
#98 Use Grieving Pain As An Anchor To Pleasure — Ana Harmon
Dance and movement are not just physical activities; they are profound avenues for exploring self-expression, connecting with our innermost feelings, and embracing the joy of living. Recent discussions with Anna Harmon, a certified Gaga instructor, shed light on the transformative power of dance. Here are five key insights drawn from her experiences and teachings that underscore the importance of movement in our lives.
1 How to Use Grieving Pain As An Anchor To Pleasure
Anna emphasizes the significance of sensing pleasure through movement as a form of resistance against the hardships of life. This perspective is not only about personal fulfillment but also about creating space for joy and pleasure in the midst of pain and sorrow. It's a powerful reminder of the human capacity to find balance and healing through the act of moving.
2 Pleasure just as Dance is a Daily Choice of Self-Expression and Freedom
From a young age, Anna Harmon recognized dance as her calling, not through formal training but through an innate confidence in her ability to express herself through movement. This early realization highlights the idea that dance is not just about technical proficiency; it's about the daily choice to express oneself freely and without inhibition. It's a continuous commitment to movement that reflects our deepest desires and emotions.
3 Embracing Uncertainty and Inadequacy as Sources of Growth Through Self Acceptance to Express Sensuality
In her journey as a dance teacher, Harmon emphasizes the importance of embracing feelings of inadequacy not as limitations, but as opportunities for growth and learning. This perspective is crucial, not just in dance, but in all areas of life specially sensual expression, encouraging us to remain open and adaptable, ready to embrace new challenges and discoveries.
4 The Role of Dance in Cultivating Sensuality and Pleasure
Dance, according to Harmon, is a key to unlocking sensuality and pleasure in life. By engaging our senses and moving in ways that bring us joy, we assert ownership over our bodies and experiences, stepping beyond societal expectations. This sense of ownership and pleasure is essential for a fulfilling life, highlighting the importance of dance as a form of self-care and personal liberation.
5 Dance as a Lifelong Journey of Discovery and Connection
Finally, Harmon's experiences underscore dance as a lifelong journey of discovery, connection, and renewal. Whether teaching students in their golden years or engaging with the dance community online, she finds joy and inspiration in the shared experience of movement. This communal aspect of dance not only keeps the passion alive but also fosters a sense of belonging and unity among dancers of all ages and backgrounds. Dance, as explored through Anna Harmon's insights, is more than an art form; it's a vital expression of humanity, offering a pathway to self-discovery, pleasure, and connection. By embracing movement, we open ourselves to a world of possibilities, learning to navigate life's challenges with grace, resilience, and joy.
Want To Use Grieving Pain As An Anchor To Pleasure?
A broken heart can shut down but also behold space for the contradiction of bearing pleasure and welcoming the sour sweetness of life. Learn more here at The Sensual Sessions Podcast hosted by Candia Raquel in Episode 98 “ Use Grieving Pain As An Anchor To Pleasure” with Dancer and Gaga Movement’s International Project Manager, Ana Harmon.
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About Ana Harmon
Ana is a dance and movement advocate currently living in Boston, MA.
As Gaga Movement’s International Project Manager, she initiates and supports artistic and educational programs across the globe for universities, dance conservatories, dance festivals, dance companies, non-profit organizations, and more. In March 2020, Ana helped launch, and continues to support the development of the Gaga Online platform; more than 100,000 participants have joined from every continent since initiation. Ana also creates English and visual content for Gaga and manages their social channels.
Ana is a certified Gaga teacher and shares classes with both professional dancers and people with little to no formal training. Ana completed her certification in Tel Aviv with the artistic guidance of Ohad Naharin, Saar Harari, and Bosmat Nossan.
Ana trained with Boston Ballet’s pre-professional program for 13 years, while attending Boston Latin High School. She joined Ballet Austin II in 2008. After completing MASA Dance Journey on Kibbutz Ga’aton in 2010, she joined Kamea Dance Company in Be’er Sheva where she danced for three years, touring across Israel and internationally. Ana received a BA Summa Cum Laude in Liberal Arts (English Literature & Middle Eastern Studies) from Tel Aviv University in 2016. From 2016-2018 she worked for Batsheva Dance Company’s International Development department.
Ana is currently a Visiting Artist at the Boston Conservatory and Harvard University. In addition to her teaching, she enjoys supporting dance creation. Recent collaborators include s.n.o.b.s., Nora Stephens with Praise Shadows Gallery, and Ariel Cohen’s ‘One Sun for All’ in Tel Aviv.
Learn more at: https://anaharmon.com/
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Hola, I´m Candia Raquel!
A Mexican sensualist, scientist, artist and woman that hosts The Sensual Sessions Podcast and who enjoys contemplating trees and drinking tea.
Dedicated to helping workaholics (like you) overcome numbness and embody sensuality through somatic movement.
Sense your sensual fire to share the flame!
What´s Next
Go to The Sensual Sessions Podcast Episode #99: Working from your body’s mind in Klein Technique™️ with Susan Klein
Learn more with resources on: Body Mind Resources
Discover: The Ecstatic Breathing Practice