“In many shamanic societies, if you came to the medicine man disheartened, dispirited or depressed, they would ask you: When did you stop dancing? When did you stop singing” When did you stop being enchanted with stories?” ~ Gabrielle Roth

A hungering to connect inwardly with spirit, break through to bliss or dance into a state of consciousness that is more body awareness than thought processing allows the little self to connect with the larger self. Although these are all good reasons to dance, they aren’t the only motivation for individuals that feel the need to move their body to the rhythm of music that inspires everything from graceful to primal movements.

In Bonita Springs’ Shangri La Springs and Hummingbird Wellbeing Center & Boutique, Valeria Hill and Winnie Purple guide dance movements that inspire free expression and personal interpretation. “We’re focused on the simple joy of movement,” say Hill, a Nia instructor, and Purple, a Polynesian dance trained aerobic instructor.

Hill notes that by itself, Nia provides a good mind-body fusion workout. “Integrating any of its 52 joyful movements into my solo wellness dancing, which includes some martial arts, tai chi chuan, samba and capoeria, moves free, heady thoughts and allows the body to fully express itself or for spirit to move the body. The added benefit is that while we are connecting to the earth in our bare feet, dancing in places surrounded by the beauty of nature, we are improving flexibility, which helps with joint stiffness and pain,” she says.  

Samba, a lively, rhythmical solo dance that originated in Brazil, is most often recognized around the world as a symbol of that country and the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Hill’s home dancing turf.

Capoeira is a Brazilian art form involving rhythm, movement and personal expression. “Although the details of Capoeira’s origins and early history are still debated, it is known that African slaves played a crucial role in its development,” advises Hill.

Some of Purple’s world fusion dance moves originate in the Pacific Islands of New Zealand, Hawaii, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Tahiti. Others such as reggae, rumba, calypso, bachata, plena, mambo, and danzon are from the Caribbean, while others such as tango, paso doble, salsa, and bumbia come from South America. Purple also blends in dance moves from Africa, Spain and Celtic lands, as well as Middle Eastern belly dancing and Odissi, one of the eight classical dance forms of India.

Purple describes her fusion of dance moves as a mixture of tribal and ethnic dancing. “I’ve noticed that individuals in this area who are interested in dancing aren’t really interested in the pure steps. They are more interested in disconnecting from thinking to dance for the sheer joy and freedom of moving and flowing to the music. as well as giving the body the opportunity to express its inner beauty.

For more information on Hummingbird Wellbeing Center, located at 27785 Old U.S. 41 Rd., in Bonita Springs, call 239-494-6983 or visit HummingbirdWellbeingCenter.com. For more information on Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old U.S. 41 Rd., Bonita Springs, call 239-949-0749. Visit ShangrilaSprings.com.