SpiritDance SoulSong™
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SpiritDance SoulSong™: Frequently Asked Questions
What is SpiritDance SoulSong?
Singing and dancing are the oldest spiritual practices on our planet. SpiritDance SoulSong brings these ancient healing practices into the modern world. Discover your body as a musical instrument, empowering you to be in vibrant, radiant health.
SDSS fuses cross-cultural spiritual and philosophical truths with Western psychology and modern scientific research. A fusion of the eight chakras and the five elements, SpiritDance SoulSong begins with the root chakra, powered by your breath and your heartbeat.
Accessible to everyone, this moving meditation invites you to realize physical and metaphysical fitness by opening your heart, freeing your voice, letting go of the past, exploring your breath, strengthening and detoxifying your cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and toning your digestive and reproductive systems.
When we sing, the breath, heart, mind and body resonate together. SoulSong uncovers the songs in our hearts and awakens our true voice. You can learn to use your voice as medicine -- no musical background required.
SoulSong’s natural pranayama exercises invite sound from all parts of your body -- your musical instrument -- opening space, new vitality and balance.
SoulSong is an experiential practice that creates a safe space for everyone to express the heart song they have deep inside, waiting to be shared with the world. Tap into the liberated state of being a child, open your throat chakra, and immerse yourself in the healing power of sound.
Through movement, music, breath, sound, song and visualization, we can transform ourselves, our relationships, our communities and our planet. This is the intention of SpiritDance SoulSong.
SDSS fuses cross-cultural spiritual and philosophical truths with Western psychology and modern scientific research. A fusion of the eight chakras and the five elements, SpiritDance SoulSong begins with the root chakra, powered by your breath and your heartbeat.
Accessible to everyone, this moving meditation invites you to realize physical and metaphysical fitness by opening your heart, freeing your voice, letting go of the past, exploring your breath, strengthening and detoxifying your cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and toning your digestive and reproductive systems.
When we sing, the breath, heart, mind and body resonate together. SoulSong uncovers the songs in our hearts and awakens our true voice. You can learn to use your voice as medicine -- no musical background required.
SoulSong’s natural pranayama exercises invite sound from all parts of your body -- your musical instrument -- opening space, new vitality and balance.
SoulSong is an experiential practice that creates a safe space for everyone to express the heart song they have deep inside, waiting to be shared with the world. Tap into the liberated state of being a child, open your throat chakra, and immerse yourself in the healing power of sound.
Through movement, music, breath, sound, song and visualization, we can transform ourselves, our relationships, our communities and our planet. This is the intention of SpiritDance SoulSong.
Who are the instructors?
Ellen Watson
Now a world-renowned somatic arts educator, from 1984 to 2004, Ellen Watson rebirthed and developed the Movement Arts Program at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California.
In the beginning of her 30 years of study and teaching at Esalen, Ellen completed countless trainings and continuing education in the somatic and healing arts, including 500-hour teacher certifications in Clinical Hypnosis, 5 Rhythms™, Esalen® Massage, Holotropic Breathwork™ and various yoga teacher trainings. A licensed minister and spiritual counselor, Ellen studied with The Center for Spiritual Healing, Continuum Movement under the guidance of Emilie Conrad and Susan Harper, The Diamond Approach, Gestalt Awareness Practice with Chris and Dick Price, and sound healing with a wide variety of teachers.
One of less than two dozen teachers authorized to teach Esalen Massage, Ellen founded MovingVentures in 1996. Ellen has developed Touching Essence™, a somatic arts practice that combines bodywork, essential oils and sound healing. Through her non-profit educational organization, hundreds of Indonesians have been certified in Esalen Massage and Touching Essence.
Since 2015’s inaugural SpiritDance SoulSong training, new teachers are sharing the practice in Japan, Bali, Australia, South Africa, Europe, Canada and the U.S. Ellen shines in her ability to teach and guide others through their own discovery of embodied presence.
