Dance and Kinaesthetics

Abstract

We have a complex inner speech, which works when we act. When we are saturated and totally involved, then our ‘ancient literacy’ takes over. Dance and Kinaesthetics enable us to access our fundamental (physical) memory, give us the ability to conceive kaleidoscopically and simultaneously, in addition to perceiving in chronological order. Movement in time is now, intrinsically of the present, totally focused and interactive rather than historical contemplation.

Dance (and Kinaesthetics) can empower individuals and communities … a force that can unite, uplift, teach, build, inspire and heal … the hidden language of the soul.

Martha Graham

Our voices belong first to our bodies, only secondly to our native language. We ‘voice’ our feelings before we have words to frame them in. As we acquire language, is it possible we lose our innate ability to ‘voice’ our deepest feelings? Before we learn to speak, time is seamless, no verbs and nouns but recognisable sensations — wordlessness means everything, is continuous¹.