Customer Reviews

Dance of Shiva with Andrey Lappa

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Andrey Lappa is not a household name is the west, and it is likely that he will never become one. The more's the pity for us here in the States. Lappa's approach to Yoga is unique in its systematic and logical presentation of the topic. However, he never comes across as dry or coldly rational. Lappa is a deeply passionate and knowledgeable practitioner of the Yoga he professes.

In "Dance of Shiva," Lappa presents his system "conscious liberation." The name is somewhat misleading: Dance of Shiva is not necessarily about dance, but about control of the physical body as a way to build mental control over the body and awareness. Superficially simple in concept, Dance of Shiva will prove to be one of the most challenging mental practices a practicing Yogin can undertake. The physical practice involves specific arm and leg movement patterns. These patterns are made more complicated by the way in which Lappa combines them. Arm patterns on one arm move one way, and differently on the other. Leg movements are combined with arm movements, first in slow speed, and then in fast.

On the DVD, Lappa presents the theory of the first three levels of Dance of Shiva. Each level involves the conscious destruction of the habits developed during the previous level. If that sounds a little out there, you've grasped a little bit of the "brain-smoking" aspect of the practice. However, as a practice of Yoga, it is amazing how quickly Dance of Shiva trains the mind, body, and senses. It develops concentration, coordination, and flexibility, as well as deeper awareness of the self.

I am really big into meditation, and exploring new avenues of approach. I got the 'Dance of Shiva' DVD out of pure awe and curiousity.

I watched it through a few times.. I still don't really understand HOW the dance really works on the energetic body.

what really, really turned me off after I bought the video is that the creator of the DVD says that the essence of the dance, or the real MEAT AND POTATOES doesn't really come in until the third stage of the dance.

This really blows because there is no access to this material, outside of finding someone to teach it to you in person.

So, once I heard that, I decided to completely blow the system off. I might as well learn a tai chi system, or something. I do appreciate the addition to my library, though, and wouldn't be surprised if it ever turned into the 'tai chi' of the future... if the rest of the system was ever released !!