“Rhythm of Our Heart” Workshop
Dance beyond limits: Discover joy, mindfulness, and spiritual connection.
Experience the transformative power of music and dance in this workshop. Explore mindfulness, body awareness, and emotional expression through Indian classical and Bollywood dance. Discover joy, freedom, and spiritual connection as you transcend physical limitations, merge tradition with modernity, and embrace dance as a path to self-discovery and harmony.
Planning & Conceptualization
The planning and conceptualization of this magical 2-day workshop are rooted in creating an enriching, holistic experience that blends tradition with personal exploration. It integrates the structured discipline of Indian classical dance, focusing on body awareness, rhythmic alignment, and emotional expression, with the spontaneity and joy of Bollywood dance.
Inspired by sacred music and spiritual practices, the workshop encourages participants to connect deeply with their inner selves, using movement as a medium to foster mindfulness, freedom, and harmony. Every element, from warm-ups to improvisation, is thoughtfully curated to guide participants on a transformative journey of self-discovery, blending artistry with a contemplative path.
Artistic Encounters on A Spiritual Path
Throughout history, cultures and spiritual traditions have used melodies, rhythms, and movements to express profound emotions and experiences. Artists and yogis offer unique perspectives on the human condition, using music and dance as tools to inspire, heal, and connect us with our inner selves. Beyond entertainment, these art forms open our hearts to wisdom and goodness.
Workshop Facilitators
- Pascal Rey: Professional musician and Buddhist teacher
- Sinsi Ong: Sound engineer and Buddhist teacher
- Parijat Naik: Indian classical dancer and choreographer
What This Workshop Offers
- Explore how sacred and modern music foster contemplation and authenticity.
- Experience the intersection of music and meditation to overcome limitations.
- Understand dance as a unifying medium for body and mind.
- Use Indian classical dance to enhance body awareness, rhythm, and movement.
- Discover Bollywood dance as a way to embrace joy, presence, and freedom.
Can music and dance guide you beyond the physical? Join us to find out.
Workshop Schedule
Day One
01: Introduction (10 min)
Begin with an overview of the session and its objectives, setting an inspiring tone for the workshop.
02: Namaskara (5 min)
Start with a traditional Namaskar to express gratitude toward nature, teachers, and universal energy, fostering a sense of humility and connection.
03: Warm-up (5 min)
Engage in simple movements to become aware of the body—head, chest, sides, waist, legs, and hands.
04: Postures (15 min)
Explore foundational dance postures like Aramandi, Mandala, Sama, and Swastika through simple cues like “feet,” “turn out,” and “squat.”
05: Hastas (Hand Gestures) (15 min)
Learn key mudras (Pataka, Tripataka, Katakamukha, Alapadma), understanding their connection to the five elements: fire, air, space, earth, and water. Create unique gestures inspired by nature.
06: Nritta Hastas (Full-Arm Movements) (10 min)
Incorporate fluid arm movements to expand the expressive vocabulary of the dance.
07: Combine Hands and Feet (15 min)
Synchronize hand gestures with footwork to practice coordination and rhythm.
08: Mirror Exercise (5 min)
Practice movements with a partner to enhance focus, synchronization, and connection
09: Closing (10 min)
Conclude with reflections, gratitude, and a moment of mindfulness to internalize the day’s learnings.
Day Two
01: Warm-Up (5 min)
Prepare the body and mind with gentle movements, fostering awareness and focus.
02: Revision (10 min)
Review key concepts and techniques covered on Day 1, reinforcing foundational skills.
03: Introduction to Rhythm (10 min)
Explore rhythmic patterns and their role in dance, setting the stage for improvisation.
04: Improvisation with Rhythm (5 min)
Collaborate with Pascal to experiment with rhythm, enhancing creativity and spontaneity.
05: Expression Exercise (20 min)
In a circle, participants imagine an experience of nature, crafting a small story expressed through movement, gestures, and emotion. This exercise encourages personal connection and creativity (contingent on translation comfort).
06: Group Story Improvisation (10 min)
Work collectively with Pascal to expand and express stories through synchronized movements.
07: Cooling Down (5 min)
End with calming exercises to relax the body and integrate the day’s experiences.
08: Bharatanatyam Performance Presentation (10 min)
Witness a Bharatanatyam composition, Madhura Shatakam, celebrating the sweetness of divine attributes and finding beauty in everything.
09: Closing (10 min)
Reflect on the day’s journey, express gratitude, and embrace the transformative power of dance.
Performance & Reception
The workshop concluded with a captivating Bharatanatyam performance that embodied the essence of the teachings shared over the two days. Featuring the composition Madhura Shatakam, the dance highlighted the sweetness of divine attributes and the transcendence of physical form through movement, rhythm, and expression. The performance resonated deeply with the audience, who were transported by the seamless blend of traditional storytelling and emotive choreography.
The collaboration with musician Pascal Rey added a unique dimension, as his soulful improvisation elevated the dance to a higher spiritual plane. The synergy between music and movement created a performative experience that was both meditative and uplifting.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the workshop’s immersive approach, praising its ability to combine mindfulness, artistry, and self-expression. Many felt a sense of freedom and connection during the sessions, noting how the practice of dance inspired personal introspection and joy. The workshop left a lasting impression on all who attended.
Reflecting on the Experience
Dance as a Path to Mindfulness
Improvising on Pascal’s soulful music was a transformative experience, pushing me to explore freedom through movement. While choreographed dance challenges me to expand my vocabulary and rhythmic precision, improvisation offers the opportunity to connect deeply with music and transcend beyond technique. Dancing alongside Pascal at the serene Buddhist temple of Lerab Ling in Roqueredonde, France elevated the performative experience to a higher spiritual realm.
Set amidst lush green mountains, Lerab Ling provided the perfect setting for practicing Right Mindfulness. The workshop focused on how dance, like mindfulness, teaches us to pause, observe, and become fully present. By fostering body awareness, understanding emotions, and navigating external influences, dance enables us to transcend the physical and embark on a spiritual journey.
It was a privilege to use the universal language of dance to share these teachings, inspired by the Buddha’s noble Eightfold Path. My deepest gratitude to Munsel Meditation for this opportunity and to Pascal for his extraordinary music that made this experience so enriching.
As Rumi said, “There are many ways to the divine. I have chosen the ways of song, dance, and laughter.” I feel blessed to continue walking this path.
Contact
For private classes, group workshops or events, please contact via WhatsApp, SMS or email.
Phone
+91 98196 40220