Spring Quarter Energy - with The Alay'nya Studio

When spring comes, we want to get out and play! Spring has a light, floaty, "airy" quality, in contrast to the more "condensed" feeling of winter. We shift to lighter, freer, and more expansive movements, with emphasis on moving across the floor and Veil Play (Don't click yet - details are still forthcoming.) For the first time, we will also experiment with using swords in our dance. This year, we will also celebrate the height of spring by playing with Wings of Isis! We also start stretching and conditioning for floorwork.

Although Raphael is often depicted holding a wand or staff, Judeo-Christian tradition associates this archangel with the suite of swords. As such, he rules the realm of thought, or of using our minds. Because "swords" also connote our ability to make distinctions, and to let go (cut away) old behaviors, we associate our Level 2 with Raphael, and with the energy of swords.

The quality of air involves both heat and moisture. As spring starts, the air warms up, and it becomes moist with spring rains. Thus, it makes sense for us to attend to dance aspects that involve "warm" and "moist" aspects. These include introducing sensual, or "juicy" movements such as those we use in chifti-tellies.

The color of this "air energy" is citrine, a clear lemon-yellow. (That of early-blooming crocus, and of daffodils.) The direction in which this energy resides is the east. So you may -- if you so choose -- pay attention to the east when you dance. You might choose to get up early and dance in the early morning. You might want to make a costume that involves clear yellows and the other colors of spring.

Spring, the time associated with "swords" energy, is a good time to learn a sword dance. As you do so, imagine that you are cultivating your ability to direct and focus your mind, and your intention, while your body stays supple and relaxed. This will make your dance much more powerful and exciting!

Invoke Raphael, and the energy of "swords," when you need clarity, or to make distinctions. This Level 2 training, which involves relaxing and releasing, is something that we focus upon in springtime, as we release the dark time of winter.

Early "Dark" Spring

Early Spring Curriculum focuses on "Building from the Ground Up" - conditioning core muscles and building strength and stamina. This will help you prepare for the upcoming spring veil work. It's also a great way to get ready for spring's body-conscious clothes! Much of our wintertime "internal" work transitions to expressive undulations, figure-eights, and snake arms - all the components used when dancing with the sensual "chifti telli" rhythm!

Late "Bright" Spring

In Late Spring (after May Day), we start focusing on more exuberant end expressive dance. This includes veil dancing, which invokes the power of air. For this, we use very light and "floaty" veils -- ones that have greatest "loft" as we move with them. China silk, and the sheerest of silk chiffons, work well at this time. We also do our sword dancing at this time of year.

As we move from spring into summer, we may choose to use the most dramatic and exuberant of veils -- ones that cross the boundary into "fire" symbols (especially if we choose fiery colors mixed with bronze and gold). This would be a great time to incorporate"Wings of Isis" into your dance.

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