What to expect
If this is the first time you’ve thought about attending a 5Rhythms® class, it might be a little daunting. Hopefully these notes will enable you to relax and enjoy the class.
Beginners are always welcome, let us know if you’re new and we’ll answer any other questions you have.
This is not a spectator sport: nobody will be watching you.
There is nothing to get right or wrong: no steps to learn.
We begin with a warmup, in which you have time to arrive, to land, and to start moving at your own pace. After the warmup, there will be a brief explanation and demonstration of what will follow.
The 5Rhythms Wave has a structure - we call it the “map” of the rhythms - the five rhythms of the wave: flowing, grounded in the feet; staccato, grounded in the hips; chaos, letting go of the head; lyrical, where the dance extends out through the hands into the wider space; stillness, where we don’t stop moving but we’re moved by the breath.. This is easy to follow and guidance is given along the way.
The wave will climb in energy through the stages of flowing, staccato, and chaos, before descending in energy levels during lyrical and ending in stillness.
We end with a closing circle, during which you can speak if you wish to, or stay silent if you prefer.
This is not an intellectual or verbal practice.
You can go at your own speed, and rest when you need to.
Sometimes there is an invitation (“take a partner”) to find one or more other dancers to move with. You are encouraged to be clear (non-verbally) with your boundaries, and to take your own space as you do this, and if you really prefer to keep moving alone, that’s OK too.
Doors will usually be open ten minutes before the official start time to allow you time to settle in and arrive comfortably.
There is nothing to get right or wrong, just come with an openness to let the music be your guide and your teacher.