| More about Dancing Spirits Yoga™, Yippee OM Yoga Dance and Kripalu Danskinetics™... An eclectic collection of music, sound and silence surrounds and accompanies us. I offer movements which you are invited to follow or adapt. You are also encouraged to draw from your “inner dancer”, and create your own movements. I often use partner yoga and mirroring each other, as well as simple circle dances and even song! Using rhythms from around the world and down through the generations, the music moves us through many places and moods. It ranges from lively to passionate to meditative and sometimes downright silly. All sessions end with returning to the breath, to individual intention if one was set, and perhaps offering a closing reflection. Participants have the opportunity to share stories and personal experience after class, if they wish. Within the sacred space we create together lies the opportunity to celebrate and honor our own beauty, release obstructions to freedom and joy, and build inner power. As one student says…… “It blesses us.” What is the difference between Dancing Spirits Yoga™ and Kripalu Danskinetics™? Dancing Spirits Yoga™ is my own creation, derived from Kripalu Danskinetics™ and my own yoga and dance practices. It is a wonderful way to open the body and prepare one’s self at the coming of a new day. We spend a good deal of time on the floor first - tuning in to where we are, what we may be needing, and releasing stiffness and tight areas in the body and in our energy. Dancing Spirits Yoga™ is also a pleasant way to unwind and get “back in the body” at day’s end. It is relaxing and gentle work, and helps integrate what the day has been. Kripalu Danskinetics™ was created at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, located in Lenox, Massachusetts, in the early 1980s. It takes us to a more active and lively (!) level than Dancing Spirits Yoga ™, and entails moving energy through all the chakra centers, those wheels of energy radiating from the spinal column. You do not need to know anything about chakras to benefit from this. It generally gets our hearts beating faster and is likely to have “bigger” movements, often all over the room. It typically leaves people feeling fresh and happy. It also always ends with a period of meditative, internal reflection and quiet. Where are classes held? See Calendar for the Open Classes schedule. In addition, much of my work is for organized gatherings, retreats and healing centers. Both Dancing Spirits Yoga™, Yippee OM Yoga Dance and Kripalu Danskinetics™ connect people, and open our bodies and spirits in a unique way. Sessions can be very effective for groups seeking to build stronger relationship, connections and a sense of community. Contact me if you are interested in setting up one or more sessions for your group… Joan@gorgeousspirit.com When you come to class, please…. Wear loose and comfy clothing, and bring a blanket and water bottle. Bare feet are best if that is comfortable for you. Otherwise, bring “indoor” shoes to protect floor surfaces. Thanks. Curious about what others have experienced? See Student Comments . | 