Daphne Tse
Daphne is a spirited, soulful musician, artist and teacher. After falling in love with yoga more than 20 years ago, she has explored merging her spiritual practice with her contemporary folk singer/songwriter style.
Daphne studied music at The University of Texas at Austin, Berklee College of Music and The Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. She learned mantra music from kirtan master Jai Uttal and sound healing from sound troubadour Jonathan Goldman.
She completed her foundational yoga teacher training in Los Angeles in 2004, initially specializing in kids yoga. Daphne found joy and light working with young people, then with students of all ages.
She recently released her second solo album, Finding Water. Her music has been featured on yoga music compilations with her friend and teacher Shiva Rea, with whom she has completed multiple teacher trainings. She also embraces the teachings of Erich Schiffman, Mark Whitwell, Pema Chodron and Ammachi in her daily practice.
Daphne has travelled all over the world, sharing her music and SoulSong teachings with performances and classes in Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Australia.
Now a world-renowned somatic arts educator, from 1984 to 2004, Ellen Watson rebirthed and developed the Movement Arts Program at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California.
In the beginning of her 30 years of study and teaching at Esalen, Ellen completed countless trainings and continuing education in the somatic and healing arts, including 500-hour teacher certifications in Clinical Hypnosis, 5 Rhythms™, Esalen® Massage, Holotropic Breathwork™ and various yoga teacher trainings. A licensed minister and spiritual counselor, Ellen studied with The Center for Spiritual Healing, Continuum Movement under the guidance of Emilie Conrad and Susan Harper, The Diamond Approach, Gestalt Awareness Practice with Chris and Dick Price, and sound healing with a wide variety of teachers.
One of less than two dozen teachers authorized to teach Esalen Massage, Ellen founded MovingVentures in 1996. Ellen has developed Touching Essence™, a somatic arts practice that combines bodywork, essential oils and sound healing. Through her non-profit educational organization, hundreds of Indonesians have been certified in Esalen Massage and Touching Essence.
Since 2015’s inaugural SpiritDance SoulSong training, new teachers are sharing the practice in Japan, Bali, Australia, South Africa, Europe, Canada and the U.S. Ellen shines in her ability to teach and guide others through their own discovery of embodied presence.
Daphne Tse
Daphne is a spirited, soulful musician, artist and teacher. After falling in love with yoga more than 20 years ago, she has explored merging her spiritual practice with her contemporary folk singer/songwriter style.
Daphne studied music at The University of Texas at Austin, Berklee College of Music and The Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. She learned mantra music from kirtan master Jai Uttal and sound healing from sound troubadour Jonathan Goldman.
She completed her foundational yoga teacher training in Los Angeles in 2004, initially specializing in kids yoga. Daphne found joy and light working with young people, then with students of all ages.
She recently released her second solo album, Finding Water. Her music has been featured on yoga music compilations with her friend and teacher Shiva Rea, with whom she has completed multiple teacher trainings. She also embraces the teachings of Erich Schiffman, Mark Whitwell, Pema Chodron and Ammachi in her daily practice.
Daphne has travelled all over the world, sharing her music and SoulSong teachings with performances and classes in Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Australia.
Who is the Teacher Training for?
The practice of SDSS is accessible to everyone. Regardless of your age, gender or body type, you will discover how to use your body as a musical instrument.
Even for those who do not intend to ever lead a SDSS class, the month is a fabulous opportunity for learning, personal discovery and fun! As the training progresses, you will gain skills and confidence in your ability to hold a class. We hope that as you experience the power of movement and sound for deep healing and transformation, you will be inspired to share the practice with others.
By doing this training and spreading the "movement movement," you are absolutely making the world a better place -- even if only by the massive strides you will make on your own journey.
Even for those who do not intend to ever lead a SDSS class, the month is a fabulous opportunity for learning, personal discovery and fun! As the training progresses, you will gain skills and confidence in your ability to hold a class. We hope that as you experience the power of movement and sound for deep healing and transformation, you will be inspired to share the practice with others.
