What is the 5Rhythms Practice?
The 5Rhythms comprise a simple movement practice designed to release the dancer that lives in every body, no matter what its shape, size, age, limitations and experience. The 5Rhythms dance practice was founded by Gabrielle Roth; an urban shaman. The practice itself is simple, there are no steps to follow. The teaching is deep. And it comes from the dancer's wisdom and embodied insight. In each dance, we explore each of the 5 rhythms, not for its mastery, but for its medicine. We will co-create a space to experience the rhythms of flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical and stillness (also known as a 5Rhythms Wave).
About Portal
This class is designed to allow dancers experienced with the 5Rhythms to practice on their own, with limited guidance. Unlike regular classes, this event may or may not have a demonstration of the 5Rhythms -- rather the event is likely to flow from one Wave to the next from FLOWING STACCATO CHAOS LYRICAL STILLNESS® back to FLOWING STACCATO CHAOS LYRICAL STILLNESS®,
Dancers who are first timers to a 5Rhythms event, and comfortable following their inner guidance in movement, are welcome with the understanding that the class will have little if any instruction. Dancers who prefer instruction, please sign up for one of our regular classes. First time 5Rhythms dancers are asked to please watch this video for an introduction to the practice.
A word about touch, courtesy & consent
By participating in this class you agree to be a partner in co-creating a safe and brave space for our collective dance practice. Since this dance practice is non-verbal, please make eye contact with other dancers before touch. Even if it’s your best friend or partner, on the dance floor we honor sovereignty. Someone may be having a deep experience, some dancers dance with eyes closed or half mast and touch could be disruptive or dis-regulating. On the dance floor, please use your eyes as a means for engagement. After eye contact, if you are not open to touch, please say or signal to your partner that you are not a yes to physical contact (ie; offering a Namaste or arms crossed or by returning your attention back to your own dance).
Welcome Statement
We recognize and welcome all. All races, all religions, all gender identities, all sexual orientations, all abilities, all shapes and sizes, all languages, all ages. The space is accessible to all bodies.
Land acknowledgment
This is land belonging to the Nipmuc, Pocumtuc, Nonotuc people. The Native American settlement at what is now Northampton was called Norwottuck, or Nonotuck, meaning: "the midst of the river."
