What is Biodanza

Biodanza is a system that helps to develop our human potential through dance, movement, music, physical contact and group encounter experiences. 

• Origin: It was created in the 1960s by Rolando Toro Araneda, a Chilean anthropologist, psychologist, and poet. 

• Human integration: Through Biodanza, a process of human integration takes place by stimulating our most essential functions and strengthening our connection with life.  

• The five lines: The practice is built around five universal human potentials: Affectivity, Vitality, Creativity, Sexuality and Transcendence.

• The "Vivencia": Classes are called vivencias (Spanish word meaning "lived experience") and focus on being fully present in the here-and-now.

• Session dynamics: During a Biodanza session, exercises are done individually, in pairs, in small groups, or with the whole group. We dance barefoot (or barefoot dancing shoes) and avoid verbal communication so that the experience can be felt more deeply through movement and connection. 

• No Choreography: There are no steps or routines to memorise. Movements are spontaneous and based on specific exercises and how the music makes us move and feel.

What is NOT BIODANZA?

• A random group of isolated dancing exercises to express emotions.

• A new age or alternative method. Biodanza is based on Human Sciences and clinical research.

• A therapy dance. Traditional therapies analyse pathologies and focus on fixing what is "broken". Biodanza focuses on developing the healthy part of a person. While it can have profound therapeutic effects, the ultimate goal is not to resolve a specific medical or psychological trauma, but to encourage joy, human connection, and a higher quality of life .

For an academic definition of Biodanza, visit Definition of Biodanza 

For a description from its creator, Rolando Toro, visit Dance of Life