By doing this training and spreading the "movement movement," you are absolutely making the world a better place -- even if only by the massive strides you will make on your own journey.
Do I need any prior certifications or training in dance or singing?
No prior dance or music training is necessary.
A list of required and recommended preparations for the Teacher Training will be posted soon. To get started, we advise you to attend as many different forms of facilitated movement / ecstatic dance / conscious dance as you can. You can start to see what others are doing and what resonates with you as you move into developing your own teaching style.
The book "Sweat Your Prayers" by 5Rhythms founder Gabrielle Roth is a great introduction to movement as a spiritual practice.
A list of required and recommended preparations for the Teacher Training will be posted soon. To get started, we advise you to attend as many different forms of facilitated movement / ecstatic dance / conscious dance as you can. You can start to see what others are doing and what resonates with you as you move into developing your own teaching style.
The book "Sweat Your Prayers" by 5Rhythms founder Gabrielle Roth is a great introduction to movement as a spiritual practice.
Is SpiritDance SoulSong accredited?
Ellen and Daphne presented SpiritDance SoulSong at the International Movement Teachers Association gathering in London in July 2015. We look forward to being inducted into the IMTA and recognized as an approved modality by June 2016.
Is there any way to reduce the cost of the training? Work exchange?
Attending a training like this does require a significant financial contribution. Your payment includes use of a beautiful resort, delicious and healthy food, and compensation for several world-class instructors. The process of figuring out how to attend is the first important lesson of the training.
Because the Teacher Training is being hosted and produced by Desa Seni resort, we at MovingVentures have little wiggle room in terms of the pricing. Desa Seni is handling taking care of kitchen duties, etc., so we are unable to offer that type of work exchange.
A few ideas to help you pay for the training:
* Referrals: If you refer someone who signs up for the training, you get a discount of $200 per person. For a referral who signs up for the first 10 days as a retreat (April 7-17), you get a $100 discount.
* Work exchange: If you are skilled in a specialized area, work trade with MovingVentures is a possibility. To be considered, please send us a letter, resume and work samples.
* Crowdfunding: Put the word out to your friends and family via gofundme, kickstarter, etc., and let them show their support in helping you fulfill your dream.
Because the Teacher Training is being hosted and produced by Desa Seni resort, we at MovingVentures have little wiggle room in terms of the pricing. Desa Seni is handling taking care of kitchen duties, etc., so we are unable to offer that type of work exchange.
A few ideas to help you pay for the training:
* Referrals: If you refer someone who signs up for the training, you get a discount of $200 per person. For a referral who signs up for the first 10 days as a retreat (April 7-17), you get a $100 discount.
* Work exchange: If you are skilled in a specialized area, work trade with MovingVentures is a possibility. To be considered, please send us a letter, resume and work samples.
* Crowdfunding: Put the word out to your friends and family via gofundme, kickstarter, etc., and let them show their support in helping you fulfill your dream.
What about staying off-site and heading to Desa Seni for class?
While staying onsite is ideal, there is certainly plenty of time during class to make deep connections with your fellow trainees and to experience the beauty of Desa Seni.
If you would like to sleep off-site, we recommend staying close to Desa Seni resort (in Canggu, Bali). We meet for class around 7 a.m. each day. There are many choices of accommodation in that area: Check www.Agoda.com and www.TripAdvisor.com for hotels in and around Canggu. Also, many part-time residents in Bali offer their villas for rent while they are overseas. You can find these on www.airbnb.com.
We will be renting a house nearby for MovingVentures staff, and might have space to offer to trainees. Let us know if you are interested, and we will keep you updated on the details and cost.
If you would like to sleep off-site, we recommend staying close to Desa Seni resort (in Canggu, Bali). We meet for class around 7 a.m. each day. There are many choices of accommodation in that area: Check www.Agoda.com and www.TripAdvisor.com for hotels in and around Canggu. Also, many part-time residents in Bali offer their villas for rent while they are overseas. You can find these on www.airbnb.com.
