Words by: Emily Zito
Graphic by: Midjourney
Graphic by: Midjourney
& the guiders of movement:
Everyday our bodies show up differently in the spaces we enter. Depending on our mood or physical feelings we may show up tired, sore, slow, or we may show up energetic, content, grounded (and anything in between). Additionally, we may be showing up with days, weeks, months, or years of past emotional events. The internalized moments we keep in our being impact how we exist day-by-day. Each sensation invites a different experience; holding space to acknowledge how our bodies feel connects us closer to practicing mindfulness.
As a dance/movement instructor (of adult classes), one of my main goals is to create an environment where participants feel they have control over their bodies and choices. Using trauma-informed-language empowers movers to listen to their own body, and reminds them that they do not have to do anything that does not feel comfortable or accessible.
I’m going to offer some examples and phrases that facilitate this style of class, and hopefully the meaning and purpose of trauma-informed language will become more clear.
I typically frame my classes with language such as, “feel free to modify any movements, or make them more challenging—this is your class, take what you want and what you need. You know your body best; listen to it—however you feel in this moment, today, and I encourage you to explore movement that feels good for you.”
I center “today-ness,” and being presently in-tune with one’s body because everyday we experience different ways of existing in our bodies. However a person feels in that moment is valid, and deserves the chance to move as they please.
Framing plays a vital role when using trauma-informed-language. How we say things shows our intention and that we as instructors only have so much power when facilitating a class. Instructors should recognize that everybody comes with a range of experiences and abilities. My set lesson plan may not feel suitable for someone, and that is ok. I fully support movers who embrace their autonomy and make choices that will create a more enjoyable class.
I often say, “the movements I present are an invitation, if something else feels better for you, I support you to move in that way.”
Framing movement as an “invitation” releases pressure from the participant, and ensures that they have control and freedom to do as they please. Using certain language—that considers the varying experiences of folks—endorses an adaptive, accessible, validating, and empowering environment.
My favourite aspect of being an instructor is that I am in a position to encourage others to be in tune with themselves, trust themselves, and to embrace themselves. Much of the mainstream dance world consists of doing-what-you’re-told-to-do and of executing to produce a product, rather than focusing on the entire embodied experience that is a result of dancing. Dance is such a beautiful community builder, and yet, everyone has their own singular experience unique to them and their bodies. I love leading the energy of a room. I love giving others the reassurance that it’s ok and granted that they have sovereignty over their movement; they decide how they would like to move in that moment, for that class. They decide to make choices that support how they feel, and that will affirm their comfortability and safety. Dance is a personal experience that allows freedom of expression.
Not only do I want movers to embrace and accept their bodies and abilities, but I want this to be celebrated. I’ve heard instructors in the past say, “everything you need is already within you.” This reiterates the inherent worthiness our bodies hold and exude.
Trauma-informed language influences us to be more intentional with how we speak, which hopefully translates to moving in more intentional ways.