How many times have you heard yourself asking how do I slow down? How can I better handle stress, what can I do to be more positive?

It is very natural to ask these questions in these modern times of the digital, information age where many of us deal with hundreds of emails, lightening speed communication and multiple expectations in our families, friendships and work environments. Phew!

Most of this results in a chronic state of stress and feelings of disconnection. But amongst all of this you may be relieved to discover that there is an antidote to such stress and disconnection which can work for you in less than two hours.

In Biodanza we work towards enabling participants to evoke a chronic state of joy. Attending regular classes of Biodanza creates a gentle progressive freedom from life's stresses and the bodily arguments associated with modern living. After doing Biodanza for a while you may well find that you develop a whole new set of smile muscles.

As well as being a lot of fun it has been shown that Biodanza is very good for us on a physiological and psychological level. Scientific research conducted at the University of Liepzig in Germany has found that the beneficial effects of Biodanza include the regulation of emotions, improved immune system functioning, improvements in self-esteem and capacity to relate and communicate with others.

So what does a class actually involve? Initial classes are 1.5-2 hours and in this time participants are invited to do a series of simple dance and movement exercises designed to bring each person more into connection with themselves, others and life in the broadest sense. The dances have an organic rhythm and a harmonising effect. One minute you are flowing with Vivaldi or Bach... and the next shaking away the blues with a salsa. All classes are run by a trained facilitator who spends 2-3 years at the School of Biodanza, South Africa, to learn how to do this.

In case you are wondering if Biodanza is for you, it is for everyone - all ages and levels of fitness. You don't have to have any dance experience at all to do Biodanza. There are specific classes for teenagers, children and adults. So get to a class today, shake off that stress and work on those smile muscles! There are classes all over South Africa.