Shakti Dance

Shakti Dance has been evolving since the early 1990's and is based on Kundalini Yoga. It was created and developed, with the support and encouragement of Yogi Bhajan, by Sara Avtar Oliver, a life-long dancer and 20+-year yoga practitioner and teacher.

Shakti Dance is a discipline that embraces the principles of Kundalini Yoga in the form and repetition of dance; with the aim to broaden the spectrum of movement, open channels of energy in the body, bring a sense of heightened sensitivity and freedom through transcendence. In short, a discipline to joyously raise the conscious awareness.

We find ourselves in a time of great challenge and change, yet also great potential. Liberation from mental and physical blocks into free and gracefully flowing living (sahej), is what Shakti Dance can help us experience to find our way.

The 8 phases of a Shakti Dance class is a systematic process for cleansing and awakening the Pranic body. First we align the mind and body by tuning in with a mantra and mudras. Then comes a series of Shakti Stretching - gentle floor exercises to open the channels of energy in the body. Shakti Dance movements become self-sustaining, requiring little effort, allowing the mind to relax as the consciousness shifts to meditative states of trance.

Energising standing exercises and self-repeating dance steps are then introduced to open the pranic body and chakras with breath-coordinated movement. This phase charges vitality.

Once the pranic body is free-flowing, the inherent wisdom of the soul, the impulse of Shakti, begins to unfold. The phase of free-dance then takes over in surrender to the creative impulse, as it is given free-reign for self-expression. Increased awareness of the aura enables an enjoyable exploration of inner and outer spaces.

After deep relaxation, a group meditation with movements and mantra stimulates the meditative mind. A crowning moment of stillness in meditation is taken to enjoy the fulfillment of emptiness following the satisfaction of self-expression - bathing in the Source within.

Nimrita teaches Shakti Dance classes and workshops in Brighton.