Healing dance topic of Brewer workshop

BREWER – Reiki teacher and psychologist Dr. Joan Settin of Avanti Healing Arts in Holden believes that “dance is the essence of the human soul.” She recently produced “Healing Dance,” a DVD featuring original music by her brother, composer Joseph Settin of Sacramento, Calif. The DVD introduces and teaches Heart Chakra Dance and Reiki Symbol Dance.

“It was one of the best experiences of my life,” Settin said of collaborating with her brother.

The idea behind healing dance, Settin said, “is that movement combined with universal life force energy results in a physical phenomenon that releases endorphins, moves blockages in the physical system and releases stress.”

Settin, who has practiced psychology in the Bangor area for 25 years, will conduct a healing dance workshop from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5, at Well Forms in Brewer. The cost of the workshop is $45.

“All beings dance,” said Settin, who has a background as a professional dancer. She also has studied yoga, chi gong and tai chi. “Dance is rooted in group affiliation, expression, release of emotion and renewal.”

The workshop will introduce how healing takes place holistically and energetically, and how movement facilitates mental, emotional and physical well-being, she said. She will teach the heart chakra dance.

The session will include meditation and free-form expressive movement. The goal is to teach people how to move to release blocked energy safely and easily, she said. It will be an opportunity for participants to bring their own goals and issues to work on in the healing dance workshop, she said.

It is not necessary to have dance experience to participate in the workshop. The session will include discussion and rest periods.

“Dancing by itself,” she said, “is an active form of meditation.”

To learn more about the workshop, call Settin at 947-4706, or visit www.avantihealingarts.org.