Allow yourself to feel the music; its tempo, qualities, and patterns; changing type of movement as music changes.
Some qualities and types of movement:
1. Rebound: The resulting bounce against the force of gravity. Energy focused downward creates an equal reaction upward or sideward. The rebound changes in proportion to the energy expended in the initial movement.
2. Suspension: Hanging onto a breath. Sustained movement controlled by the length of a breath.
3. Sustained Movement: Movement related to a constant beat rather than a breath.
4. Overtones: Sense of air still vibrating even though movement has ceased, giving the sense of moving in time.
5. Expending Energy: Sheer energy and intensity are different. Containment of energy creates intensity. Sharpness is achieved through the maximum use of energy in the attack of the movement. Motivation gives the movement more substance and quality.
6. Axial: While the body is rooted in one spot, segments of the body move independently of each other, such as backward, forward, sideward, in spirals, swinging.
7. Levels: Low on the floor or close to it; middle as in normal walking level; high as on tip toe, jumping, arms extended upward.
8. Directions: Around one's self, forward, backward, sideward, diagonally, in curves, circles, straight lines, geometric shapes.
9. Dynamics: Motion with purpose, motivation, feeling, energy.
Part 1: Dance Meditation Introduction and Guidelines
Part 2: Stretching Exercises Described
Part 3: Expressive Dancing Elements
Part 4: Reflection Techniques
Part 5: Lesson Plans -- Introduction and Lesson 1. Energizing
Part 6: Lesson Plans -- Lesson 2. Rejuvenation; Lesson 3. Composure
Part 7: Lesson Plans -- Lesson 4. Personal Peace; Lesson 5. Inspiration
Part 8: Lesson Plans -- Lesson 6. World Peace
Dance Meditation for Kids and Teens
Dance Meditation Handbook - In 33 illustrated pages, the elements that go into dance meditation, including 6 guided lessons.
Meditation For All Kids - Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 27 page ebook with illustrations.
Article and illustration - Susan Kramer
