“What does our world need?  What do I love?  and What am I good at?”

These are three poignant questions we encourage you to ask yourself as a member of our community of practise.

In other words, “How can I take action for the healing of our planet in a way that springs from what inspires me, is easy for me and includes joy?”.

The answer for me is “Bollywood in the Bush” - of course! 

Part of me is surprised why it has taken me so long to come to this idea!

Bollywood is the dance form that I can most authentically embody as it embraces a masala of global influences and combines it with the colour and drama of life on our planet (with a foundation in Indian culture which is my maternal lineage). Add working as a mentor in nature based education and resilience training and that equals “Bollywood in the Bush”.

I am excited to announce that I’m now offering “Bollywood in the Bush" every Tuesday in the Byron Shire, and online via Zoom if there is sufficient interest.

I have seen how dancing together and, in particular, dancing in synchrony creates community, confidence and belonging. 

I have felt how dancing in natural places nourishes me and accelerates my relationship with the land that I dance on… barefeet on earth… felt connection … sprouting genuine care.

I have heard First Nations Australian people speak about how song and dance in turn nourishes the land. 

I have danced rain dances in drought and felt rain on my cheeks before the dance was done.

I have felt supported touching back to ancient Indian practices and modern ones too. 

I have felt how dance began healing trauma in my body after experiencing bushfires and flooding.

I have seen how dancing together can be used for political action, raising funds, raising awareness, creating resilience, bringing fun and colour to a blockade.

I have felt my body grow strong and limber and felt the spread of a Bollywood smile on my face through dance. And I have read that dancing can even grow your intelligence.

 

Nature connection, cultural connection, community connection, body connection, and political connections…

I invite you to come explore the drama of our times and how your love affair with nature might unfold, dancing Bollywood in the Bush. 

xox Shamila