Introduction to Shakti dance

Shakti Dance is the ‘yoga of dance’ – a sacred dance form which has its roots in the science and tradition of Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan.

Sara Avtar Olivier, life long dancer, 20-year yoga practitioner and KRI teacher trainer is the creator and founder of this newly established system of yogic dance discipline.

Yoga as Dance and Dance as Yoga

This is utilising the conscious practise of dance, infused with the wisdom of yoga to develop awareness and understanding of body, mind and emotions.  When the body is massaged through breath, mindfulness and movement, dance becomes yoga. When physical tensions are released from the body, then the mind relaxes and expands to transcendence and yogic union with the Universe. Tapping into the energy of ‘Shakti’ (which means conscious energy) this intuitive, feminine and flowing movement practice increases prana and energy in the body, rejuvinating one physically, mentally and spiritually.

It is really very simple, following the natural impulse of the embodied soul. Dance can be one of the purest expressions of our being. The soul is reflected when we are in most intimate contact with ourselves through dance. Dormant body parts awaken, empowered with awareness, and the energy of music and feeling flows creatively through us. Intensifying our relationship with our chakras and energy body, a new heightened sensitivity and delicacy is born.

With a unique and harmonious blend of flowing asanas and various styles of dance, Shakti Dance works energetically to develop the art of intuitive and free movement through a state of mystic, meditative union. Gently opening the pranic current (life force), the body and mind are able to surrender and merge with the intelligent, creative flow of Shakti (conscious and universal energy)

A Yoga for the Modern-World

Shakti Dance is a a fast-developing yoga discipline for the modern world. Conscious dance is becoming more and more popular (ie. Biodanza, 5 Rythms etc) as a means to enjoy, let go, de-stress, stay fit, make friends, create, express etc.

Up till recently in the west, dance has mostly been a form of entertainment, but now it also serves as a way of connecting to each other and bringing a community together in celebration. It is incredibly healing and creates strong bonds. Like music, dance goes beyond the conscious, analytical mind and ego that usually rule our actions and thoughts in modern society.

Shakti Dance combines creativity, human interaction and the pure joy of dance with the principles of yoga – specifically Kundalini yoga*. In doing so a new and very special form of yoga has been created. It heals and strengthens; it connects you to the creative source of life (Shakti*); you feel flowing and liberated; you develop poise, balance, co-ordination and grace.