FAQs

Dancing the 5Rhythms is a practice...a dynamic way to both workout and to meditate in the same breath. They teach us that life is energy in motion, freeing us from any fixed notions about people, places, objects or ideas.

Q. How do I find a 5Rhythms Class or Workshop?
A. Search here for classes and workshops by location, format, date, subject matter, or search here for a teacher.

Q. What is the difference between classes and workshops?
A. Classes are short-format Waves sessions, the foundational 5Rhythms map, that occur on a regular (generally weekly) schedule and typically last for 2 hours. Classes are open to anyone from new-comers to long-time practitioners of any age or physical condition unless otherwise noted in the class listing. Workshops are longer-format events (from half-day to multiple days) that explore one or more of the 5Rhythms maps (Waves, Heartbeat, Cycles, Mirrors, etc.) providing an opportunity for in-depth study. Attendance at workshops may require prerequisites of a certain number of hours of, or previous attendance at, other 5Rhythms classes or workshops.

Q. Do I need experience or some minimum level of fitness?
A. No experience or level of fitness is required to begin your 5Rhythms practice.

Q. I have/had an injury. Can I still do 5Rhythms?
A. The 5Rhythms is a simple and flexible practice that can be experienced by anyone regardless of their physical limitations. Because there is no specific “routine” to follow you will be able to participate at your own pace, within your own capacity to move.

Q. What happens in a 5Rhythms class?
A. While every class is different each class will provide basic instruction in the 5Rhythms, whether that is the full Wave (the 5Rhythms in sequence) or focusing on one or another of the rhythms and its energies. There will be a warm-up period (often uninstructed but may include facilitation), a teaching, and exercises for exploring the teaching. Teachers may use a variety of different kinds of music, or no music at all, to support embodying the rhythms. There may be a combination of individual, partnered, and group work. Some classes are more structured than others but all classes provide the opportunity to be moved by and with the 5Rhythms.

Q. What do I need to bring to a 5Rhythms class?
A. It is suggested that you dress comfortably in clothing that you don’t mind sweating in and allows you a full range of motion. You may want to bring a cover-up so you don’t get cold, and/or a small towel to dry off with. We dance bare-footed or in light-soled dance shoes (athletic shoes/trainers are not allowed on the dance floor). Bring a bottle of water and your curiosity. That’s all you need.

Q. What if I’m REALLY terrified?
A. First of all remember that right on the other side of that terror there’s excitement. Take to heart that the 5Rhythms practice has the room for you to move with however you’re feeling. There’s nothing to get right and you can’t get it wrong so there is nothing for you to “do” except move in whatever way feels right in the moment. You will not be the first person to be so terrified that you just barely made it over the threshold of the door. Once in the room we are going to encourage you to move to your full potential and we will also give you the space to move into your potential from wherever you are. We also suggest you call or email the teacher(s) that you choose to study with and communicate with them about your concerns.

Q. How much does it cost?
A. Most classes cost what an average yoga class would cost. Check the individual class and workshop listings for the specific cost of the classes/workshops you are interested in attending.

Q. How do I become a teacher?
A. To become a 5Rhythms teacher you must complete a year-long certification program. Click here for more information about the pre-requisites and application process for the teacher training. If you are interested in becoming a teacher the best way to start is to attend as many classes and workshops as possible in order to deepen your embodiment and under-standing of the practice. Please note that only classes and workshops with the teachers listed on this web-site (members of the 5Rhythms Teachers’ Association) will count towards pre-requisite hours.

Q. I want to find out more information and practice on my own, how do I do that?
A. For more information explore this web-site fully, read all of Gabrielle Roth’s books (Maps to Ecstasy, Sweat Your Prayers, and Connections), listen and move to music created for the 5Rhythms practice by Gabrielle Roth and from Raven Recordings, and dance along with the DVDs created for home practice (all available from our “store“).

Have more questions?…contact us.