I remember the first time my teacher introduced the concept of tantra in our dance workshop. My heart pounded in my chest as the room fell silent, curiosity and trepidation intertwining like the silk ribbons that hung from the ceiling. I was 51 then, a Ukrainian aerial dancer with a soft spot for the unconventional, the risky, and the raw. The allure of tantra, the union of the spiritual and the sensual, intrigued me. This would be an exploration of a new dimension of dance, a slow build towards a heightened connection between mind, body, and spirit. I thought, 'Why not explore now?'
One night, cloaked in the solitude of my private dance studio, I was suspended mid-air, cocooned in the silk ribbons, with nothing but dimmed lights and soft music for company. I was lost in an intimate dance of self-discovery. Instead of the usual quick, exhilarating spins and dizzifying twirls, I moved languidly, consciously slowing down my transitions from one pose to another. I barely touched the ground, floating effortlessly. My breath synced with the rhythm of my dance. It was then that I deeply understood tantra. It wasn't about rushing to the climax but yielding to the slow build, savouring each moment, each sensation. The feel of the cool silk against my skin, the thrilling fear of falling, the liberation when I defied gravity. рџЌ‘
Every swing, every spin, every twirl was an intimate dance not just with my body, but also with my heart and soul. As I gradually ascended higher, my body responded to the tantra-inspired dance with smooth, flowing movements. I was in a space where time became fluid, and the slow build brought me near to ecstasy. I danced, laughed, cried, and savoured my solitude in that cocoon of silk. The experience was raw, authentic, and liberating. This is tantra, I thought to myself, feeling a sense of satisfaction I had never felt before. рџ’«
The lessons I learned from that night still resonate within me. Tantra has transformed my view of aerial dance; it is not just about performing tricks in the air but also about experiencing a divine connection with oneself. It serves as a tool for self-discovery, a vehicle to explore the depths of my persona. Embracing the slow build in dance and life gave my world a fresh perspective. As I continue my journey as an aerial dancer, I lean towards the idea that it's not the climax that matters, it's the soul-nourishing process, the gradual climb, the raw and authentic self-expression. These moments of solitude, self-discovery, and satisfaction are the true performers, and the dance becomes their stage. 🤤
Looking back, I am grateful to my 51-year-old self for choosing to 'explore now.' Tantra, the slow build, the rawness of human emotion - all these have etched an unforgettable melange of memories and emotions in my dance journey. It reminds me that there is beauty in every moment, in every movement, and in every breath. Now, when I swing, twirl, and defy gravity, my heart dances to the rhythm of tantra, and my spirit whispers, 'This is life. Raw, authentic, exhilarating.' 💫🍑🤤  |