We're in the mood for dancin'

Kick off your shoes for a new women-only 5Rhythms session - the most fun you can have on a dancefloor

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Fri, 30 Nov 2012 16:55:56 GMT | Updated today

With winter settling in, it's certainly tempting to curl up on the sofa and spend our evenings staring at Strictly. But if you're in London, don't miss out on an opportunity to warm up on the dancefloor yourself - in the company of other lesbian and bi women at a new monthly 5Rhythms session. Organisers Jane and Sonia explain what it's all about:

The 5Rhythms is a dance movement practice. Even so, you don't have to learn any steps. Nor do you need to be a trained dancer, or even be particularly young or fit to enjoy it. All you need is a willingness to move and a curiosity about what is happening as you do so. Each rhythm is designed to catalyse a different part of you and gradually gather momentum, so that you naturally drop in to the next one. This is known as the Wave and it's a powerfully cathartic and addictive experience…

Jane has been an accredited 5Rhythms teacher since 2001 and runs weekly classes on Sundays, to which all are welcome.

Now we are creating a dance space just for lesbian and bi women to celebrate ourselves, to move together and to create community amongst and through ourselves. Each month 20% of the profits will be donated to a charity working for women. Our first month's recipient is The Lesbian Therapists Directory, a not-for-profit social enterprise that aims to connect lesbian clients with lesbian therapists and counsellors.

If you've never been to a 5Rhythms class, you're probably wondering what to expect. Here are a few tips for beginners:

What happens on the dancefloor?

In every class or workshop, there is always a wide range of experience in the 5Rhythms work - from first-timers to certified Wave addicts. In any given class, the teacher will be following the energy in the room. So, while the essential map is one of the five rhythms, the teacher might take the class through the entire Wave or focus on just one rhythm or one facet of a rhythm. The rhythms themselves are gateways to literally thousands of different movement landscapes. Like the body, they are alive and designed to catalyze the dancer's movement expression in the moment. You are different every time you walk in the room, so is the group and so is the teacher. Therefore, each class holds completely unique possibilities.

How do I start?

1. Go at your own pace.

2. Be responsible for your own body (stay aware of injuries and limitations).

3. Keep your eyes open to stay aware of others.

4. Dance barefoot or in dance shoes only - no socks on the floor.

5. Move how you feel and stay open to changing.

6. Know that everything that is alive has a dance, and your only task is to find and express yours.

7. Enjoy yourself! (Excessive seriousness may slow you down.)

We really look forward to meeting you.

Jane & Sonia

Saturday 8 December, 6-9pm (9pm - bring food to share; tea and coffee provided)

London Bhuddist Arts Centre (first floor),