with meaning for a dancer and also touches the viewer in some way.

The Body as an Instrument

Dancer = being aware of your body as a weapon. Just as musicians must practice to hone their skills, dancers develop physically through ceaseless work until a point where they can begin using the body like an artists would use brush on canvas. Part by part the muscles and sinews harmonize to express emotions and stories, often igniting strong responses in those who witness.

Movement as Home

For a lot of dancers, movement is more than just an ability… it's the safe haven where they are most relaxed. As they move, these movements link up with a natural rhythm that feels so familiar and at home to them. You see, home is more of a fairly abstract concept than an actual place; — it is where they can pour their hearts out without judgement regarding what brings them happiness, frustration and everything in between.

The Dancer in Yoga

There's always that dancer in yoga class. It is their fluidity, sponteneity and grace that differentiate them from others with occasionally a lifetime of incessant fingerwork evident in some positions. This is how a dancer's body-awareness changes everything in their practice. Every stretch and pose is as though they have had years of practice. There is something so fluid and seamless between breath and movement that it seems effortless, the result of time calibrating a still body with an understanding of its anatomy.

Where Yoga And Dance Meet

This is why so many dancers flock to yoga — not just for the physical perks, but because of its yogic component. This is it: The two are inextricably linked practices that focus on alignment, breath and a sense of ease. However, as exciting and rewarding dance can be for those who seek the spotlight, it is also a place where criticism and comparison reign supreme. This societal pressure then translates into feelings of lack when it comes to how they look like but rather an appreciation the amazing things their body can do.

Yoga, on the other hand, promotes self-acceptance. And as it nudges people to start owning their physical space, owning that compassion bleeds beyond the superficial judgements of dance. Yoga help dancers lose the weight of self-cofdondence and once again fall in love withthe way their bodies move.

Finding Balance

In the end, this is probably because both dance and yoga are about balance: between striving for perfection and accepting our imperfect selves as they are while continuing to grow; an equilibrium between performance—putting on a show or doing the poses—and personal health. Yoga offers some great lessons that can be used as a tool to support dancers on this journey. This way dancers can thrive as a human, not just an athlete or artist.

And move on we must, as ultimately movement is our first language and the mystery of what shape it will take next never ceases to puzzle, confound or inspire us in equal measure ]) Dance gives us our voice and yoga gives us peace.