It's definitely been an emotional week for many. Without going into any more detail, I can say that my emotions went haywire, and I'm still calming down. What has really helped me through the past couple days are my classes - Technique, Improv, Jazz, and Ballet. I have allowed myself to get lost in the movement, and have felt so much better after every class. I move through happiness, sadness, frustration and elation. I can use my movements to express joy and power through when I'm feeling down. Channeling different energies into movement is so cathartic, and when I'm finished dancing I'm always in a clearer headspace. And this is not only for dancers, anyone can experience catharsis while moving.
Dance requires you to think and to concentrate on what you're doing. Therefore, the mind usually doesn't wander. This makes you, the mover, not concentrate on any emotions for the length of warm up through the final combination. This allows you to approach your emotions with a clear and objective head, as opposed to having a whirlwind of emotions for hours on end.
Because dance is usually without verbal communication, and can even happen in silence, everything you need to say is expressed through movement. A simple reach can express a question. Powerful kicking or out of control turning conveys passionate, screaming, and anger. Whatever the movement, taking emotion into it to replace words to provide another medium for expression is fantastic. Dance gives voices to emotions that can't be expressed simply through words. Bringing mental power to movements makes YOU, the mover, feel physically powerful. It makes you think you can take over the world.
Dancing solo is not the only way to feel emotional release. There have been many times where I have felt alone and that no one was on my side. I have gone to dance class with this mental wall and soon it's been torn down. There is this connection that's made with other dancers that instantly makes you feel part of something bigger, getting rid of any individual feelings of loneliness or solitude. Don't get me wrong, the individual emotions are important. This emotional release happens when everyone is dancing together, everyone working towards a common goal of dancing the same phrase to the best of their ability. Community takes over for individuality, and other dancers feed off the energy. If there's power in others movements, you'll feel and start to act on that power.
This release only happens if you want it to happen. If you don't try to break down the metaphorical wall, it won't happen. However, if you are willing to give everything to dance, and leave whatever you're feeling on the floor, you'll feel release.
