Spring – the Season of Air (and Veils, Turns, Spins, and Swords)
Metaphysically, the Season of Spring is associated with the “element” of Air.
In fact, the “seasonal correspondences” are:
- Winter – “Sign” of Pentacles, “Element” of Earth
- Spring – “Sign” of Swords, “Element” of Air
- Summer – “Sign” of Rods, “Element” of Fire
- Autumn – “Sign” of Cups, “Element” of Water
In our Studio, we connect our dance practice (on all levels; physical, emotional, mental, energetic, and spiritual) to the various Seasons. This simply makes it simpler and easier for us to organize our focus.
Thus, during Spring, we turn our attention to topics relating to the “sign” of Swords, and the “element” of Air.
Naturally, this means that Spring is our favored time for veil dances, especially those involving movement across the floor – as if we were propelled by a strong March wind! We do “air-like” movements such as:
- Movements across the Floor – various steps and movement patterns,
- Veil Patterns in Space – learn a rich variety of “veil patterns,” particularly those that flow as we move,
- Spins and Turns – study a wide range of spinning and turning techniques, and learn how to fit them both into “static” (in-place) choreographies as well as how they give structure and interest to “movements across the floor,” and
- Transitions – how to go from static to moving, and vice versa. Lots of wonderful little insights and skills here!
- Music Resources – favorites for moving across the floor, with match-ups between music selections (and specific sections within the music) and suggested techniques/movements,
- Technique Resources -technique notes together with links to the best YouTube links that we can find, illustrating specific kinds of spins, turns, and “movements across the floor”, along with veil and sword techniques, and
- Dance Resources – both DVDs and YouTube links,
In addition, of course, we also use Spring as the time for studying swords; both the practical movements (and choreographies) involving sword dances, and the psychological components – especially how to create tension and drama.
Posts during this Season of Air will include:
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You study and perform belly dance (Oriental dance) because it brings forth a special aspect of who you are – the full range of your emotional expressiveness; both the sensual and sacred aspects of your being.
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Do you have a suggestion? Email us. Send us your best recommendations for music, DVDs, and YouTubes to: alaynya (at) alaynya (dot) com. Those whose recommendations are adopted will get back-links to their own websites!
Very best wishes as you make your dances more sensual, interesting, and exciting by including a veil!
Yours in dance –
Alay’nya
Author of Unveiling: The Inner Journey
You are the Jewel in the Heart of the Lotus. Become the Jewel!
Founder and Artistic Director, The Alay’nya Studio
Bellydance a courtesan would envy!
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