Continuing with our feature on Accessing Creative Flow, I asked 2nd Level Zen Yoga Instructor Carla Bottalla to share with us her experiences…..

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ACCESSING CREATIVE FLOW THROUGH DANCE

To Dance…. to move in rhythm usually to music.

Five Element Cycle……movement integrating human activity with natural rhythms of the universe.

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 Dance has become a passionate hobby of late, one that has deepened my appreciation and awe of the essential energy of the universe. Dance evokes a symbolic language linking physical  with emotional images rather than individual parts. The continuity of life is reflected in the continuity of dance.

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 In the Five Element Theory each element is linked to the others as individual aspects transform and change. The cycle brings order and rhythm to life experiences. Together they constitute a unity; when divided they comprise yin and yang.

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During dance feet are placed for movement, frames are created between partners. If one area moves in excess other parts will be compromised and an imbalance will occur. Firmness and posture must be balanced with softness to avoid rigidity.

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The lines between the 5 elements are not hard and fast. Neither are those between the elements of dance.

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There is an ebb and flow within oneself and with ones partner neither overpowering the other nor remaining too passive. Mutability is integral to the whole as one person both supports and yields to the other.

 Any phase of the 5 elements can be appreciated in dance. The soul or essence of the dance (water), begins with the dancer(s) taking form or shape (wood), to reflect the style of dance yet maintaining a flow between firmness and flexibility. The power and passion linking physical and emotional expression (fire), is centered with forces creating continuity and stability (earth).

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When partners separate, pause or complete a sequence (metal), they will once again begin to move and continuously exchange their energies (water). The interweaving segments of dance: surrendering, approaching, connecting, leading, following, and extending etc., visibly animate the body, power movement and effect change.

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Collected together the parts of dance constitute unity. The harmony of the universe and the beauty of dance become apparent.

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                        By: Carla Bottalla                           

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Thank you Carla, for sharing your experiences and those spectacular photographs!

Carla’s interpretation of accessing creative flow through dance, teaches us how to experience the interconnectedness of the universe (and ourselves as part of the universe) by using the 5 Elements as the basis of our observations.

Namaste,

Faye Raftos