Wu Tao Dance - the dancing way, a unique workout for both body and mind.

with Suzi van Middelkoop

Suzi is a freelance writer with a background in marketing and interior design. She has a special interest in Oriental Medicine and Feng Shui and is intrigued at how people's inner and outer state of health is reflected by one’s body and environment. Dance has been her preferred means of fitness over the years (physical culture, ballroom dancing, belly dancing, etc) so she was thrilled to discover Wu Tao which combined the two traditions so well. Suzi is a licensed Wu Tao Dance Teacher.
website: www.wutaodance.com

Q. Wu Tao Dance – are there any links with Taoism?
A. Wu Tao is literally translated as “The dancing way”. The way being the “Tao”. The purpose of the dance is to become one with one’s environment and to learn to be fully present in our bodies and to trust in the flow of life. Dance is the vehicle which is used to express and heal oneself.

Q.You run beginners courses in Wu Tao. What can a new student expect when enrolling on a Wu Tao Dance course?
A. The beauty of Wu Tao is that it appeals to all walks of life and all age groups. It combines gentle movement, music and meditation so offers a unique workout for both body and mind. As the dances are all very different, students get to experience the different energies associated with them. Some dances are gentle and melodic, and some are upbeat and vigorous all designed to get chi flowing through the body. We also start with stretching to open up the meridians and finish off with a meditation so students go away feeling very calm but refreshed.

Q. Wu Tao has strong connections with the 5 Chinese elements; can you explain how this is interpreted in the Wu Tao Dance?
A. Wu Tao is based on the five element theory of air (metal), water, wood, fire and earth. Each element represents certain organs in the body and generally govern two meridians. For example Wood governs the Liver and the Gall Bladder meridians. Each dance has a unique purpose. The Air dance for instance encourages letting of the old and welcoming the new so in this case the emotions that are being addressed are Grief and Disappointment.

Q. What is the connection between Yin & Yang, Chi and the Wu Tao Dance?
A. Yin and Yang are always intertwined. You cannot have one without the other. Yin represents the still, nurturing feminine energy as seen in the Water dance while Yang is the active, protective masculine energy as seen in the Wood dance. There are also yin and yang organs so each meridian is made up of one of each. Chi is another word for energy and it is chi that we try and get circulating around the meridians through the form of dance.

Q. What type of music is Wu Tao danced to?
A. Currently the dances are performed to a selection of beautiful music taken from various sources, ranging from gentle and soft to more vibrant and uplifting. The founder is working on developing her own music which will be made available for students to enjoy and practice outside of class.

Q. How did Wu Tao Dance enter your life?
A. I studied Oriental Health Sciences as I have a real interest in how emotions affect the body and the link to the five elements. I also happen to love dancing so when I discovered a form of exercise that combined the two I was smitten! It’s such a beautiful gift as it really is a spiritual workout that addresses physical and emotional health.

Q. Do you use your experience with Wu Tao in your daily life?
A. I have learnt to flow with the river of life, rather than resist what I don’t want. Using the dance to creatively express my emotions is a wonderful way of going with that flow. The saying “End the struggle. Dance with Life” says it all!
I also feel like I am more “at home” in my body. Listening to the body and giving it what it asks for eg: rest, stillness, nourishing food types or even working with the energy of each element and the associated season. When you think about it, much of it is common sense.

Q. Where can you find classes in Australia and worldwide?
A. Classes and workshops are held all over Australia. Wu Tao has also been recently launched internationally.