| Tapping
into Your Soul; Stompin' at Kripalu Program Review • Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health • July 2008 |
The opening night of Tapping into Your Soul; Stompin' at Kripalu with Chaya~ Sharon Heller, began with an upbeat tap warm-up, followed by a tap circle with introductions through a sharing of each others signature steps which Chaya synchronized into a flowing routine that everyone followed. The next morning began with a yoga session tailored specifically to the needs of dancers, and incorporated deep relaxation with mind/body exercises to prepare Chaya's students for a day of dancing. Yogic and Ayurvedic philosophy and their relevance to tap dancing were an integral part of day two’s agenda, allowing participants to experiment with new ways of thinking and dancing that opened them up to greater physical ability, spirituality and emotional joy. The day’s first tap class was an immersion session in which the program’s students were introduced to traditional steps and the “Shim Sham.” As the students progressed in their day, those steps were then incorporated into a basic routine enhanced by additional new steps that Chaya wove into a choreographed dance, set to Natalie Cole’s “This Can’t Be Love.” The closing session of the program was marked by Chaya’s students revisiting and perfecting the dance routine they learned the day before as well as the steps they shared on their first night of Tapping into Your Soul. With their newly developed skills the program closed with everyone sharing their own choreographed steps while clapping and stompin’ to the music of John de Kadt’s “The Rhythm is Not Mine.” The participants of the Tapping into Your Soul program ranged in ability from beginners to veterans, some of whom were returning to tap dance after a hiatus of many years. Regardless of their skill level however, all involved shared an enthusiasm and joy of dance that enlivened Chaya’s choreography and made for a “stompin’ good time.” A deep sense of community and spirituality (the driving forces behind yoga, dance and life) were felt by all and most of the program’s participants said the experience surpassed their expectations. Many of Chaya’s students plan to return to Kripalu in November 2008 when the course will run again from the 9th to the 12th.• •
To view a video clip of Chaya's students dancing to "This Can't
Be Love" click
here. |
A
wonderful time was had by all in an unusual weekend program featuring
both yoga and tap dancing at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health
in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Taught by Chaya~ Sharon Heller, students
of the program learned what tap dance and yoga have in common; the
ability to drive its students to spirit and expand the essence of
their relationship with themselves, each other and their environment.
Lenox, MA 01240 I 413.329.2182 I Email ©
2008 ChayaYoga, An Ayurvedic Lifestyle. All Rights Reserved. |