MOVE. LEARN. TRANSFORM.
Welcome to Dance Your Life
Embark on a journey of self-exploration, meeting dancers of all kinds.
Transform your reality by moving consciously, guided by the music,
the magic of the group, and the suggestions of a fellow traveller.
Enter a world of imagination, eclectic melodies, and depth.
Dare to dream a different reality.
Follow your rhythm.
DANCE!
Meet Alda
Hello, I'm Alda, creator of DYL
I've been engaged in somatic practices for over 15 years, and I've used dance and movement as a tool for transformation most of my life. DYL was born from my passion and my commitment to spread joy, healing, and self-discovery through the art of barefoot dance. DYL is an offering based on my experience and knowledge as a psychotherapist, and my encounter with dance as a tool for profound change. Join me in the conscious dance space!
Be Fluent in The Language of Your Body
Welcome to a transformative journey where your body's wisdom become your guide. I believe that each person holds infinite healing abilities, waiting to be unleashed. With Dance Your Life, whether you're a dancer or a first-time mover, I will skilfully guide you to listen to your body and express your truth through movement. We will all create a sacred space, where you can learn about yourself, release emotional blockages, and transform your reality.
Dance Your Life (DYL) is not just about following a choreography; it's about your expression, your exploration of your body, mind, and soul through movement. Unlike other forms of movement, there are no rigid rules, no shoes, or steps to follow. Instead, it's a free-flowing, accepting practice that allows you to express yourself authentically in a safe space.
Rediscover the childlike wonder and playfulness that resides within you. Release the weight of the world and embrace the freedom of dancing barefoot in the Dance Your Life events. Join us either in Teignmouth or Exeter for a unique experience that celebrates the beauty of being alive, in tune with nature, and deeply connected with your truest self.
Influences of Dance Your Life
The main influences of DYL are as follows:
Dance of Awareness
This is the core influence for DYL, and incorporates elements of 5 Rhythms, Authentic Movement, Developmental Psychology, and Neo- Reichian Body Psychotherapy, among others. DYL follows the Dance of Awareness' structure and core principles, with stages of charge and discharge in the experience.
Epigenetics
Epigenetics is a fascinating field of study within genetics that explores how gene expression can be influenced and modified by factors beyond changes in the DNA sequence itself. It reveals that your genes are not solely determined by your inherited genetic code, but can also be influenced by environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and experiences.
Biodanza
Biodanza has inspired some of the exercises suggested in DYL. Biodanza, created by a Chilean psychologist, Rolando Toro, is a unique and holistic system of human development that uses dance, music, and authentic human connection to promote emotional healing, self-expression, and personal growth.
Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is the conscious and introspective understanding of one's thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and the overall sense of self. Cultivating self-awareness allows you to gain insights into your patterns of behaviour, make informed choices, and develop a deeper connection with your authentic self, fostering personal growth, emotional intelligence, and enhanced self-reflection.
Dance Movement Therapy
DMT is a therapeutic approach that harnesses the power of movement and dance to promote emotional, physical, and psychological healing and growth. In DMT sessions, individuals or groups are guided through creative movement exercises, allowing them to explore and express their emotions, thoughts, and experiences.
Energy Psychotherapy & Tai Chi
Energy psychotherapy recognizes that the human body has an energetic system, and correcting its imbalances can result in enhanced physical and mental health, and spiritual connection. Alda is an energy psychotherapist. She is also a tai chi and qigong instructor, and her dance journeys draw inspiration from the teachings of these Eastern traditions.
"I was at an ecstatic dance retreat last weekend and in the two hours of Dance Your Life, I got as much as at that retreat. I never thought I would go that deep."
Wendy, Devon, UK
Stages of the Dance
Dance Your Life consists of six stages, each with different melodies, themes, and opportunities for transformation.
Birth
From oneness to the miracle of being born, you travel from energy form into physical matter. Exploration of bodily sensations, and feeling alive.
Social Norms
You are restricted by the laws of your internalised tribe/ family. As you dance in a new tribe, you are invited to release the trapped energy in your body, shedding the limitations of old rules and embracing newfound freedom in movement.
Relationships
As you make the first steps and stand up, you discover the art of being supported and supporting others through conscious movement.
Community
Enter a more authentic community, where you'll dance with a newfound sense of self and a deeper connection with others in the world. Discover your tribe and leave your unique prints on Earth, creating an internal new tapestry of belonging and self-expression
Ego Faces
You express whatever might emerge, embracing all parts of yourself, even the ones you may not typically value, as you allow your physical body to be your guiding compass in this expressive dance
Death
Learning to let go of everything that was created, embracing the wisdom of loss and endings, you complete your transformative journey, returning to the sacred state of oneness.
How Does It Work
Dance Your Life offers a holistic approach to physical, emotional, and mental well-being through a conscious, somatic practice. By revisiting your life stages while moving, you can explore them from a fresh, embodied perspective, releasing past experiences and opening up to new ones. To do that, you will either be invited to do a particular exercise, or to follow your own body, creating opportunities for new experiences.
From the field of epigenetics, we know that new experiences paired with strong emotional responses can form new neural pathways. This means that while you are having a strong emotional experience (like moving and having fun) and experiencing something new (such as a feeling of being seen), a new imprint will be created in your brain, telling you that being seen is possible in your life. What you believe possible, you can manifest.
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As we connect with ourselves and others somatically, we discover more authentic ways of interacting, aligned with our true selves, nature, and one another. Dancing in a group fosters community and connection, one of humanity's oldest healing tools. Now, more than ever, we need to tap into our collective power to create healthy, supportive communities in these transformational times. Through movement, we can experience what it feels like to belong to a new world. Together, we can silently dance into global change. Come and be part of it!​
Who Can Participate
Dance Your Life is open to everyone, regardless of dance background or skill level. It's not about perfection; it's about the pure delight of moving freely and authentically. Come as you are, and let the dance guide you on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
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Don't miss this opportunity to dance barefoot and experience the transformative power of movement. Reserve your spot today and embark on a joy-filled journey of self-discovery, authenticity, and liberation.
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Testimonials
I loved the dance session with Alda. It was fun and enjoyable; a safe and relaxing place and I loved the music. The loose structure for the session that Alda suggested really worked for me; and within it I could dance my own dance and sometimes dance with others. I enjoyed experiencing parts of myself that surprised me, such as the part that wanted to dance alone sometimes. It was a relief for me to realise that that was OK. Thank you Alda, such a lovely opportunity
Anna
The music was fabulous and nourishing. I loved the piano - I think it was Einaudi, at the very beginning, and it was just brilliant to hear music from other cultures, and their instruments and rhythms. The music made for an experience that helped mend a sense in me of being closed down and withheld from the world, from COVID and lockdowns- the global nature of the music selection created a sense of delight in me at “being back” - connected, responsive to, and involved in the world, beyond within the workshop and my own journey in the time in the class.
Emma
If you have ever wondered how it might be possible to combine the joy of free dance to good music, along with a deeper personal journey, in a supported environment, then dance your life with Alda might be your answer. It’s great that something so enjoyable can also be therapeutic - try it and see!