Most of us know how it feels to do a little dance for whatever reason—a moment of freedom, release, or celebration. Last year, I experienced a moving performance choreographed by Icelandic dancer Lovísa Ósk Gunnarsdóttir. Her piece, When the Bleeding Stops, explores the aging female body and the silent emotional journey of menopause.
The dance practice at the heart of Lovísa’s piece began while she was recovering from an injury: take a 20-minute walk without headphones or distractions, notice what song naturally pops into your head, then return home and dance to that song. Lovísa started inviting others to try her daily dance practice, asking if they would film their experience. Initially daunting and uncomfortable, it became an empowering daily ritual—a space for processing and expression.
Simple practices, regularly done, can be powerful rituals for grounding, joy, and resilience in tough times. I invite you to try this one out or make it your own in a way that makes sense for you.
For more from Lovísa Ósk Gunnarsdóttir, and my colleague, filmmaker and dancer Marie Hallager Andersen: More on the Project.