BY DIA DEAR PHOTOS BY ROBBIE SWEENY
NOTES BEFORE BEGINNING SICK DANCE : the process is the purpose. Lean into comfort and ease and gentleness and curiosity over force and directing and doing. This move- ment practice is at best an invitation for your intelligent muscles and tissues to take over, directing your attention and movement. Take breaks as needed. All you need for this practice is a comfortable place to do it.
LET’S SICK DANCE Earlier this year scientists announced the earth’s core’s rotation slowed down, stopped and maybe even changed direction. I think it’s a hint.
stillness, direct your attention inward, to all the physical sensations of having a body you are aware of at this time. You’re not making anything up. The physical sensations could be obvious or subtle. They could be many or few. They could be small or large. Whatever you notice is good. In your own time, allow your attention to come to rest on the Strongest Physical Sensation – this will be the easiest sensation to rest your atten- tion in. Again, it could be anywhere in your body, any size, any intensity. Gently, begin to notice the details of this Strongest Physical Sensation by first noticing the location of the sensation: where it is, and where it is not. You may continue, then, to notice whether this sensation has any boundaries, and whether those boundaries connect to form a shape. CONTINUE, if you are able, to notice in as much detail whether this sensation has any depth – your body exists in at least 3 dimen- sions, your physical sensations likely do too.
To BEGIN, from an upright position (laying down if you are bed-bound to standing if you are able-bodied), come to stillness and slowly bring your *atten- tion* to the points or areas of your body in con- tact with the ground. The ground is any stabiliz- ing surface that is supporting you – bed to earth. Notice the physical cues, physical sensations that tell you that you are touching the ground. Notice them in as much detail as possible as gently as possible. When you get distracted, begin again. Set a timer if you need or want, anywhere from 90 seconds to 5 minutes. BREAK. Do whatever your body needs to do. Consider – what did you notice about your physical sensa- tion of touching the ground? When you’re ready, RETURN again, to your upright position – laying down if you are bed- bound, seated/reclining/standing (whatever works for your disabilities), or standing if you are able-bodied. Closing your eyes if you like, breathing at your pace, center, settle. Now, in
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In Dance | May 2014 | dancersgroup.org
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