Biodanza is practiced in weekly classes. The introduction to the system takes approximately four months. At the foundational level we learn to feel the rhythm of life, enjoy the community-building power of fun, and regain our joy of living. At the next level the aim becomes the harmonization of personal history with specific dance and movement exercises that address particular issues. In this stage we turn to the teachings of Wilhelm Reich and Alexander Lowen and their stress relief methodology. The occasional practice of Biodanza does not dissolve the muscular armour and character defences. For that to take place we need to go deeper into the personal unconscious, the five areas of human experience (e.g. vitality, sexuality, creativity, etc.), and continue the transformational process by incorporating healthier ways of being and acting in the world. From time to time we revisit the main topics. The programme of weekly classes is like a spiral. Each time we pass through the same point in the circle we are actually expanding into higher levels. Facilitators observe what is happening in the group. Some participants may require additional personal counselling.
The process relies on the power of the group. On offer is a gradual step by step process. Usually in the beginning people don’t realize the depth of the system. Many come simply because they enjoy moving to the wonderful variety of music we use. That's perfectly OK. Many feel somewhat restricted in daily life and love the atmosphere of freedom and acceptance. When they begin to feel the positive impact of this process their desire to change arises and they commit to their personal growth.
[This text is an adapted version of an interview given to the Russian magazine Psychologies by José Neves and Irene Franco]