by Hilary Totah

For the past few months I have been going to a Five Rhythms class in Hastings, and loving it. Five Rhythms, developed by dancer Gabrielle Roth, is exhilarating, fun and challenging within a friendly and accepting space. The music is good too. I talked to Philip James, who runs the class and is the inspired DJ.

Hilary: What is Five Rhythms?
Philip: 5R is a dance practice, but it’s not about learning steps. It’s a framework to give a structure so that we can find our own dance. The 5R describe five different broad styles of movement. They are: flowing which is smooth and continuous; staccato, angular and punctuated; chaos is vibration and release; lyrical is light and playful; and in stillness we slow down and go deeper. The rhythms follow a cycle. Flowing moves into staccato and so on to stillness - known as a ‘wave’.
Hilary: Wow! I didn’t know it was so profound but I do notice that I feel different, freer, after dancing the rhythms.
Philip: That’s because when we can access all the different rhythms within us through dance, it can release any stuck patterns. This will make us feel more energised because we are not using up our energy to stay stuck. Movement is a metaphor for life, it can mirror the issues we have in our lives.
Hilary: Hence the challenge.
Philip: Yes, but having said that the pleasure of moving freely and being spontaneous can outweigh the challenge.
Hilary: I agree and for anyone who loves to dance (like me) it’s worth it. Five Rhythms can be a fantastic workout too.

And now there’s more opportunity to dance. Barefoot Boogy is about to start in Hastings. I am definitely going to that. My friends Lorna and Kate have booked four dates for this alternative dance space at the East Hastings Angling Association. This is how they describe it: “Inspiring music and wondrous sea views set the scene. This is freestyle dance in a friendly space, where people can express themselves in dance and movement. It will be a relaxed, smoke and alcohol-free environment and it’s OK to come on your own or with friends.” The emphasis is on doing your own thing so the dress code is ‘come as you wish’, although no outdoor shoes on the dance floor - either bring your dancing shoes or go barefoot (hence the name).

Barefoot Boogy is inspired by other similar events around the world, there used to be a Barefoot Boogy in North London that I remember and Lorna went to one in San Francisco. Kate and Lorna aim to fill a gap in the local area for an affordable, non-taught, dance space. If the idea proves popular, Barefoot Boogy could be a regular addition to Hastings dance offerings.

Hope to see you soon
on the dance floor!

Contact Philip at Five Rhythms on 01424 422933 or Email: philip@5rhythmsdance.com

Kate or Lorna 01424 719120 /422501 Email: barefootboogy@yahoo.co.uk