Frequently Asked Questions
WHY IS MOVEMENT SO IMPORTANT?
Bodies are made to move, but how do we get into that healthy habit of movement? Many of us spend too long sat at screens when we work online, or in fixed positions- such as gardening - we can get stiff necks, backs, joints and a plethora of health problems resulting from being static for too long. Attending a regular Movement session can create that Habit of Movement. We find ourselves stopping for a stretch or a groove to break up our screen or weeding session. We can tune in to our bodies and move as we work, but evidence says, stopping every half hour to move freely is important - and it's fun! Here's just some of the evidence.
HOW DO I DECIDE WHAT RATE I PAY FOR SESSIONS WHICH HAVE SOME FUNDING?
Movement For Life strives each year to find funding, so we can offer transformative movement spaces to people on all levels of income. However, we always have chapters when there is no funding and we’re awaiting funding so it is important those places go to those who are truly in need. Sometimes it's not obvious to bookers whether they qualify for bursaries or concessions. Each situation is different of course, and these days incomes have been squeezed for many families, but this diagram offers guidelines to the sort of questions to ask ourselves when booking.
HOW CAN THIS MOVEMENT PRACTICE ENHANCE MY EVERYDAY LIFE?
Free, natural movement connects us to the present moment; there we can come into our animal bodies, shifting and adapting with our physical limits, with what moves within us and with what is happening in the space around us. Reset to our embodied selves, we leave the dance floor and step into the dance of life, more able to move with what happens there. We may find more connection to who we are and where we are going, feel energised with joy in our aliveness, more able to express emotion, find time to sway with the ripples on the water, leap with the passing breeze, even enjoy the shifting of weight from one foot to another as we do the washing up.
Dance is connection, connection brings flow and when flow comes into our everyday lives, it is a gift indeed.
WHAT IS EMBODIED MOVEMENT?
Embodied Movement may also be called Mindful Movement, Somatic or Conscious Dance.
All of these describe an approach to movement which invites the mover to grow an Inner Sense of the body and an awareness of how they are responding within, to their experience in the world.
There are never steps to follow - each step is the individual expression of this Inner Sense. We offer simple spoken invitations to help participants feel more, breathe easily and follow movement that feels right to you. Some sessions have recorded music, some natural environmental sounds, some our own singing.
At the core of the teaching is the Solo dance, where the mover is invited to attune themselves to their sensations and move as their body guides them, allowing them to explore a full range from subtle micro-movements to more expansive movements.
Most of our groups invite you to share movement or words with someone else at times, and this can grow our sense of compassion and understanding, as well as help form connections.
“This has been such an important space for me over recent years and supported me through some difficult life challenges and illness. It has become part of my tool kit and a resource for looking after myself and living well.”
IS THERE PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH OTHER DANCERS DURING THE SESSIONS?
We invite participants to tune in with their bodies through the solo dance, and listen into the co-creative space between dancers. Space is a wonderful partner once embraced.
Participants can make a choice from an embodied place in the moment whether they wish to have contact or not.
Sometimes when partnering with another mover there is the invitation from the leader to use touch specifically to support exploration of a range of movement, but consent is always asked for and alternative options offered.
In the free flow of the group dancers may move into contact with each other; equally, if a dancer moves away, it is a clear signal that they do not wish for contact.
"I can release built up tension by tapping into my feelings. I learn about myself. I feel seen as I really am by others. I feel encouraged by the facilitator. I feel good enough. I feel safe to connect with others. I can move at whatever level and fitness I'm at in that moment."
CAN I MAKE SOUNDS AS I MOVE?
During our sessions, movers are invited to tune into their bodies and explore through movement what is within, moving through tensions and expressing freely what they discover. When we are in the flow of movement sometimes sound arises spontaneously and movers are welcome to let it out. Sounds can help this process of exploration, release, expression; sound vibrations subtly moving within the body and sending out waves which can harmonize with the dance space.
So, the short answer is yes - tune in and let those sounds flow as you move.
I HAVE HEALTH CHALLENGES. IS THIS FOR ME?
The majority of women attending our groups are navigating health challenges or other life stressors. Our sessions offer a confidential, supportive space to reconnect with yourself through the body, at your own pace.
You are welcome if you are living with health challenges, disability, neurodivergence or sensory processing differences, caring responsibilities, bereavement, menopause, anxiety, isolation or financial hardship, and more.
Our groups offer shared spaces for movement, exploration and connection, rather than individual therapeutic support. Participants need to feel able to take part in a group setting. Our sessions are not a replacement for individual therapy or other specialist support.
There is space on the booking form to let us know anything you would like us to know. If you have questions about whether a group would be suitable for you, please feel welcome get in touch before booking.