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A group of women stand in a line inside a room with tiled floors and painted walls, facing each other as if following a leader in the center who is demonstrating a movement. One woman in the middle holds a phone, appearing to record the activity. The room has a large window with a metal grille, a ceiling fan, and a small rug on the floor. A colorful mural is visible on one wall, and a mirror hangs on another.
  • 9 took part
  • 1 facilitator

Saturday 3 October 2026

Finding connection through movement

Facilitated by Devika Murali

What the work needed: people, time, money, space and materials.
What went in
Movement-based activities to encourage participation, engagement, and connection within the group. A supportive and non-judgmental space where participants could take part at their own pace and in their own way. Observation of participants' body language, emotional responses, and levels of engagement during movement. Gentle guidance and individual attention to participants who needed additional support.
Time
2 hours

What was done with those inputs, step by step.

Today's session was different for me. Anjali and Aparna, who are also dance facilitators at Thudippu, joined the session, which had seven participants. The group's energy was quite active and engaging. A few participants needed a little more attention and support.

I tried to create a space where everyone could take part in their own way, without putting too much pressure on anyone. As the session went on, I noticed different emotions and experiences slowly coming up through movement. Some participants were more expressive, while some needed more time to connect with the process. I tried to stay present with the group and respond to what was happening in the moment.

Since this was our first session, I consciously did not go deeper into the emotional layers that were emerging. Instead, I stayed more on the surface and focused on helping everyone feel comfortable, engaged, and connected with the movement and with each other. Even at that outer level, I could feel that there were many different emotions and personal experiences present in the group. It was interesting for me to notice how movement can bring these things out without directly asking people to talk about them. The session gave me a lot to watch and think about as a facilitator.

It was a new experience for me to work with this particular group and in this setting. I feel that today's session gave me a better understanding of the participants. I know more about what they may need in the sessions ahead.

What changed for the people who took part, and what showed it.

The session created a comfortable and engaging space for participants to explore movement and express themselves in their own ways. It helped me observe different levels of participation, emotional expression, and individual needs within the group. The session also gave me an initial understanding of how each participant responds to movement, interaction, and facilitation, which will help shape the sessions ahead.

(Participants told us)

What the team will keep or change next time.

I learned that every participant connects with movement in a different way. Each may need a different amount of attention, time and encouragement. As a facilitator, I understood the importance of staying present with the group and watching them carefully. I also learned to respond to what people need, not follow a fixed approach.

I realised that movement can reveal emotions and experiences without participants having to verbalise them. Patience and sensitivity are an important part of the facilitation process.

MentoringTopicDance ClubThudippu Dance FoundationDevika Muraliaikyam space

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