On Afrocats’ Yoga and Dance project at Mother’s United, supported by Manchester City Council’s CHEM Fund, I had the incredible experience of meeting participants from global majority and asylum seeker communities of South Asian heritage, and working alongside dance practitioner Beatrice.
Beatrice began the session with gentle stretching movements to get participants warmed up and in tune with their bodies so that they were prepared for the rest of the session.
Everyone then followed along as Beatrice began with teaching some light footwork, exercising their legs as they moved to the rhythm of the music.
Then Beatrice guided them through various dance steps, encouraging them to dance fluidly around as they spun and twirled their bodies through the room.
Every movement flowed smoothly into the next, creating an uplifting atmosphere, and it was lovely to see the women letting go and enjoying the moment as they embraced physical exercise, and felt able to move in new and different ways.
After this, Beatrice moved on to some relaxing yoga, where participants down in their chairs, as the lights were dimmed, and mindful meditation music filled the air.
Beatrice helped everyone focus and regulate their breathing, and the women relaxed their minds and focus on the present moment as a peaceful calm spread through everyone’s bodies.
The yoga started with the upper body first, stretching the head, moving onto the neck and then shoulders. This continued down the body through the arms and legs, with focusing on each part, all the way from the head and finishing at the toes.
The yoga helped ease their minds and tensions from daily stresses and strains as one woman said:
‘This is so relaxing.’
The session was a perfect mix of relaxation and movement, as the dancing brought a sense of happiness and excitement, while the yoga stretches helped calm everyone’s minds.
Thanks to the wonderful work by Beatrice, this was the perfect opportunity for the women to connect with themselves, and each other.
Words and images: Esha Varghese
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