Inspire 65 Youth & Elders in Houston to Dance

IAA hosted our first two weekly sessions of Movement & Healing classes. During the first week, we were hoping for 20 participants, but only 11 registered, and 5 people attended. We were not sure what to expect because this is a pilot program, and we are still figuring out the best time of day, best day of the week, and best location. During the second week, 8 people attended, and participants started telling their friends about the program. While some participants had a background in Indian dance movements, for most, it was a completely new experience. Participants ranged in age from their 30s to their 70s, and also ranged in physical abilities. The movements were designed to adapt to seated and standing positions.

The 60-minute sessions started with guided breathwork and body mapping. The skill-building focused on basic steps, posture improvement, mindfulness, and rhythm coordination. Participants also explored movement with classical Indian instrumentals and modern Bollywood rhythms. The impact of the movement on body parts and systems was taught with each combination. Sessions were videoed so that participants would be able to continue their practice after the sessions ended, but they were not comfortable with releasing any of the footage outside of class. Some participants expressed that they were only able to come outside of their comfort zones because they felt like it would be a safe space. Participants self-reported breathing more easily, relaxed muscles, and increased flexibility from the beginning of the session to the end.