Frequently Asked Questions about
Kripalu Danskinetics®
Q. What is Kripalu Danskinetics®?
A creative movement and dance class, done to music. A workout for body and soul—that feels like play instead of work.
Q. What is the class like?
Starting with a brief centering and sharing, we move into the warm ups—flowing movements and yoga-based stretches to warm up the body.
Then the music takes us on a journey, moving through the chakras—the energy centers in the body. The first chakra is earth: slow grounded movement, emphasizing the spine and “roots” of the body. We dance with undulating water (2nd chakra) through the heat and vigor of fire (3rd chakra)—drumming or rock n’roll music--through air (light and flowing, touching the heart) and finally to ether (space, serenity, stillness) and to the higher chakras (meditative and connected to spirit. We may do dance prayer, letting our movements be our prayer and offering to Sprit.
We finish with relaxation and cool down, usually lying on the floor. I use guided imagery to help everyone totally let go, or come around and give a gentle touch or stretch (with the student’s permission).
Q. Are there specific steps or sequences that have to be learned? How structured is the class?
No. Most of the time I lead the class in simple, easy to follow movements. Sometimes there is free movement, or students may take turns leading.
I like to provide a good mix of both structured and free movement.
Sometimes I lead a particular movement, other times it’s more general guidance like “dance with your hands” or “experiment with sliding”. We may do some improvisation, dance alone or in pairs, small groups, or lines.
Q. Do I need dance or yoga experience?
Not at all. Danskinetics is a way for everyone to discover the dancer who waits inside, ready to come out and play. It’s not about performance or trying to look good for others.
Q. What fitness level is needed to participate?
Anyone who can move can participate! You go at your own pace and are always invited to adapt the movements to suit your own body. It’s a multi-level class. I adapt the pacing of the class to match the fitness level of most participants.
Q. What makes Danskinetics different?
There are a number of things that make a Danskinetics class different from most dance, aerobics or even yoga classes. The foundation of Danskinetics is compassion and self-love. It’s about accepting our bodies as they are, rather than comparing and judging. The concept of acceptance and compassionate awareness is one the core values taught at Kripalu; the word Kripalu is a Sanskrit word which means compassion.
A Danskinetics class fosters connection—both our inner connection to our bodies and hearts, and our connection to other people. We interact with each other through movement during the class. This builds togetherness and a sense of joyful community. It’s non-competitive, so everyone gets to win!
Q. What is Kripalu?
Kripalu Center is one of the largest and best-known training centers for yoga teaching in the U.S., located in Lenox, Massachusetts.
Danskinetics was originally created at Kripalu in the 80’s as a blend of yoga and dance. There are Kripalu trained Danskinetics instructors teaching nationwide.
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