Dance Wise

by Stefan Freedman, Lois Cordelia (Illustrator)

Everyone can dance. This book makes it easy, with enjoyable start-up exercises suitable for complete beginners. The inner response is as vital as the visible movement. Internationally celebrated dancer and choreographer, Stefan Freedman, describes how dance enriches the psyche, drawing on 38 years of facilitation. Witness dance assisting with recovery from trauma and addictions, stroke patients and teens at risk. Research from brain science, neurology and psychology is presented in a colourful way using everyday language and a dash of humour. This beautifully illustrated book combines practical starting points with personal insights and scholarship. <>o<> CHAPTER TOPICS covered in the book go deeply into individual health and community wellbeing. The inner dance - feelings, connection, empathy. 1. Overcoming shyness and inhibition. Getting started. 2. Complete beginners. Dancing with youth at social risk. 3. Dancing with children and teenagers. Dance games. 4. Dancing for confidence and group identity. 5. Renewing vitality, expressing and integrating emotions and 'wild' impulses, symbolism and mythology. 6. Brain research, neurology and psychology of rhythm and movement to music. 7. Dance, mental health and accessibility. Helping with depression and anxiety, therapeutic dance and psychiatry. 8. Dancing for positive self-image and to overcome stuckness. Addiction recovery. 9. Trauma support, dance therapy, the role of the hippocampus, Polyvagal Theory, Maslow, somatic therapy.10. Projection and the shadow (Freud and Jung). Dance in peace building and conflict resolution. 11. Timelessness, mindfulness and mindful connection, moving meditation and T, S, Eliot.12. Ecology, restoring the social fabric, 'Waking Down', humans flocking, earth rebirth. <>o<> STYLES of dance referred Greek dance, community dance, circle dance, salsa styles, tango, Indigenous American dance, folk dance, Balkan, Roma (Gypsy), African, Bachata, Sacred Dance, historic dance, Barn Dance, reggae moves, Hindu devotional and Indian inspired choreography, free dance, dance in occupational therapy (OT), with Alzheimer sufferers, with wheelchair users, with children in conflict with the law, with teens in favelas, multilingual, multifaith (interfaith) gatherings, dance festivals, 'Braindance', meditative movement, dance in education, with dementia sufferers, moving to stay young in mind, attitude and body. <>o<> EXERCISES are beginner-friendly. Some designed to suit families and children, others more suited to adults. All can be done solo in a small space at home. Dance teachers will find them useful. Wide-ranging suggested music, all available free on youtube! # The dance inside. When music plays, even before a foot starts tapping, an internal response begins. It is useful and fun to explore this 'invisible dance' in your mind's eye. 2. Easy-Peasy. Get launched with the world's simplest step sequence. 3. Young at heart. Dance play and drama suitable for children, families and playful peeps. 4. Active listening. Learn to hear the beat, the pulse and keep the rhythm. 5. 'Elements', Earth, Water, Fire and Air inspire contrasting gestures and moves. 6. Dance Design. Follow Stefan's starting points and discover how much fun it is to innovate. 7. Polarities. Explore high/low, light/heavy, expand/contract. 8. Go Latin! Slinking, strutting, suave, stylish and sharp movements. You'll surprise yourself. 9. Stress release. Moves to help you slow down, relax, unwind and breathe deeply. Specific support for trauma - swaying, self-soothing, embodiment and safety.10. Shakedown. Cathartic, upbeat, high energy, shaking, trembling, stomping, stamping, and gleeful shouting! 11. Meditative movement. Learn a dance that is like a mandala and a serene, blissful oasis. Integration and mindful connection. <>o<> This book has a companion website with resources.

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2020

About the author

Creative, quirky and fascinated by how uniquely we are all wired it was natural to express this through songs, short stories, choreography and later through writing and directing short films. Dance for me is not only a language of communication but a symbol for everything that enriches life. Relationship, balance, drama, community and inner peace.

I live in Ipswich, Suffolk, England with wonderful Bethan and two therapists with whiskers and amazing purrs.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book would make an incredible gift for any dancer. I learned so much reading about the author's vast experience of dance, especially circle dance. Many of his words summarise how I feel about dance but its exploration went way beyond anything I could imagine. The book is fun, serious, and poetic with a special cocktail of Stefan Freedman's own magic. It is a book of heart and also soul due to his many years of participating, teaching and working as a choreographer of dance. He explores so many different topics but the one which I enjoyed best was Labyrinth - Dance and Mental Health because dance has been part of that journey for me, so having a copy of a book like this is a valuable companion.

[Leslie Zehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stefan has done a fantastic job weaving together so many threads. He shares with us the wisdom he has accumulated after 40 years of teaching Circle Dance. This book is full of information and personal experiences. Whether you are a beginner or advanced dancer, there is something for you in this book, no matter what type of dancing you do. As well as the book being a good read, there is a companion website to help us have our own experience of what Stefan is sharing with us.
Leslie Zehr
Author, Mentor and Host of The Universal Dancer Podcast

[Anne Kingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving inspiration

Stefan offers an honest and accessible insight into the many benefits of community dance. His word s come from his passionate belief in dance as a healing modality. This book is stuffed with links to music and dance patterns to discover and embraces many references to other dance makers. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will refer back to it as a useful resource.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read!!

[Jessica Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stefan Freedman is a dancer but one who’s trained as a social scientist & he has a fascination with the human psyche & how dance effects it. His book “Dance Wise” is a combination of his 30 years of Circle dancing as well as his gentle introduction to dancing for those who have been traumatised in any way. Though his style is sympathetic & his simple explanations of profound psychological theories make his book all the more readable for the layman (or layperson!)
It is fascinating to read not only the theories of acedemics but also the examples of these theories in action around the world in the Circle Dance workshops that Stefan & his wife Bethan have led.
Yet this book is also practical & he offers at the end of each chapter suggestions of dances, songs & of choreography that enable you to step into the world of dance in the privacy of your own home! I have thoroughly enjoyed dipping into the web to find a new piece of music & one of Stefan’s dances that give a wonderful insight into the fun of Circle Dancing.
I’m very much looking forward to when I can start what Stefan calls “quantum quivering” on his next Circle Dance workshop! I’m in!

[Stefan Freedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's so much more to this book than meets the eye!
Trauma support, strategies for addiction recovery, staying young in mind and body, cultivating happiness and emotional balance. Enjoyable easy solo exercises to music.

The artwork inside the book is totally enchanting.

As author, I can't offer an objective assessment (of course).
This is simply to point to 'hidden' aspects of the writing.
All feedback on the book warmly welcomed.
www.dancewise.net