What is Biodanza
A system of human development that uses music, movement and group encounter to awaken the joy of living. It was created by the Chilean Rolando Toro from 1965 onwards.
Rolando Toro's definition
“A system of human integration, organic renewal, affective re-education and relearning of life's original functions.”
Each part of this sentence describes an effect the practice aims for:
- Human integration: feeling whole, in harmony with yourself, with others and with nature.
- Organic renewal: helping the body regain its natural balance, alternating activity and rest and reducing stress.
- Affective re-education: growing the capacity to form bonds and care for others.
- Life's original functions: reconnecting with what keeps us alive instinctively, such as moving, playing, touching and resting.
Why “Biodanza”
The name joins bio (life) and danza (dance, in Spanish). It is the dance of life. Here, dancing means moving with meaning and emotion, with no technique and no mirror.
You may see it written as biodança or biodance, but the original name, used worldwide, is Biodanza.
Vivência
At the heart of Biodanza is the vivência: the intense experience of being present, here and now, with your body and emotions. Change comes more from what is lived while dancing than from talking or analysing.
Music, movement and encounter
Music is chosen for each exercise. Rhythmic music awakens energy; slow music invites calm and sensitivity.
Movement is simple and natural: walking, swaying, jumping, opening the arms. Everyone dances in their own way.
Encounter with others is part of the practice. The group builds an atmosphere of trust, called the affective matrix, where it is safe to show yourself as you are.
The biocentric principle
Rolando Toro proposed putting life at the centre: choosing what protects and strengthens life, in ourselves, in others and in nature. This principle guides the choice of music and exercises and the way the group treats each other.
Who it is for
Biodanza is for adults of any age and physical condition. Many people come because they want to:
- feel more energy and joy in daily life;
- release stress and built-up tension;
- meet people and be part of a group;
- know themselves better and express what they feel;
- go through a time of change with more support.
What Biodanza is not
- It is not a dance class. There is no technique or choreography, and nobody is judging.
- It is not therapy. Many people feel therapeutic effects, but Biodanza does not replace medical or psychological care.
- It is not a religion. It has no doctrine and asks no one to believe anything.
Come and try it
A trial class costs €5. Send us a message so we can welcome you properly.