In episode 50, I had the pleasure of conversing with the vibrant and inspiring Mikayla Snyder, who goes by Mak.
Mak is a dancer, movement facilitator, and advocate for expressing oneself through playful movement.
This episode is packed with insights on how dance and movement can serve as powerful tools for self-expression, healing, and connection.
The Power of Playful Movement
Mak and I first met at the Beyond Burnout immersion event, where she facilitated a session on playful movement. This event was designed to help individuals experiencing burnout reconnect with themselves through various healing modalities. Mak’s session stood out because it encouraged attendees to express themselves through movement, fostering a sense of freedom and joy.
Mak has a rich background in dance, starting from a young age in a small town in South Dakota. Her love for dance led her to explore various styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop. This diverse experience has shaped her understanding of movement as a universal language that can convey emotions and stories in a profound way.
Expressing Emotions Through Dance
One of the most significant aspects of dance, according to Mak, is its ability to help individuals process and express their emotions. She shared how different types of music and movement can align with various emotional states, allowing for a cathartic release. Whether it’s dancing to upbeat music to lift one’s spirits or moving to slower, more introspective tunes to process sadness, dance provides a safe outlet for emotional expression.
Mak emphasized that dance can be particularly beneficial when words fall short. For those moments when you feel something deeply but can’t articulate it, moving your body can be a powerful way to communicate and release those emotions.
The Role of Music in Movement
Music plays a crucial role in the experience of dance. Mak spends a lot of time discovering and curating music that resonates with her and her students. She believes that the right music can ignite creativity and inspire movement, even before you start dancing. This connection between music and movement can transform how you experience and express yourself.
Mak also highlighted the importance of creating playlists tailored to different moods and intentions. Whether you need to hype yourself up for a speaking engagement or calm down after a stressful day, having a go-to playlist can make a significant difference in how you feel and move.
Ecstatic Dance and Intuitive Movement
During the Beyond Burnout event, Mak introduced the concept of ecstatic dance, a form of dance that encourages free-form, unstructured movement. Ecstatic dance is about letting go of inhibitions and allowing your body to move intuitively to the music. This practice can lead to deep emotional releases and a heightened sense of self-awareness.
Mak described a specific exercise she facilitated, called scaled movement. Participants were asked to move intuitively, starting with subtle movements at a level 1 and gradually increasing to more expansive movements at a level 10. This exercise helps individuals explore the range of their physical expression and become more attuned to their bodies.
The Healing Potential of Dance
Dance is not just about physical movement; it’s a holistic practice that integrates mind, body, and spirit. Mak shared stories of how dance has helped her and others heal from emotional pain, build confidence, and connect more deeply with themselves. She emphasized that dance can be a form of meditation, helping you stay present and grounded in your body.
For those new to dance or feeling self-conscious about their movements, Mak recommended starting at home. Create a playlist of your favorite songs and allow yourself to move freely, without worrying about how you look. Over time, you might feel more comfortable exploring dance classes or ecstatic dance gatherings in your community.
Practical Tips for Starting Your Dance Journey
Create a Playlist: Compile songs that resonate with you and make you want to move. Use this playlist to guide your dance sessions at home.
Start Small: Begin with just a few songs and let your body move in whatever way feels natural. There’s no right or wrong way to dance.
Join a Class: If you’re ready to explore dance in a group setting, look for local classes or ecstatic dance events. These can provide a supportive environment for your dance journey.
Be Consistent: Make dance a regular part of your routine. Whether it’s a daily practice or a weekly class, consistency can deepen your connection to movement.
Invite Friends: Dancing with friends can make the experience more fun and less intimidating. Share your dance journey with others and support each other.
Mak Snyder’s insights on playful movement and dance offer a powerful reminder of the healing and expressive potential within all of us. By embracing dance and movement, we can connect more deeply with our emotions, our bodies, and each other. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just beginning to explore movement, there’s a place for you in the world of dance.
Thank you for joining us on this episode of The Fully Expressed Podcast. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with friends and leave a review. Stay tuned for more episodes that inspire and empower you to live a fully expressed life.
