The Dance of Breathing — A Journey of Expression and Growth
In the vibrant world of dance and yoga, Marina Vara stands out as a renowned choreographer, dancer, and yoga teacher. Her career is a testament to passion, creativity, and resilience. Marina has not only perfected her artistic expression at prestigious dance institutions but has also embraced yoga as an essential tool for physical and mental well-being. Her holistic approach and dedication to teaching have made her a reference in both disciplines.
In this interview, Marina shares her personal and professional journey, revealing how dance and yoga have shaped her life. We explore her philosophy, creative processes, and her vision of the importance of the body-mind connection. Continue reading to discover how the combination of dance and yoga can inspire and transform lives.
@_marinavara_ by David A.Namaste, Marina. It's a pleasure to have you here today. We would love to know more about your artistic and personal journey. How have dance and yoga contributed to your emotional and spiritual growth?
Dance has always been my channel for emotional and spiritual expression. It's my way of communicating and channeling my emotions. Yoga, on the other hand, has taught me to breathe and be present. For a while, I stopped dancing and dedicated myself entirely to yoga, which allowed me to rebuild and heal my relationship with dance. Yoga helped me understand that the body and mind are deeply connected and it’s important to accept who we are and work from a place of self-respect.
Dance has always been my channel for emotional and spiritual expression
How important is the connection between the body and mind in your work as a dancer and yoga teacher?
The connection between the body and mind is fundamental. In dance, we often focus on technique and movement, but without a mental connection, those movements can lack life. Yoga has taught me to integrate breathing and body awareness into my dance practice, enriching my artistic expression and allowing me to be more present in each moment.
What role does breathing and connection with your body play in dance and yoga? And... how do you maintain authenticity when constantly exploring new forms of creativity?
Breathing is fundamental in both disciplines. In yoga, breathing is the foundation of the practice, connecting body and mind. In dance, breathing helps release tension and move more fluidly. It’s a guide for life, essential for maintaining mental stability and a good relationship with the body. As I often say, 'breathing is the link between the body and the soul'.
Authenticity comes from being true to oneself and one's experiences. I always try to stay connected to my emotions and my personal story. Even though I explore new forms of movement and creativity, I always return to that internal connection that defines me as an artist.
Breathing is the link between the body and the soul
What has been the most transformative experience in your career as a dancer, choreographer, and yoga teacher? And... who have been your greatest inspirations and mentors in your life and career?
The most transformative experience has been the time I dedicated exclusively to yoga. It allowed me to rethink my relationship with dance and rediscover my passion for it from a healthier and more balanced perspective. I learned to respect and care for my body and mind, which has been crucial for my development as an artist and person.
My mother has been one of my greatest inspirations. She is and has always been a source of inspiration. She is a person who embraces you with her warmth. All animals, all children, are drawn to her; she has such a luminous aura that it’s incredible. Besides all that, she has taught me to think, and that is something I will always be immensely grateful for.
Speaking of dance and yoga. How do these disciplines intertwine in your daily practice? What similarities and differences do you find between them?
Both disciplines are deeply connected through body awareness and breathing. Dance focuses on external expression and artistic movement, while yoga is more about internal connection and mental balance. However, both require great presence and body control. In my daily practice, I use yoga techniques to prepare my body and mind for dance, and vice versa.
I learned to respect and care for my body and mind, which has been crucial for my development as an artist and person.
What benefits have you observed in your body and mind by integrating yoga practice with your dance training?
Integrating yoga into my dance training has been transformative. I have learned to breathe correctly, which has improved my performance and overall well-being. The body awareness and meditation from yoga deeply influence my interpretation and creation of movements. It has allowed me to connect more deeply with my body and mind, and this is reflected in my choreographies.
During your years of practice, have you had any significant or revealing experiences through yoga that have changed your perspective on dance?
Yes, definitely. When I stopped dancing and dedicated myself completely to yoga, it was a period of great introspection. I discovered that I wanted to dance out of passion, not obligation. Yoga helped me remove internal barriers and conflicts, and build a healthier and more honest relationship with dance.
Yoga helped me remove internal barriers and conflicts
To conclude, how would you like people to feel after participating in one of your yoga classes? What impact and legacy would you like to leave in the field of yoga and dance?
I would like people to feel more connected with themselves, more peaceful, and present. To feel that they have found a safe and non-judgmental space where they can explore and enjoy their body and mind, regardless of the poses or movements they can do on a given day.
Yoga is a powerful tool for personal growth, and I want my students to take away that feeling of peace and self-awareness. I hope my students and the artistic community see yoga and dance not just as physical disciplines, but as tools for personal and spiritual growth.
Marina immerses us in the fascinating link between dance and yoga, where breathing acts as a bridge between the body and the soul. Her authenticity and dedication inspire us to explore our own internal connection, showing that both dance and yoga can transform lives.
Through her words, she invites us all to discover a space of peace and self-awareness through these disciplines, reminding us that true harmony is found in the balance between mind and body.
Thank you, Marina @_marinavara_, for your generosity and art, for your inspiration and strength.
