Biodanza (a neologism jointed the Greek ''bio''
ifeand the Spanish ''
danza
Danza is a musical genre that originated in Ponce, a city in southern Puerto Rico. It is a popular turn-of-the-twentieth-century ballroom dance genre slightly similar to the waltz. Both the danza and its cousin the contradanza are sequence danc ...
'', literally "the dance of life") is a system of
self-development
Self-help or self-improvement is "a focus on self-guided, in contrast to professionally guided, efforts to cope with life problems" —economically, physically, intellectually, or emotionally—often with a substantial psychological basis.
When ...
using music, movement and positive feelings to deepen
self-awareness
In philosophy of self, philosophy, self-awareness is the awareness and reflection of one's own personality or individuality, including traits, feelings, and behaviors. It is not to be confused with consciousness in the sense of qualia. While ...
. It seeks to promote the ability to make a holistic link to oneself and one's emotions and to express them. Practitioners believe that Biodanza opens the space for one to deepen the bonds with others and nature and to express those feelings in a congenial manner.
Origins and popularity
It was created in the 1960s by the Chilean
anthropologist
An anthropologist is a scientist engaged in the practice of anthropology. Anthropologists study aspects of humans within past and present societies. Social anthropology, cultural anthropology and philosophical anthropology study the norms, values ...
and
psychologist
A psychologist is a professional who practices psychology and studies mental states, perceptual, cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior. Their work often involves the experimentation, observation, and explanation, interpretatio ...
Rolando Toro Araneda. The Biodanza system is now found in 54 countries, including Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Israel, India, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Venezuela, Australia, Japan, South Africa,Canada, United States, Ireland and Russia.
Purpose and process
Practitioners describe Biodanza as a "human integration system of organic renewal, of affective re-education, and of relearning of Life's original functions. Its application consists in leading ''vivencias'' through music, singing, movements and group encounter situations". Proponents claim it can be used to develop our human capacities, communication skills, and relationships, including the feeling of happiness.
Media interest
Biodanza has been featured on CNN Chile, on BBC TV and national newspapers
in the UK, and in lifestyle magazines in the UK and South Africa.
[O the Oprah magazine South Africa, January 2005
-quoted at http://wellbeingvibes.com/biodanza/]
''
The Daily Telegraph
''The Daily Telegraph'', known online and elsewhere as ''The Telegraph'', is a British daily broadsheet conservative newspaper published in London by Telegraph Media Group and distributed in the United Kingdom and internationally. It was found ...
'' describes Biodanza as "a series of exercises and moves that aim to promote self-esteem, the joy of life and the expression of emotions. Lots of bounding around and hugs".
Governing bodies
Following the death of its founder in February 2010, two governing bodies of Biodanza currently exist, by means of which students may receive official certificates. The International Biodanza Federation (IBF) governs the Biodanza system in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada. The US has official schools located in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Maryland. The International Organization of Biodanza SRT governs the Biodanza system in South America.
References
External links
* The International Biodanza Federatio
www.biodanza.org* The International Organization of Biodanza SR
www.biodanzarolandotoro.com
{{Authority control
Dance therapy