Biodanza is a form of creative expressive dance that uses music and movement to re-awaken our capacity for joy, playfulness and meaningful connection. It also helps us find new vitality in life and is both fun and deeply relaxing. In the words of Rolando Toro who founded it 40 years ago, "Biodanza is an education in life".

I took part in my first Biodanza workshop in Dublin in 2000 and connected with it immediately. When I moved to Glasgow in 2004, I joined a regular weekly class in the West end and then joined the Edinburgh School of Biodanza in Edinburgh run by Claire Lewis to train as a teacher.

I fully qualified last September, and now run a regular weekly class at the Pearce Institute in Govan, Glasgow (on Wednesday night). I occasionally run workshops in other parts of the UK and run a few sessions with primary 6s and 7s in a local school recently. I'm intending to do more work with children in the future.

Here's a quote that summarizes Biodanza beautifully: “Biodanza is an expressive arts system that incorporates music, movement and authentic relationships with self, others, and the world to support health, joy and being fully alive. Based on anthropological studies of dance and traditional rituals of the celebration of life, Biodanza stimulates community, awakens consciousness, helps participants to recover their joy and vitality, and celebrates the sacredness of life.” (extract from http://www.biodanza.us)

Biodanza was created by Rolando Toro, a Chilean anthropologist, poet and lover of music & dance. It is now present all over the world and is governed by the International Biocentric Foundation (IBF) based in Italy. Biodanza teachers work with a variety of groups all over the world, including professionals in organisations, children & young people, people with special needs, elderly people etc.

If you want to know more about it, this website will give you an excellent idea of what Biodanza is: www.biodanza.us. Different teachers practice (and therefore represent) Biodanza in very different ways. Because working with body & emotions requires extreme sensitivity, i am not comfortable with everything that can be found on the web (sadly).

If you are in Glasgow and would like to get a taste of Biodanza, you’ve got the choice of 2 evening classes: one is run by my colleague and friend Richard Golsworthy on Tuesday evening at Northcote Scout Hall, Dowanhill. The other is mine and runs on Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm at the Pearce Institute in Govan. Dates vary according to term times. Both classes are £8 (£6 conc). Please check with us when classes are running. Richard and I also organise occasional day workshops. If you’d like to be put on our mailing list, please send me mail[at]verenenicolas.org or Richard golsworthy[at]mac.com an email.

If you are in Edinburgh or surroundings, you’ve got the choice of 3 teachers, Claire, Joyce and Julie. Please check Claire’s website for detailed information.