By Carmen Robles Herrera MS Ed, MSW, LCSW
I was born feet first; my mother said that is because I was born to dance. Throughout my life, the presence of dance has been an intrinsical part of my existence. I believe that if I did not dance I will not be alive today.
There is movement to everything in the universe. Our own self healing instincts keep us moving in order to receive, release and share with our environment and our fellow men. The movement in dance is a fundamental source of communication, self-balancing, enlightment, and self-expression; and therefore, empowerment. It is a wonderful tool in our search for guidance, clarity, support, and connection to our higher self’s. As we all become healthier, happier, and more conscientious of our uniqueness and the importance of our presence in this world, we also become aware of the importance of sharing with the world our own self in movement. This is our own unique dance.
I was blessed by being born in Puerto Rico and inheriting a culture where dance was always part of our everyday existence. We dance when a child was born, someone died, there was a birthday, a baptism, a confirmation, a wedding, an anniversary, etc. Dance was the venue to acknowledge a significant event. We believed that everyone could dance. Age, sex, or physical condition had nothing to do with the ability to dance. You could dance standing, sitting, or lying down!
I realized that dance is like yoga; as long as you have the intention, you will receive its healing benefits. I compare dance to breathing. If you do not breathe you die and if you do not dance you die. In retrospection I now truly believe that when we do not dance a very important part of us is starved and eventually stops existing.
For many years I worked as an educator of children and adults, then I worked in the field of social work and eventually, over fifteen years ago I established a private practice as a psychotherapist. I have traveled extensively, married, raised children, created DASHIMO, and through every event, sorrow, and joy in my life, I have dance sometimes alone and sometimes with others. Dance has always been the propelling force in my life. It has been a blessing which I must share with others.
In my workshops I am presently using popular Latin music. We learn basic movements, cultural background, instruments used, and other relevant information of rhythms like plena, merengue, bachata, son, cha-cha-cha, salsa, and more. I intertwine breathing techniques, yoga, energy balancing, and many other healing concepts. The environment is very relaxed and non competitive and you get to laugh a lot and meet a lot of other wonderful people who love or are curious about dance. Everyone is able to participate and you do not need a partner to attend. It is important to dress very comfortably. I dance barefooted for healing purposes, which I will share with the participants. I encourage those who feel comfortable to dance barefooted as well. Shoes can be worn but it is important that they fit comfortably. The energy is very up and contagious. Those who arrive with anxious feelings before they know are not able to stop dancing! and those who dance professionally and find themselves always tormented about their performance are very happy to relax, get out of their head and learn to integrate more their bodies, feelings, and emotions into their dance. This in returns transforms their dance into a more expressive, alive and enriching experience.
For the past ten years I have had the honor to share DASHIMO™ in many different settings; holistic centers, universities, radio, television, etc. and with special dancing souls of all ages; children, adolescents, adults, and senior citizens. I am living my passions. I am able to share with others how to manifest, share, let go of blockages and stressors, and celebrate their life. I hope one day we can meet and dance together. I honor your light and dancer within. I wish you peace and the freedom to be yourself and dance!
Carmen “The Dancer”
www.dashimo.com
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And don't miss Latin Dance Made Easy beginning on Tuesday, July 1st at 6pm |