We will be renting a house nearby for MovingVentures staff, and might have space to offer to trainees. Let us know if you are interested, and we will keep you updated on the details and cost.
When should I arrive in Bali?
Depending on where in the world you are traveling from, we suggest giving yourself a few days to relax, get settled and adjust to the time change. Jet lag can be difficult: The earlier you can arrive, the better. Two or three days before (April 4-5) should be sufficient. No worries if you're still adjusting during the start of the training: You likely won't be the only one, and the practices and the other students will help your energy and mood, and dancing will get you nice and tired to have restful sleep.
How will I get from the airport to Desa Seni in Canggu?
MovingVentures has safe, reliable drivers we have been working with for years in Bali, and we are happy to schedule them for your transportation from the airport.
Taxis are readily available at the airport, but be warned: The drivers can be aggressive while competing for your business.
If you choose to stay off-site, your hotel may provide airport pickup.
Taxis are readily available at the airport, but be warned: The drivers can be aggressive while competing for your business.
If you choose to stay off-site, your hotel may provide airport pickup.
How rigorous is the training? Will we have time to relax?
We absolutely recognize the need for personal time and rest, and we make sure to schedule down time during the program. On our off days, we usually offer optional activities, such as local temple ceremonies. You may also choose to go to the beach, receive spa treatments, head into town, or just relax and enjoy alone time.
Do I need to bring a computer?
You will likely want to use some recorded music while teaching your practice classes. Bring a laptop, iPod or phone with some of your favorite music to move to and/or that allows you to download music. Having an external hard drive or memory stick will allow you to share music with your fellow trainees.
I’m interested in exploring Bali before/after the training. Is Bali a safe place to travel?
Bali is considered a safe place to travel alone. It is a welcoming and beautiful culture, and we recommend spending as much time as possible to explore the island.
Ubud is definitely worth checking out, about an hour from Desa Seni. Ubud is full of yoga studios, inexpensive massages, dance performances, terrific healthy food and ex-pats who went for a visit and decided to stay!
Travel alone, or meet a travel buddy during the training or beforehand on the SDSS 2016 Teacher Training Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1639384623017764/
Ubud is definitely worth checking out, about an hour from Desa Seni. Ubud is full of yoga studios, inexpensive massages, dance performances, terrific healthy food and ex-pats who went for a visit and decided to stay!
Travel alone, or meet a travel buddy during the training or beforehand on the SDSS 2016 Teacher Training Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1639384623017764/
What is Bali Spirit Festival? Can I volunteer with MovingVentures?
Happening the week before the SDSS retreat and Teacher Training (March 29-April 3), the Bali Spirit Festival (www.balispiritfestival.com) is a world-class event that attracts top teachers and performers from all over the world. During the day, classes in yoga, dance and more -- including SDSS -- are offered a short drive from Ubud. Then, dance the night away to incredible music at the ARMA museum.
MV is a major sponsor of the event and receives some passes for volunteers. To be considered as one of our assistants, you must first confirm that you are coming to the training by registering and submitting your deposit to Desa Seni.
Housing during the festival can be reserved in Ubud for as little as $10-$20 U.S. per night.
MV is a major sponsor of the event and receives some passes for volunteers. To be considered as one of our assistants, you must first confirm that you are coming to the training by registering and submitting your deposit to Desa Seni.
Housing during the festival can be reserved in Ubud for as little as $10-$20 U.S. per night.
Can I connect with other students before the training?
The SDSS 2016 Teacher Training Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1639384623017764) is a closed group exclusively for teachers and registered and prospective students. Request to be added to the group to stay up to date as the training approaches and to meet your teachers and fellow trainees.
Sign me up! How do I register?
Click the Register button at the top of this page! You will be taken to a page to complete registration and then asked to complete a deposit or full payment for the training.
Alternatively you may also book with Desa Seni resort. For registration, please contact: info@desaseni.com.
We look forward to seeing you in Bali!
Alternatively you may also book with Desa Seni resort. For registration, please contact: info@desaseni.com.
We look forward to seeing you in Bali!