Biodanza is almost impossible to define as it encompasses the whole human experience; including love, art and life itself.

The simplest definition is its name. The word Biodanza consists of the prefix Bio (from Bios life) and Danza (French, an integrated movement full of meaning). Put together, these two parts define Biodanza as The Dance of Life.

Rolando Toro provides a more formal academic definition: A system of affective integration, organic renovation and relearning of the original life functions, based on Vivencias induced by dance, singing and encounter situations in a group.

In order to understand the definition the following concepts are explained:

Affective Integration

We (re)learn to feel and integrate our feelings and thoughts. We come back to our primitive senses (taste, smell and touch) which have been repressed by our modern society.

The integration happens in several stages:

  • Relearning intimacy with oneself (feelings),
  • Linking with others in feedback (who may be our couple, Biodanza colleagues, parents or children). Learn to remove our 'armour', and
  • Connection with the universe. We become aware of the environment and ecology. We learn to 'see' an invisible network of connections/ influence (positive, healthy, luminous) with others, allowing the restoration of the original link with our species as a whole.

Organic Renovation

The action of organic renovation, induced through trance, activates repairs at a cellular level and regulates global biological functions. The effect is one of harmonisation and integration.

This happens via the physiological structures of the Limbic Hypothalamic System (Neurotransmitters), the Endocrine System, the Nervous System and the Immune System

Relearning of the Original Life Functions

Learn to live from our instincts, with coherent life style, and allowing the evolution of the objective of the conservation of life.

The Vivencia

The Vivencia is lived instant. It can also be thought of as the present moment lived fully. The Vivencia has no future, no past, and no judgment or interpretation.

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The Effects of Biodanza

Biodanza can also be defined through its effects. These include:

  • Enabling us to live and feel the moment, via the Vivencia ,
  • Prevention of stress and conflict,
  • Stimulating human potential,
  • Allowing us to integrate self, others, the species and nature,
  • Reorganising our vital centres - our emotional and physical responses,
  • Rejuvenation - regression and trance allow time for organs to recover,
  • Renovation - happens organically through the process of love, and
  • Relearning of instincts, allowing them to rise and be be nurtured, rather than repressed.

Structural Concepts of Biodanza

These are the basic building blocks of Biodanza:

  • Integration - Changes happen at Neurological, Endocrinal, Immunological and Emotional levels.
  • Group - An essential part of change as it introduces new forms of communication with an affective link.
  • Movement - The mechanism for growth and development.
  • Music
    • Changes feelings in seconds,
    • The natural language of the heart,
    • Avoids the brain, entering directly through the emotions.
  • Vivencia
    • Induction of Vivencias is the basic method of Biodanza,
    • It is the energy and feeling of the moment,
    • It has no form, past or future,
    • Our responses are organic.
  • Caress - The caress is the basic instrument of Biodanza.