freedomDANCE
freedomDANCE je šola plesne meditacije in zavestnega gibanja, ki jo je leta 2009 ustanovil Alex Svoboda. Praksa združuje ples prostega tipa, strukturirano gibalno raziskovanje in trening zavedanja za podporo utelešenju, čustveni integraciji in osebni rasti.
Šola freedomDANCE vključuje približno 25 ključnih učiteljev in pripravnikov ter ponuja redne tečaje, delavnice in usposabljanja v več državah, vključno z Avstrijo, Belorusijo, Grčijo, Rusijo, Španijo, Turčijo, Ukrajino in Združenim kraljestvom, pa tudi v spletni obliki.
freedomDANCE je organiziran okoli ponavljajočega se gibalnega loka, znanega kot freedomDANCE cikel — Odprtje → Transformacija → Svoboda. Ta struktura zagotavlja dosleden prostor za improvizacijo, hkrati pa se izogiba fiksni koreografiji ali predpisanim korakom.
Poslanstvo
Poslanstvo freedomDANCE je:
- Omogočiti široko dostopnost prakse plesne meditacije in zavestnega gibanja ter tako odpreti priložnosti za osebno rast in uresničitev človeškega potenciala.
- Zbrati in izpopolniti mednarodne najboljše prakse poučevanja zavestnega gibanja ter služiti kot center za strokovno usposabljanje, razvoj in medsebojno podporo učiteljev.
Vrednote
freedomDANCE izraža naslednje temeljne vrednote:
- Zavezanost kakovosti – v standardih profesionalnega usposabljanja, etiki in procesih sodelovanja, usklajenih z najboljšimi mednarodnimi praksami.
- Spoštovanje individualnosti – spoštovanje edinstvenega prispevka vsakega plesalca in učitelja ter priznavanje tako rodu kot prihodnjih generacij.
- Partnerstvo in skupna odgovornost – šola je v kolektivni lasti in upravljanju; učitelji ne delajo pod hierarhičnimi strukturami avtoritete niti ne postavljajo drugih pod svoje okrilje.
Vaja
freedomDANCE je zasnovan kot dostopna vstopna točka v utelešeno zavedanje in meditacijo, ki temelji na gibanju.
Each session follows a freedomDANCE Cycle:
- Opening — warming up, sensing the body, and gradually building intensity.
- Transformation — sustained activation, exploration of intensity, and change.
- Freedom — settling, integration, and returning to a calmer, more spacious state.
While the structure supports the journey, there is no choreography and no set steps to learn. Movement is spontaneous, guided by sensation, attention, imagery, music, and relational awareness.
The practice emphasises movement as a direct pathway beyond habitual thinking. Physical activation is understood as a means to quiet mental activity, access embodied intelligence, and cultivate presence.
Sessions are generally open to all, regardless of age, body type, or prior experience in dance or meditation. Longer workshops and advanced formats may require prerequisites, which are specified in individual event descriptions.
Curriculum
The freedomDANCE curriculum is organised into three progressive levels, each containing several thematic categories.
Level 1
Level 1 establishes the physical and structural foundation of the practice. Participants learn the freedomDANCE Cycle and ways to refine and detail it.
Core components include:
- freedomDANCE Cycle
- Body Map
- Polarities Map
- Elements Map
Level 2
Level 2 extends the practice into longer formats such as ongoing groups and workshops. These events remain open to the public but typically require deeper engagement and continuity.
Key themes include:
- Unity — exploring levels of relationship through movement.
- Life Lessons from the Dance Floor — integrating insights from practice into everyday life.
- Synthesis — combining freedomDANCE with other disciplines, practices, and personal interests.
Level 3
Level 3 works with more sensitive themes and requires a higher level of trust within the group. Workshops are typically longer (three days or more) and have prerequisites.
Themes include:
- Open Hearts — emotional work, including fear, love, vulnerability, and being witnessed.
- Life Line — exploring personal history through movement.
- Juice — sexuality, relationships, and creativity.
Participation in Here I Am workshops and completion of specific Level 1 curriculum elements are prerequisites for entry into Start Level Teacher Training.
Teacher training and accreditation
freedomDANCE has offered teacher training programmes since 2014.
The school is a full member of the International Conscious Movement Teachers Association (ICMTA). freedomDANCE teacher training programmes are fully accredited by ICMTA, and teachers and trainees are individual members who adhere to the ICMTA Code of Ethics.
Teacher training follows the same three-stage logic as the practice itself:
- Opening (foundational teaching skills)
- Transformation (working with complexity and intensity)
- Freedom (integration, leadership, and professional maturity)
Founded by: Alex Svoboda
Website: https://freedom-dance.com/
