What is the BrainDance?

The BrainDance is a movement structure based on developmental patterns that babies are programmed to move through in the first year of life. It consists of 8 patterns that can be executed in any dance, sport, or other movement style and can be as short as 3 minutes or as long as 15 minutes. It can also be adjusted for use with all age groups and abilities, and it can be done standing, sitting in chairs, sitting or lying on the floor, in a swimming pool, and with props.

The BrainDance was developed by dance educator Anne Green Gilbert at the Creative Dance Center in Seattle, WA. For more information, see creativedance.org/about/braindance.

What is a developmental movement pattern?

The nervous system of each new human being must go through a series of developmental stages before the brain can operate at its full potential. These fundamental movements, or primary reflexes, follow one another in an important and orderly sequence. If these movements are skipped, or done only partially, this can result in difficulties in bodily coordination, attention, learning and skill acquisition. Un-integrated reflexes also contribute to social immaturity and anxiety in both children and adults. The good news is that by revisiting the missed steps and integrating un-integrated reflexes, the brain can be reorganized to create a nervous system that works efficiently.This is where the BrainDance comes in.

Effects of the BrainDance

Most of us have heard about the great benefits we receive from exercise, not just on body function, but also on brain function. BrainDance is Exercise Plus. When doing the BrainDance, we receive all the benefits of exercise, PLUS: It feeds the brain – increases oxygen & blood flow to the brain; it re-patterns neurological system / reboots the computer; it develops body connectivity and alignment; it creates deeper understanding of elements of dance technique/movement/sports skills (our toolbox); students fully embody their movement; and it aids broad assessment of learning and behavioral problems.

When is the BrainDance helpful?

Begin all classes regardless of age or subject, in the classroom, studio, or gym, and refer to them throughout the class or day

• • Before rehearsals and performances
  • Before presentations and tests
  • As recuperation from computer work
  • As daily practice

How Can Amanda Help?

I offer BrainDance training for all ages! I teach teachers how to include BrainDance in their classrooms. I teach parents how to do BrainDance with their infants and toddlers. I teach children and adults of all ages how to incorporate it into their daily activities. I help groups banish Zoom fatigue using the BrainDance. Email or call me today and I’ll teach the BrainDance to you!

Do You Do The BrainDance?

Yes! Every day! I use it in every dance class and workshop I teach. And I do it myself. I especially find it helpful when I have been sitting at the computer for a long time and I start to feel heavy and lose focus. I get up, go through the BrainDance sequence (spending extra time on cross-lateral), and return to my work refreshed and ready.

Links:

www.CreativeDance.org
Creative Dance Center, Seattle, WA – Find information about BrainDance, including testimonials. Also, check out the store to purchase the updated BrainDance DVD and CD.

www.AventurineMusic.com
Aventurine Music – You can order the BrainDance CD and other music directly from Eric Chappelle, who has worked with Anne Green Gilbert for many years. The BrainDance Music CD contains 8 diverse pieces exploring the BrainDance as developed by Anne Green Gilbert. Included are pieces with spoken cues assisting movement as well as completely instrumental pieces AND the nursery rhyme BrainDance.

www.MadRobinMusic.com
Mad Robin Music – You can order BrainDance posters here

www.DyenamicMovement.com
Dye-namic Movement Products, Inc. – makes fantastic Stretch-eze bands for great sensory input during the BrainDance and other activities. There is also a DVD featuring Anne Green Gilbert and her students demonstrating how to use the Stretch-eze bands for BrainDance.