LivingDance~LivingMusic™ in Playa Jaco, Costa Rica
Keeping Your Shape in Shifting Times
Dates to be announced!
LivingDance
- works with natural forms such as breath, muscle connection, pulse, and shape, the body boundary. These relate directly to emotions and feelings of effectiveness.
- synthesizes current knowledge of human development, creative processes, dance, counseling, movement observation and the body-mind connection.
- applies to most interpersonal interactions - between doctor and patient, counselor and client, teacher and student, business partners, lovers, or family members.
- produces increased body-confidence, the freedom to relate to others without worrying about what they think, and the liberty to move authentically. You do not need dance training, talent, or athletic prowess to achieve these goals.
LivingMusic
- LivingMusic is a developing technique of improvisational playing that grows out of the LivingDance process. It fosters exploration, discovery, and immediate feedback. As one dancer wrote: "The live music was wonderful. It seemed to give permission to express myself."
- Always fresh, LivingMusic emerges from the same kind of breathing and creative connecting work in which the participants engage. As the work unfolds within and around the musician, the movement travels through the music maker, powering the playing, enlivening the music, and keeping it in touch with the dancers.
Participants from all walks of life benefit from LivingDance, both personally and professionally. LivingDance
generates body confidence, the freedom to relate to others without worrying about what people think, and the excitement of moving
expressively. You do not need dance training, talent, or athletic prowess to achieve these goals. All you need is the willingness
to experiment with breath, muscle connection, shape, and pulse - natural elements of dance and movement. These relate to how we feel
and how we function.
What happens in the workshop?
LivingDance~LivingMusic often begins with sensing the pulse. You learn how to "put your mind in your feet." and to
experience dance movement from a new perspective—one that you were probably connected to before school and other societal demands
interfered. Although no one is required to dance, personal movement evolves naturally.
Kinesthetic sensing, Somato Respiratory Integration™, creative dance, improvisation, and the discipline of authentic movement
provide stepping stones that lead to personal, transpersonal, and creative expression. LivingMusic reinforces the process.
As the week progresses, you become more and more comfortable with the new techniques, mastering ways to connect and empower yourself. Through dance movement and music you build a foundation for self-assurance, autonomy, and even intimacy.
When you work individually, LivingDance awakens your sensations and emotions, strengthens your ability to be fully present, and often enhances your capacity to project self-confidence. When we work as a group, LivingDance helps to discard the internal judge that criticizes and censors. You work instead to build a sense of personal and interpersonal comfort—one that fosters the freedom "to be."
Who are Danielle Fraenkel and Jeffrey Mehr?
Dr. Danielle Fraenkel, a dance/movement therapist for more than three decades, is the director of Kinections and the creator of LivingDance.
She developed LivingDance working with people who had eating disorders, but recognized, almost immediately, its potential to
benefit virtually everyone. Jeffrey Mehr has played piano since he was four and practiced Taijiquan for more then twenty years. Seven
years ago, he discovered the art of LivingMusic while participating in a LivingDance workshop at the Ouranos Club in Corfu.
What is LivingMusic?
LivingMusic is a developing technique of improvisational playing that grows out of and feeds back to the
LivingDance process. It fosters exploration and discovery. As one dancer wrote: "The live music was wonderful. It seemed to
give permission to express myself."
Always fresh, LivingMusic emerges from the same kind of breathing and creative connecting work in which the participants in LivingDance engage. As the work unfolds within and around the musician, the movement travels through the music maker, powering the playing, enlivening the music, and keeping it in touch with the dancers.
How long is the seminar?
The group meets for 4-5 hours a day. If you wish to take the seminar for credit towards credentialing in dance/movement therapy or as continuing education you will meet at additional times when appropriate. We will schedule these extra meeting times together.
Where in Costa Rica?
We will be living, dancing, and making music at Docelunas, a center for the Healing Arts and Holistic Studies. Surrounded by
forest-covered mountains and green fields, Docelunas is a twenty-minute walk from Pacific black sand beaches and downtown Jaco. You can
walk or take a taxi for a dollar.
Credentialing or Continuing Education Students
Alternate Route students pursuing the DTR credential will receive readings, assignments, and dance/movement therapy theory and practice in accordance with the guidelines of the American Dance Therapy Association. National Certified Counselors can earn 24-30 hours of continuing education clock hours.
Fee for Seven Nights Includes:
LivingDance~LivingMusic workshop in a beautiful studio with windows that open to Costa Rica's legendary nature.
Lodging—spacious bedroom decorated with indigenous art; grand bathroom with shower, bath, two sinks, and enormous closets; A/C; cable TV; phone; mini-bar; and in-room safe. Overlooks rich vegetation, gardens, animals, magnificent swimming pool (shown above), and jacuzzi. Rates are per person, double occupancy.
Trip to Manuel Antonio State Park, a rain forest with beaches on the Pacific. You will have additional time to play and travel on your own. After years of leading workshops, we are committed to balancing work and play.
Meals—delicious breakfast and dinner in an outdoor naturally covered restaurant; special alternatives when requested ahead of time (e.g., vegetarian or vegan).
A welcome gathering with live music and appetizers when you arrive.
A night of Latin dance lessons and music.
Dates, Costs & Registration
To be announced. Let us know if you are interested in coming to LivingDance~LivingMusic in Costa Rica.