Five Rhythms

What are the Five Rhythms?

"Each of the Five Rhythms is a practical tool of awakening that will release us to dance on the edge, to be outrageous, to transform suffering into art, and art into awareness. Flowing holds the feminine mysteries. Staccato explores the masculine mysteries. In chaos, we are challenged to integrate these principles into the stream of personal energy. Lyrical is the rhythm of trance and self-realization. In stillness, the mother of all rhythms, we seek the emptiness within us and take refuge in it. Embracing the rhythms as spiritual practice is a dynamic way to free the body, to express the heart, and to clear the mind."-Gabrielle Roth

In Waves we explore the dynamic practice of the 5Rhythms. This cathartic form of ecstatic dance is a workout for the body and soul - a moving meditation - a spiritual practice where we "sweat our prayers." The 5Rhythms ecstatic dance practice has been developed by Gabrielle Roth over a lifetime of study in dance, theater, and the healing arts. By dancing the 5Rhythms (Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and Stillness) we embark on a pilgrimage of self-revelation rooted in action and movement. Rather than having steps to follow, each Rhythm is a different energy field in which you will find your own expression and choreography, thereby stretching your imagination as well as your body. This practice is for elders and young people, passionate dancers and reserved toe-tappers, people who can barley show up, survivors of bad backs, bum knees or broken hearts. The only goals are moving until we are moved, finding the still point within, and becoming free spirits once again.

The most important gift I have received, has been the gift of dance. It has taught me many things, but most importantly it has given me a connection to spirituality and God. My breath and movement are prayers in the holy temple of my body. Through the dance I have rediscovered an ancient wisdom. Dance brings us closer to our individual spirit and the spirit of the universe. It is time for us to reclaim our birth given power. It is time to reclaim the dance!

As I dance and feel the rhythm pulse in my body, I become my owm shaman. In this moment, I feel connected to every aspect of my spirit. As the sweat falls from my body, I peel the outer layers of my soul. I am vulnerable, yet I hold the power to heal. I feel doorways opening and the key is the dance. My dance is a process of mining for gold. Each emotion that arises, reminds me of my humanity through my vulnerability. I am free in this moment. I breath in, giving life to the prayer that is the dance. The heartbeat of the drum lifts my chest and feet. My mind opens an eye of awareness in the palms of my hands, and the bottoms of my feet. I breath out and surrender my body to the rhythm. I follow the path of life as it enters me and guides me. I listen to my body parts as they call to me. I follow my intuition, and it leads me to open further. I ride my edge and dare to leap over. There across the valley of my soul I find God. I am connected through life essence-breath, to all. I am one in this dance, with the universe.

I teach this work because through it, I have experienced the bodies inate power to heal. I have come to this practice in my deepest moments of pain, and found peace. I have come to this practice in my most ecstatic moments of joy, and found flight. The 5Rhythms practice gives me a sanctuary. I am able to take time to observe my feelings and move energy and emotion through my body. The Wave is a journey. When I have traveled this path and reached the fifth rhythm of Stillness, I find myself in a new place with a new feeling. I have transformed the energy flowing through me.