“Alchemy
is basically transmutation of anything through a process of
separation, purification, and recombination. The steps are
like an algebraic equation that can be applied to almost any
transformational process. The principles behind the art and
science of alchemy are very simple, transmuting lead (base
metal) to gold. Each transmutation has its own variables which
are the lead and gold, but the equation remains
the same. In physical alchemy the alchemist is using real
physical elements such as lead, acids, plant material, and
mercury. In spiritual alchemy the lead is our unaware
conscious state, the gold enlightenment. In the Dance
it is the physical movements that take us to a place of
oneness, fusion, the Divine, this is our
gold.
Like
the Caduceus (Hermes’ staff ) the two serpents
continuously divide and recombine. The separating is the
dissolution, the breaking down. The recombining is the point
where we synthesize or integrate the experience. The goal is
always the same, to create the Great Work, to know the
perfection of life, the Absolute, to become the Universal
Dancer.”
The
Alchemy of Dance: Sacred Dance as a Path to
the Universal Dancer (pg.
10 Zehr, 2008)
The Alchemy of
Dance is the process of transmuting energy through our bodies
using rhythm and movement. In this process we
reconnect with the earth and become the Universal Dancer.
The Dance not
only works on the physical level but
on the energetic or spiritual level as well. Movement is
incorporated with sacred geometry and energy release. The benefits are
numerous; it is playful, fun, and creative as well as
healing.
Participants have
commented on the physical benefits such as relief from back
pain; as well as emotional release. Because we are
focusing on the sacral chakra, our center of pleasure and joy,
healing takes place in a joyful creative way. By reconnecting us to
our bodies, the dance also aids in developing our perfect body
type, not only due to the physical activity but also because
of the balancing and energizing nature of the
dance.
“Our
goal is the gold, to become the Universal Dancer, the last
stage in the transmutation, the fusion point. At that point
the elements no longer exist individually, somehow connected
yet easily identifiable as their separate parts, but in a
state of fusion where there is no separation. This point of
fusion or flow, the Universal Dancer, is the same concept
depicted by the tarot and in the Mayan calendar, the state of
“Oneness” beyond polarity.
When
we remove resistance through a process of purification, we
allow that energy to take its highest form. So how does this
relate to the Dance? In the Dance the body becomes the
alchemical vessel. The transmutation is the energy taking
different forms as it passes through our body, the vessel. We
can use the energy pulsating from the earth and transmute it
into visible movement. The music becomes the guide or the form
that we follow. The earth pulsates, vibration creates sound
and movement. These elements can be recombined in infinite
variations creating new music and new
dances.”
The
Alchemy of Dance: Sacred Dance as a Path to
the Universal Dancer (pg.
11 Zehr, 2008)
The Alchemy of Dance
Workshop
This workshop is
about transformation. The vehicle used is dance.
In this interactive workshop women will learn how to
reconnect with the earth’s rhythm and their own bodies. Various methods such
as visualization, kinetics, experiential movement as well as
transmission are used to achieve this connection. Because the movements
themselves are very basic to our nature anyone can learn them,
you need not be a dancer or have any dance experience. For those woman who
have already studied middle eastern dance, or any kind of
dance, this will add a new dimension to their level of
expression. Our aim is to prepare the primordial waters
for birthing their own creativity. Women who have
attended this workshop are generally at a point in their lives
where they are ready to reconnect to the Divine Feminine
available to all of us. We work with dance, the Tarot,
the archetypes and
music.
To register for the workshops
please contact the individuals listed for each venue.
For more information
on workshop content or
Universal Dancer please contact
Leslie at:
lesliezehr@yahoo.com
In the USA call: (518) 692 2382 or (518)
428 8755
In Egypt call: 202 736
2979
leslie@universaldancer.com
Related Articles
The
Alchemy of Dance, Alchemy Journal, Fall
2005
Copyright©2005-2010 Leslie
Zehr
| 
