"The Four P's of Birth Dancing: The Passage, Passenger, Psyche, Powers"

Dancing is an ancient preparation for birth that women have practiced for thousands of years. It releases tension from the mother's pelvis (the passage), mobilizes the baby (the passenger) to find the easiest way through the pelvis, and supports the shift necessary for the mother's psyche to surrender to the contractions (the powers).

The repetitive circles and shimmies of the hips and pelvis of dancing release pelvic tension and promote pelvic symmetry. Deep pelvic squats expand the pelvis. The pelvis is the passage through which the baby must birth, so it is important for it to be as flexible and accommodating as possible.

The mother's dance movement helps the baby to be mobile. Shimmies and undulations jiggle the baby up and down, and hip circles and figure eights rotate the baby from side to side. This freedom of movement helps the baby find the best fit through the pelvis.

The repetitive, rhythmic movements of dancing and the mesmerizing music have a positive effect on the mother's psyche. The shift in psyche from reason to instinct is necessary to surrender to the power of the uterine contractions during labor. Dancing is an opportunity to practice shifting into our instinctual nature.

After the birth, dancing is excellent for strengthening the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles, and babies enjoy dancing with their mothers.

"I teach dancing for birthing because I truly believe it facilitates an easier birth for mother and baby. Midwifery and dance are my two passions and I enjoy combining them to share with expectant mothers".

"...in ancient Asia, where dancing has retained it's original purity, it represents motherhood, the mystery of conception, the suffering and the joy which accompany the coming of a new soul into this world" Armen Ohanian

Birth Dance Class is on Wednesday evenings 6-7pm at Mind Body Soul Dance Studio, 2973 India St, 92103, lead by Brooke Ray, and Surya Peralta. Surya Peralta leads prenatal yoga for the first part of class and Brooke leads the dancing.

Please call Brooke for updated location and time. 858-205-8201

For more on birth dancing, visit the following links:
"Belly Dancing Hits Delivery Room" http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118618710665287942.html
www.spinningbabies.com
www.susanweed.com/herbal_ezine/October05/childbearing.htm