“There are many things that cannot be held by one individual alone
if we are to have health.  When others play with our prayers,
concerns, questions, hopes or dreams, …  surprises and relief can come.”
~Phil Porter and Cynthia Winton-Henry

The Bachlorette Party

Last week at my Wing It! rehearsal, we improvised a bachlorette party for a fellow performer. There was raucous laughter as we offered bad relationship advice and danced a mock strip tease.

But when Phil (our artistic director) suggested a “Dance On Behalf Of,” I was touched beyond words.  A soft piece of music was put on, and six dancers twirled and glided in support of the bride-to-be’s deepest wishes for her new marriage.

What’s a Dance on Behalf Of?

A “Dance on Behalf Of” is a nonverbal way of paying attention to, or sending energy towards, a person, place, or situation that we are carrying in our hearts. The mover(s) can dance on behalf of the person who is witnessing (as we did with the bride-to-be).  It is also possible to move on behalf of a person, place, or situation that is not present.

Having An Easy Focus

Sometimes at the Tuesday night InterPlay class, we’ll have participants tell stories about someone who is on their minds. I often  talk about my nephew Sebastian, who lives achingly far away from me. Or a client who is really struggling at school.

Then we’ll put on a piece of music and invite folks to simply remember that person while they move. Often I get so caught up in my dance that I forget all about the person I’m dancing on behalf of. And that’s OK, too. Easy focus is the name of the game!

Try It Yourself

Do you have someone or something on your heart right now? Try your own mini Dance On Behalf Of.

• If you like, put on a piece of music that moves you (‘tho music is not necessary).
• Take a moment to remember that person or situation.
• Then, let your focus soften so you’re not thinking too hard.
• Allow your body to move. This might look as simply as swaying back and forth or walking mindfully. Perhaps it’s more energetic, with full out dancing. Move in whatever way feels enjoyable for you.
• When you’re finished –after 30 seconds or 3 minutes — take one more moment to remember the person or situation.
• Notice whatever sensations you’re experiencing in your body.
• Then, shake it all out!

Although there is much that I am grateful for about the InterPlay practice, the “Dance On Behalf Of” form is one of its sweetest gifts to the world. I hope you enjoy it, too.

(The picture, by the way, was taken by Katherine Kunz on a trip we took to India last year. We had just finished participating in a workshop with Cynthia Winton-Henry, and these women are saying thank you to us with their own Dance On Behalf Of.)