Seasonal Balance: Equilibrium in Life and Dance
It’s almost the autumn equinox (here in the northern hemisphere), a time of seasonal equilibrium when day and night are equal before the nights get longer and the days grow shorter. Personally, I like to mark the autumn equinox in several ways. I decorate with bits of nature I find in my yard and on hikes. I make a small bonfire and journal about gratitude for the shifting seasons and accepting earth’s invitation to slow down.
Without the slower, colder months, we may be prone to stay constantly active. It takes rest to have energy for work; it takes introspection to interact well externally with the world around us. In dance, balance is just as vital.
The concept of balancing applies not only to our movements but also to how we approach our growth, practice, and enjoyment as dancers. Here are a few ways I've found that balance shows up in our dance journeys:
1. Slow and Fast Movements
Many dancers find themselves drawn more naturally to either our slow vocabulary or our fast one. To fully embody the beauty of our dance form, we need to nurture both. Practicing slow movements allows us to refine our control and technique, while faster movements challenge our stamina and precision. By embracing both, we unlock the full range of expression that FatChanceBellyDance® allows.
2. Mastery and Joy
It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of perfection—focusing on drilling, mastering technique, and constantly improving. While growth is important, it’s just as crucial to find joy in the process. Dance isn’t only about executing the movements as perfectly as possible; it’s about connecting with ourselves, our bodies, and our fellow dancers. There’s so much magic in simply moving for the fun of it, so remember to dance for joy as much as for mastery.
3. Plans and Improvisation
Sometimes we have to plan out certain portions of performances depending on the venue, the experience level of our fellow dancers, and the audience. In class, we typically follow a set curriculum. But there’s an undeniable beauty in improvisation too, and that’s something that makes FCBD® so fun and accessible. When we improvise our movements, we can highlight self-expression and really connect with the music. We learn to trust our instincts in improv, whether that’s while we’re dancing or in the classroom when we respond to an unexpected question or need. Striking a balance between plans and spontaneity helps us grow as well-rounded dancers and people.
As the equinox approaches, I encourage you to explore these different aspects in your own journey. Whether it’s pushing yourself to try something new or taking a step back to simply enjoy the moment, finding balance can deepen your dance practice, your connection to this beautiful world, and to yourself.
