A Shakti Dance class is usually about 90-120 mins, and consists of different phases that combine to cleanse and awaken the pranic body, so that the practitioner can access and enjoy the Spirit of Shakti. Following the principles of Patanjali’s yoga sutras, there are usually 8 phases in a session, mirroring the 8 limbs of yoga, or ashtang element which yoga is founded on:

1. Tuning in

A class starts with an opening mantra called the Adi Mantra, chanted to connect to the primordial energy. This mantra is specific for tuning in and connecting to the ‘Guru’ and/or higher self. The tuning in mnatra is accompanied by a mudra (sequence of hand movements) which embodies and heightens the meaning of the mantra. Mantra and mudra combined creates a meditative state, centring and preparing the mind and creating the necessary connection to receive the teachings.

2. Asana Floor Stretching

Rhythmic and flowing floor stretches and asanas (yoga postions) are combined in coordination with the breath which open and relax the body, releasing tiredness.  This phase is very grounding and brings the practitioner ‘into their body’, warming up the muscles, increasing flexibility; relaxing and opening the energy channels in the body and increasing the follow of prana in the nadis (energy channels).

3. Standing Exercises and Trance Sequences

Still using rhythmic, and breath-co-ordinated movement, the class then moves up into energising standing exercises that open the chakras, charge the pranic body and balance the 5 elements and flows of energy in the body.  The energy that was released and stimulated in the stretching is now increased and distributed around the body with rhythmic standing movements and dance steps to different types of music styles and tempos, mostly yogic mantras. This phase in particular recharges vitality.

4. Free-Flow Dance

The standing exercises adhere to principles of harmonious movement (e.g. the rebound force, surrendering to gravity, opening lines of stretch) and work with the body’s natural geometry.  After attending a few classes the practitioner will notice how natural and self-sustaining these movements are.  They become effortless and the body flows with the energy without resistance, so that when the class moves into the free dance phase the practitioner is literally led by the flow of energy that has been created and is able to dance without the ego-mind being in control: “It’s a very relaxed feeling when you come into the flow.  There is no fear that something has to be in one way or another way, or that it could go wrong.  It’s just whatever comes.” (Sara Avtar Olivier, Aug 09)

5. Relaxation

The rhythmic pulsation of body, mind and spirit is allowed to integrate while releasing tensions. We spend a few minutes lying on our backs in Shavasana (corpse pose), allowing time to consolidate the energies accummulated.

6. Mantric Choreography

Each individual person in the class is an essential component of the overall tapestry that is being woven between the dancers, but the individual will also progress at his or her own pace and all will unfold as and when it is right for them.  After the relaxation that follows the free dance, a meditation is practised. This may be sitting or standing and will usually be done to a Kundalini Yoga mantra in Gurmukhi (but also sometimes to Sanskrit mantras).  The repeated movement becomes a focus that stills the mind and creates harmonising waves within the aura. These meditations can be very profound and are enjoyable to learn, and creates a powerful group matrix when performed in a mandala (circle) with a synchronised mantric choreography.

7. Meditation

A moment is taken to return to the stillness within (Shakti merges back into Shiva), to enjoy the fulfillment of emptiness following the satisfaction of self-expression.  This is the opportunity to bathe in the regenerative space of Source within.

8. Closing

We use a simple and specific mantra at the end of a session (sometimes with mudra movements), when inner and outer worlds are brought into balance, and a protective auric shield is created around each participant.