5Rhythms is both a very ‘free’ individual practice which offers significant permission – while simultaneously being a group/community practice which calls for consideration and respect for the group process.

Bring & wear

• Loose clothing in which to move freely, and have a good sweat! – layers are good;
• Something warm to put on or wrap round you when not dancing;
• A water bottle;
• Your curiosity!
  also…
• Please don’t wear any kind of fragrance – the dance is an environment that heightens allergies and other sensitivities.
• For safety, bags, valuables etc may be brought into the hall/studio.

Some dos & don’ts

• FEET:
  Many find bare feet easy and comfortable – some prefer Dance Sneakers which prevent sore feet and give support to arches, knees and ankles;
• Other shoes are not recommended: trainers have too much grip so are hard on knees.
• Don’t dance in socks – they slip too easily!

“Do you have the discipline to be a free spirit?” – Gabrielle Roth

This is a meditation/embodiment practice which has clear boundaries which need to be honoured if the full potential of this work is to be achieved:

• Don’t use phones/tablets, even on silent – if you need to check on a babysitter or something, take devices outside the hall/studio (or, at Horfield, outside the building) and check them there.
• Don’t talk – words take us straight back into our heads!
• Arrive on time – the warm-up, including the initial ‘unguided’ warm-up is an important part of the process. The doors will be locked and there is no admittance 15 minutes after the start.
• Stay until the end both for yourself, and for the group – if you leave early you will disrupt the collective energy and your own process will be incomplete.