Yet I had those familiar first-class jitters.
I worried I wouldnt get the movements down.
I love to dance, but Im noprima ballerina.
The author in a qoya class
Also, I really wasnt quite sure what “sensual movement” meant.
Right away I could tell this class would be unlikeany Id ever taken.
And therewasnt a single mirrorin the room.
The author (right) selecting an Earth Magic card
If it feels good, then youre doing it right," Anderson says.
“When I go to the gym, I compare myself to other women.
I dont do that in qoya.
Lorenzo Marez
I like that its not about how I look but how my movements feel.”
“Theyre finding a way to feel moreempowered.
We have a history as women of having to be and act a certain way.
Qoya is letting go of that expectation and being authentic in our expression.”
I learned their purpose is to foster a sense of community.
Anderson then announced the class theme: passion.
Instructors serve as guides who encourage students to improvise as they dance.
The class features only one choreographed piece.
For the warm-up, we moved our heads, arms, shoulders, and hips in a circular motion.
The sensual movement portion of class includedplie squatsand gently swaying our hips from side to side.
Anderson then led a simple yoga segment.
As I pondered a life without passion, thoughts of boredom and indifference filled my mind.
My classmates and I turned away from one another to perform this dance privately.
I closed my eyes and started swaying.
I let my body (not my mind) guide me.
The point of the shadow dance, Anderson explains, is to spark authentic expression within women.
These are real emotions we feel in lifestress, boredom, depression.
We take a moment to feel them and to focus on how we move within that energy.
It can be a powerful way to heal.
The class wrapped up with a freestyle number that allowed us to dance around the entire studio.
In addition to being fun, qoya was therapeutic.
I wasnt obsessing about my endless to-do list.
If I looked ridiculous, I was oblivious because I couldnt see my reflection.
I was dancing with a group of open-minded women who werent concerned with being perfect.
Visitqoya.loveto find a qoya class near you.
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