In leading weekly yoga sessions for 2 women who both love to move and dance I discovered a delightfully feminine way to approach practice. In the expressive movement-asana fusion sessions we usually begin in stillness to center, from there introducing the music as a warm-up then progressing through themes according to the style of music. Incorporated with the playing of the music I provide verbal cues often based in such approaches as the 5-element theory, yin-yang theory, Gabrielle Roth's 5 Rhythms and yogic theory of energetics. The point is to lead into the body, breath and grounding whether moving slowly or faster and around the room a bit. What transpires is an evolution, quite spontaneously, into asana. A very feminine way in! I watch for this in the student's body and from there cue more for asana, turning the focus away from the rhythm of the music and into the body, eventually turning the music to something only in the background or off completely.
As I have not moved everything over to iPod form yet and teach in people's homes using their equipment I rely on CD's. I've really become familiar with the music I have on CD and formed a system of being able to pull the desired sound or essence intuition called for. The photo above provides a glimpse into the notebook used to log CD's, tracks and the general category it falls into. Also included in the photo is a sample of the notation inside the CD case referring to a particularly inspiring piece of music.
Unusual music that does not provoke memories for the student or lyric-less tracks or world music in other languages is preferred. Sometimes the student is bi-lingual and understands the lyrics. And with the world as small as it is there is so much available in very unique-to-the-ear languages which is good for the mind! When I attend a performance with great music or hear a new band or an inspiring movie soundtrack I make an effort to order the CD. Again, I'm moving the direction of everything being on iPod but there are circumstances where a CD is necessary.
As for formal training in expressive movement I've had some but not much. In my early 20's I worked in creative arts/recreation therapy and led music & movement. I've attended some workshops. I was part of an weekly expressive arts group for about 6 months.
If the beginning of your practice feels like dry toast consider putting on inspiring music. Allow it to be an opener. Roll out your mat and allow the music's rhythm to help you warm into your body and breath. Eventually you can allow for silence and by then you will be in your own energy.
If you're interested in having me lead this form of movement & asana let me know.
And if you would like a lengthy list of music let me know and I will create a post. In the meantime I leave you with this delicious piece:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgLDLLbIUa8
Turn it up Baby or Daddy-O (whichever applies)!
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