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Does the world really need another movement modality? Aren’t there enough practices out there to satisfy everyone already? Why would anyone want to start something new when there are so many options?

These are some of the questions I get asked when people consult with me about their marketing and branding. Every Dance First member gets some one-on-one time with me, and folks who want serious support with their movement marketing and practice building can apply to work with me more intensively.

So the question isn’t: “Does the world need more modalities?” it’s “Are there more people out there who need embodiment?” Seriously, when you look around at the average population in any given city or town, is everyone in good shape, limber, flexible, happy, flowing, and radiating positive somatic energy?

When we first started brainstorming the idea of launching Conscious Dancer back in 2007, I remember compiling a list of as many “modalities” as I could identify, and also a list of “forms.” The list of forms hasn’t changed much since then, well-known traditions such as tango, salsa, or ballroom dancing gradually evolve with hybrids such as blues dancing or electro-swing. Modalities however are a different story.

For our purposes, I define a modality as a “branded” movement practice, typically a trademarked name that can be traced back to the roots of a single individual or small groups inspiration and unique methodology. The late Gabrielle Roth, one of my most valued advisors in our early years, was truly a pioneer in staking a claim to her intellectual property, 5Rhythms of course being a name that lives on as her legacy at the heart of the conscious dance movement.

In 2007 I was able to count about 23 modalities, by 2014 there were well over 100. Part of that is simply because many more were discovered as we studied the field, but many of those are more recently established, some very general, and some designed to address specific needs. I predict many more are on the way.

Don’t get me wrong, by no means am I suggesting that just anyone should go out and launch a new modality just because it seems like a viable business model. Just the opposite in fact. There are far easier ways to make a living!

But for a select few, certain leaders in the field who have risen through the ranks of various trainings, people who feel they’ve reached a ceiling working beneath someone else’s umbrella, and are confident they have the necessary mojo and original approach to strike out on their own, then by all means, my advice is to take the leap.

The questions I encourage people to ask themselves before blazing their own trail are these. Is there a particular population, demographic, or cultural niche that you see as being underserved where your work will find a welcome reception and make a difference? Do you think you have a unique approach to creating change in the people you want to serve? Does your work address a specific problem or issue that currently has no solution in the realm of movement? In other words, can you create results in a way that some part of the world needs?

I honor, celebrate, and serve the many thousands of movement leaders that are happily holding the space and carrying the torch within the structure of the established modalities, most of whom are members of the Dance First Association. For the vast majority it’s the wise choice to work with an established framework and enjoy the support of an existing community. But without a few restless innovators who insist on breaking the mold, our movement would cease to move forward and evolve.

Dance First’s motto is “movement before medication.” The tagline forConscious Dancer is “movement for a better world.” My work is an invitation at large for more dance and movement in the world, especially with a conscious approach that increases connection and awareness. Let’s keep working and dancing together to grow this movement, and I’ll keep doing everything I can to help you thrive in it!

Much love and happy moving!

M+

Mark Metz
Director of the Dance First Association
Publisher of Conscious Dancer Magazine

Dance First Member Spotlight:Banafsheh Sayyad & Dance of Oneness

Dance First Member Spotlight

One of our long-time Dance First members that has always impressed me with her well-crafted approach is Banafsheh Sayyad, founder and creator of Dance of Oneness. You can listen to her tell her story and get to know her much better as I did on episode #23 of the Conscious Dancer podcast.

Her background as a choreographer and performance artist influenced by Rumi provide a foundation for her modality. Her 2011 dance film In the Fire of Grace with author and scholar, Andrew Harvey traces Rumi’s journey of the Soul in dance.

NAMAH, her dance company platform for solo and ensemble work is widely acclaimed on the international circuit, having recently performed on the closing night of the Festival of Sacred Arts in Madrid.

Her practice is an amalgamation of several important forms and lineages. As a body based sacred dance practice designed to cultivate presence in your body, Dance of Oneness brings in elements of flamenco, tai chi, chi gong, Persian classical dance, Sufi whirling, combined with rigorous ecstatic dance and fitness techniques.

Iranian-born transformational leader and master dance artist Banafsheh is one of the few bearers of authentic Persian dance in the world, an innovator who bridges the realms between the masculine tradition of Sufi dance and the contemporary resurgence of the divine feminine. She’s carries the torch of a family tradition, her father, noted filmmaker, theater director, and actor Parvis Sayyad, (the Charlie Chaplin of Iran) is the most famous Iranian of his time.

A living invitation to exalt, honor, and empower our sexuality as a path to sacred embodiment, you can find the Los Angeles-based Banafsheh hosting popular workshops and the Dance of Oneness Certification Program at leading retreat centers around North America such as Esalen, Omega, Kripalu, Menla, and Hollyhock, as well as extensive tours in Europe, Turkey, and the Middle East.

For facilitators and movement leaders wishing to develop a global itinerary and international following, she’s an empowering model of a professional approach. One of the ways she differentiates herself is by teaming up with top musicians to create a live experience for participants. Musical partners ZARBANG and Tony Khalife often provide accompaniment for her remarkable workshops and events.

Thank you Banafsheh for stepping outside the box and breaking the mold to forge a new practice that illuminates the wisdom of Rumi and the magic of sacred dance to open-hearted people around the world!Dance First is at your service, honoring and support the great work that you do!

Visit www.banafsheh.org to learn more about Dance of Oneness and be sure to attend an upcoming workshop, retreat, or ongoing class near you soon.