Behind Biodanza: Psychology, Neuroscience & Embodied Practice
A Live Online Workshop | Saturday, July 7 | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Online)
(Recording will be available)
Understand. Embody. Connect.
Are you curious about the why behind the powerful emotional and relational effects of Biodanza? Whether you're new to the practice or a seasoned participant, this immersive workshop offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding through both theory and embodied experience. Join us as we explore the cutting-edge science and rich psychology that ground Biodanza as a transformational path for healing, connection, and growth.
Lead by: neuroscientist and somatic psychotherapist Sophia Martins with a background in various dance therapeutic practices, including biodanza, and certified biodanza facilitator Zephne van der Merwe.
What Makes This Workshop Unique?
You’ll not only experience the joy and depth of Biodanza—you’ll understand the mechanisms that make it so effective. Through a blend of live movement sessions, reflective dialogue, and accessible theory, we’ll bridge the wisdom of the body with neuroscience, psychology, and somatic principles.
🧭 What You’ll Learn & Experience:
🧠 The Neuroscience of Biodanza
Discover how movement, rhythm, and relational connection activate key areas of the brain related to pleasure, bonding, emotional regulation, and neuroplasticity. Learn why Biodanza enhances vagal tone and builds resilience—from a scientific lens.
🧘 The Psychology of the Vivencia
Understand the psychological foundation of “vivencias”—those present-moment, emotionally charged experiences at the heart of Biodanza. We’ll explore how they help release emotional blocks, increase vitality, and foster integration.
🌀 Theory into Practice: Embodied Explorations
You’ll engage in guided movement sessions that illuminate concepts like affective mirroring, symbolic movement, and somatic attunement. These practices are accessible and powerful—no prior dance experience needed.
🗣️ Integration & Reflective Dialogue
We’ll connect theory to personal experience through facilitated group discussion and applied integration strategies you can take into your life and/or practice.
Why This Matters – The Value of Understanding Biodanza
For therapists, coaches, educators, and facilitators, this workshop provides a theoretical backbone to enhance your confidence and skill when integrating movement into your work.
For Biodanza practitioners and enthusiasts, it deepens your connection to the practice by revealing the science and psychology behind what you already feel.
For those new to Biodanza, it offers a grounded, welcoming introduction that speaks to both heart and mind—inviting you into a journey of embodied transformation.
Core Principles of Biodanza
At the heart of Biodanza are principles that foster human potential and emotional aliveness:
Vivencia: Living fully in the present moment through emotional, physical, and relational experience.
Integration: Harmonizing movement, emotion, and cognition to support personal growth.
Affective Communication: Deep, authentic connection through non-verbal expression.
The Biocentric Principle: Placing life and vitality at the center of all experience.
Regression in a Positive Sense: Reconnecting with innocence, joy, and basic human affectivity.
Music and Movement as Catalysts: Music and dance are used to evoke and guide emotional expression and transformation.
Biodanza Guest Facilitator
Zephne van der Merwe is a Transformation Counsellor and Biodanza Facilitator and Didactic Teacher based in South Africa. As a seasoned coach and strategic thinker, Zephne bridges insight and embodiment—making complex concepts accessible and transformative. Her deep connection to Biodanza is both personal and professional, reflected in her dynamic teaching style and her active engagement in the global Biodanza community.
Her presence ensures this workshop is not just informative—but healing, connective, and alive.
Leading the Course:
Sofia Amaral Martins is a Somatic Body Psychotherapist, Neuroscientist, Dancer, and Dance Teacher known for integrating dance with neuroscience and healing. Nominated for major awards in dance science, she has conducted research on the brain mechanisms behind dance. Through her projects—Neuroscience of Dance and Dance Integrated Healing Method—she provides tools for recovery, rehabilitation, and emotional integration, supporting dancers, educators, and mental health professionals worldwide.
🎥 Includes access to full workshop recording for 7 days!