Dance as a mirror: masks, roles and the space that moves us

In Poreč we held our third free-dance session inspired by the 5Rhythms.

Honestly, this whole series grew out of a very simple need: we miss dancing too. We miss a space where the body can express itself without form, judgement or pressure. A space where we can be present – just as we are that day.

We are Ana, a kinesiologist, and Anna, a body-oriented psychotherapy practitioner. We started with the idea of opening such a space in Poreč at least twice a month, and it's wonderful to see the response, to see that people want the same thing we do – to feel the body, breathe together, set themselves free through movement.

At the last dance we also touched on something deeper – exercises in pairs raised the question: what happens when someone is watching us? What do we offer, hide or take in order to be accepted? That's often when we reach for our social masks. Jung called this the persona – the image we build in order to belong.

It can be a mask of knowledge, a mask of kindness, even of spirituality. We need masks, but… what happens when they become a habit? When we wear them even when they're not needed?

Through movement, breath and the body, we try to meet what lies underneath: frustration, doubt, resistance, sadness, desire. We're not looking for the perfect answer. We simply allow the question to exist.

At the next dance the theme is roles

What roles do we carry? Which did we choose, and which were imposed on us? Which do we love, which drain us, and which have we perhaps never even questioned?

Dance inspired by the 5Rhythms method (Gabrielle Roth) doesn't ask for knowledge, only presence. The body moves through five energetic states:

• Flowing – soft, connected movements that ground us and open us to receiving.
• Staccato – clear, energetic movements of expression and boundaries.
• Chaos – releasing energy through wild, free movement without control.
• Lyrical – light, playful movements that bring joy and creativity.
• Stillness – calm and inner space, where we feel complete presence.

If you feel like dancing and want to feel good in movement and in company, come and join us.