Fifty and fiercely alive. Haven’t stopped dancing yet!
Forget the stereotypes. At 50, I’m living proof that this chapter of womanhood can be one of the most vibrant, most alive. Yes, the emotional landscape of perimenopause and menopause is real, but I’ve found a way to navigate it—to dance through it. My daily practice of free-movement dance has become my lifeline, a way to transmute thoughts into tangible freedom. Join me as I explore how this dance has helped me reclaim my body and mind, and embrace the power of NOW.
It's a life-changing chapter, a transition unlike any other. For many of us, perimenopause arrives without a guidebook, a confusing and often isolating journey. But in the midst of the swirling emotions, the physical shifts and the societal expectations, I've found a powerful anchor: dance.
For the past six years, my daily dance practice has been my sanctuary. From a quick 20-minute burst to a full hour of immersive movement, it's become a meditative, spiritual, and empowering connection to my body, soul, and heart.
Freedom from Constraints, Within and Without
As women, we often carry the weight of societal constraints, expectations that can feel particularly heavy during this life stage. Our bodies change, sometimes dramatically, and our relationship with them can become fraught with self-doubt. But dance, in its purest form, is liberation. It's a way to reclaim our bodies, to celebrate their strength and resilience, and to find freedom from the rigid boxes we've been placed in.
I’ve found myself dancing with the resistance of these changes, the self-doubt that creeps in, and even the frustrating aspects of my ego. I move through the difficult emotions, the anxieties and the grief that can accompany this transition. And I’ve found that by allowing myself to feel and express these emotions through movement I can release them, creating space for healing and acceptance.
Moving Through the Fog, Sparking Creativity
And the brain fog. I've discovered that moving my body, even gently, can clear the mental clutter. It's like a reset button, a way to shake off the stagnant thoughts and spark fresh ideas. I've found that dance has helped me navigate the daily realm of this mist.
Moreover, free movement dance at home allows for a unique form of exploration. I can move to different music, from rhythmic beats to soaring classical pieces, each genre opening up new perspectives and possibilities. It's a way to explore the landscape of my emotions and thoughts, to discover hidden depths and untapped creativity.
The Body as Home: Comfort and Wisdom
Menopause is a chapter that demands we listen to the wisdom of our bodies. It’s a time to reconnect with our physical selves, to find comfort in the HOME that is our own body. Dance has facilitated this reconnection for me. It’s a way to honour the changes, to move with them, rather than against them.
I've learned to take charge, to flow through this chapter with grace and strength. Dance has empowered me to do just that. It's a way to move through the resistance, to release the difficult emotions, and most importantly, to enjoy the journey.
Feeling Fresh, Funky, Young, and Alive!
And here's the magic: dance reminds us that we are still that little girl, free, uninhibited, and joyful, completely immersed in music and carefree movement. Society loves to slap labels on women at different life stages but ultimately we are always our soulful, carefree spirit.
When we dance we become the spirit of the dance itself, free and ALIVE! We feel fresh, funky, young, and alive, regardless of the changes happening. Dance allows us to tap into that eternal spark within us, that vibrant energy that transcends age and societal expectations.
The Science of Movement:
It's not just anecdotal. Research supports the benefits of movement, particularly dance, for women navigating menopause. Studies have shown that regular dance can:
Improve cardiovascular health: As a cardio activity, dance offers a fun and engaging alternative to traditional gym workouts.
Increase flexibility and balance: Movement helps maintain and improve flexibility, which can be crucial as we age.
Boost mood and reduce stress: Dance releases endorphins, natural mood elevators, and can significantly reduce stress levels.
Spark creativity: Free movement encourages improvisation and self-expression, fostering creativity and cognitive flexibility.
Unlike rigid structured gym activities, free movement dance invites you to explore, to listen to your body, and to find joy in the process.
A Daily Ritual of Release and Relief
For me, dance has become a daily ritual, a sacred time to connect with myself, to honour my body, and to embrace the transformative power of movement. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of change, we can find freedom, comfort, and joy.
Feeling inspired to bring dance move into your routine? Join me on a journey of Dancing at Home & Garden with specially curated music mixes, inspirational blogs and motivations. Check out Dance Free CIC’s online journey.
By Hannah Green, Dance and Movement Facilitator
Photo credit: Emily Florence Photography
