In our first dance together, we got to experience what it was like to go from the Orientation into dance. It, as all of this is so far, was an experiment. One that is paying off with huge dividends, hidden treasures and a great big learning curve for me as a facilitator and communicator of intent.
As I get to hear first hand from people’s experiences of what is being birthed, something came up in the closing circle that I want to address head-on. It is an idea that takes the shape of this:
With all these added measures, it feels as if MMD is coming from a place of fear.
A fear that boundaries have been crossed and people violated.
A fear that creates more cautiousness and care on the dancefloor when looking to connect with others.
While there is some truth in this idea ~ such as “boundaries being crossed and people violated” ~ the impetus for birthing MMD is this:
MMD comes from seeing a need to go back to the basics of (re)learning Body Language.
We spend most of our lives connecting with others from the mouths up – when 90-95% of our language is actually coming from the rest of our body.
MMD is founded in knowing we can create safer containers by adding a bit more education upfront.
This way we can go deeper and wider, play bigger and harder while experiencing more freedom on the dance floor.
MMD has a deep desire to empower people to educate themselves on what makes them feel safe.
Because when someone feels safe in their Selfhood, then connection is a likely by-product – with ease – when the timing is right for all involved.
The 4 Stages of Learning New Skills
The aim of the MMD Orientation (Body Language 101) and online classes (coming soon!) is to introduce new skills, or reawaken skills we have forgotten – or skills we think we should know but don’t, and might feel ashamed to admit.
As with developing any new skills ~ there are developmental stages. For most of us in this world in regards to reading Body Language, we are stuck in either “Unconscious Incompetence” – or in-between this one and the 2nd called “Conscious Incompetence.”
In the 2nd stage, learning to slow down and read body language will perhaps make the dance feel more awkward, unrefined – and like there is a little or a lot more cautiousness on the dance floor. I am completely okay with this. We are creating much needed awareness of the Self and the Other in regards to Body Language!
The good news is the more we use our skills (on the Dancefloor & in life), the more they become patterns (“conscious competence” or 3rd stage of learning). The more they become patterns, the more they move into habits. Eventually, these habits become 2nd nature (“unconscious competence”, 4th stage of learning).
As you practice these skills more and more, your confidence in connecting with others on the dance floor will grow. You will feel trustworthy to both your Self and Other. You will have done and be doing your part to choose to make the dance floor safer – which will allow for more freedom, exploration and fun for all!
NEXT STEPS
1) Watch the “What is MMD’s Intention?” to hear it straight what this space is all about.
2) Learn more about the 4 stages of Developing a new habit
3) Attend the next Body Language 101 – which is Movement Medicine Dance’s Orientation. Here are the upcoming opportunities for this:
Sunday, April 22nd, 3-5 pm
Thursday, April 26th, 6:30-7: 25 pm
