What are the 5 Rhythms?

5 Rhythms dance - movement medicine, is a body-mind-spirit practice developed by Gabrielle Roth, accessible to everyone with a body that breaths. It is a moving celebration of our body temple, a gateway to spirit through moving prayer, physical work out without the effort, a psychotherapy session without words, a playground for the inner child, a dance floor without drugs or alcohol, an embodied meditation, a mini lab for life where you learn about yourself by the way you express in the dance, the way you relate to yourself, to another and to the collective group (tribe). It is a community of likeminded people that are unmasking themselves, unveiling the veils, to let the truth come to the surface; a safe place to be however you are, to take risks and experiment. It is transformative, liberating, relaxing, releasing, energizing, uplifting, fun, profound, magical, simple and you can’t do it wrong.

The 5 Rhythms are: Flowing , Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical and Stillness. They come together to create a “ Wave". Each rhythm is a gateway to aspects of ourselves, a state of being, a pattern. They relate to different moods, elements, life cycles, emotions, etc…and are expressed on the dance floor through different ways of moving, using five distinctive styles of music.

FLOWING – Earth. Coming home to the self in the body. Tuning in. Simply being. A state of being grounded and fluid, surrendering to the flow of life by moving continuously and unpredictably. We soften any rigidity of the body and mind and practice being receptive to what is. It is the rhythm of birth and the feminine. Round and sensual. We let our feet guide us through the earth and the rest of the body to fallows.

STACCATO – Fire. Definition. The expression and manifestation of who we are, through our actions. The rhythm of the heart and passion; teaches us how we relate to the world. That place where we are focused, clear, know our “yes and no’s” and set boundaries. It is the rhythm of the masculine and it is driven by the pulsing beat that shapes us a thousand different ways.

CHAOS – Water. The rhythm of absolute surrender and a deep letting go. We disappear in the dance but first our ego needs to get out of the way. The dance happens without us controlling it. We release and shake everything that we hold on to, everything that burdens us and celebrate the no mind state. Chaos is the marriage of the masculine and feminine. The surrendering of the lovers. Here we practice being awake, centered in the midst of a world that is falling apart. Things don’t all go as predicted and the more freedom and surrender, the easiest it becomes. We give ourselves to the wildness of a dance that can never be planned or repeated.

LYRICAL – Air. When you really let go, you empty yourself and create space for the new. Lyrical is the rhythm of transformation.The weight of self-consciousness dissolves. A state of lightness, detachment, newness, where many possibilities are available, doors are open and our imagination is set free. Nothing is fixed and there is a joy that comes with it. We are reborn and the soul begins to play.

STILLNESS – Ether. The rhythm of emptiness, where gentle movements rise and fall, start and end, in a field of silence. We are full but empty. Awake, wise and rejuvenated. The dance becomes more of a prayer, a meditation. Spirit is moving us. 

What to bring?

Comfortable clothes, bottle of drinking water, dancing shoes or bare feet and open heart, prepared to be in the present moment. In winter, a blanket and a small towel can come handy.

How do I start?

1.    Go at your own pace

2.    Be responsible for your own body (stay aware of injuries and drink plenty of water)

3.    Remove jewellery and watches, be as comfortable as you can

4.    Keep your eyes open to stay aware of others

5.    Dance barefoot or in dance shoes only

6.    Move how you feel and stay open to changing

7.    Know everything that is alive has a dance, and your only task is to find and express yours

8.    Know that you cannot do it “wrong”!

9.    Initially, you might feel self-conscious, but you will be astonished by how quickly that passes.

10. Speak to someone at the end of the session, ask questions, tell them how you are.

11. Enjoy yourself! (Excessive seriousness may slow you down)

Everyone is most welcome. No experience necessary.

Deva Nandan  is one of the 4 resident teachers in the whole of Australia. She discovered the 5 Rhythms dance practice in London, UK, in 1995 and has been dancing ever since. After being a dedicated student for 9 years, she trained as a teacher, with the founder of this work, Gabrielle Roth and her core faculty. As well as Australia, she has taught in Portugal, England and the Caribbean. Her experience of living on four continents and extensive travel, together with a wealth in meditation, bodywork and art, brings a unique flavour to her classes and music. She has a passion for relationships and all the small details that happen in the dynamic of relating.

Deva Nandan is a sensitive and caring teacher. Her enthusiasm for life, her community and her work shines through each class. She works intuitively in a gentle manner which allows her students to focus on what is at the core of their being. She creates a dynamic space where self enquiry is always possible in a safe and nurturing way. Deva has brought many groups of our community together to create a beautiful loving tribe and network of people.