photography by Alex Ribowski
Nava Dance
Nava Dance is a holistic movement practice that draws inspiration from Western and Central Asian dance traditions, contemporary dance, and devotional whirling. Rooted in embodied ritual and the power of the sacred circle, Nava Dance draws upon Shamanic movement wisdom to guide participants into deeper connection with themselves and the world around them. Classes are structured to offer participants a sense of journey through the physical, emotional, and spiritual realms of being.
Nava Dance classes open with intention-driven movement ritual, breath awareness, and grounding energetic practices to clear the mind and heart, to fully receive the healing energy of the dance. We gather in sacred circle—meeting eye to eye, connecting heart to heart—to cultivate a sense of unity and belonging. Through the power of community, we access deeper layers of healing, as well as greater physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
The Nava Dance style is a contemporary Pan-Central Asian dance genre that blends traditional and contemporary influences. Classes include movement sequences in ethno-contemporary styles and traditional dance forms from Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan. We weave together many styles and influences, representing and honoring the diversity of our students and the Nava Dance Collective.
Nava symbolizes our diversity as it is a word shared by the Farsi, Turkish, Hebrew, and Hindi languages. In Farsi and Turkish, Nava means "sound" or "tune." It is also the name of one of the main Dastgah (musical modes) in the Persian and Turkish classical music traditions—a mode that often stirs the heart and expresses spiritual longing. In Hebrew, Nava refers to pleasant, spiritual beauty, and is a common girls’ name. In Hindi, Nava refers to something young or new.
Photo by: Kiran Ambwani Photography shot in a large group dance known as “Attan,” the national folkloric dance of Afghanistan. Montreal, Canada.
Sacred Circle of Dance
Why we always being every class in a circle- At any point in time that we form an intentional circle with connection and eye contact it is an opportunity to create a sacred community space and therefore a beautiful opportunity for gathering the energy, connecting our hearts and sending out blessings and healing to the world.
“Miriam’s classes convey a sense of community, inclusiveness, beauty and grace. I have the most joyful experiences in her classes.
-Maud Engel”