74: Dance for All — Alex Svoboda
Episode description
This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra welcomes Alex Svoboda, Founder at freedomDANCE and all-around renaissance man. Alex, who currently hails from London, has lived in three different countries, studied at five different universities, and holds a Ph.D. in history and sociology. Over the course of his career, he has worked as an analyst and manager at some of the world’s leading consulting firms and is a former university instructor. He currently sits at the helm of freedomDANCE, where he teaches his conscious dance methods alongside over 30 other teachers and trainees.
Alex is a firm believer that every person on the planet has a right to dance — that dance is a part of who we are and is a way for humans to move, express, and connect with themselves and others. His end goal is to make dance accessible to everyone as a means to grow and develop and is working to make this a reality via his dance company. On the podcast, Alex discusses his company, his methods, and how dance is for more than the good of the stage; it’s for the good of our souls.
Moving Quotes:
“Dance doesn’t need to be the exclusive privilege of those people who spend their lives starting at age five rehearsing and perfecting their technique. There’s a joy of dance that should be available for everyone."
“We have a fundamental human need to move, express, and connect."
“I think I’m addicted to this job because, every day, I see miracles happening."
“I define my mission as ‘mainstreaming conscience dance’ or ‘mainstreaming dance meditation’ … We are different because we use dance as a way to grow, to build awareness, to develop."
“When carrying out virtual dance classes, you have to take that extra step for the social aspect."
Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:
3:29: Alex discusses the evolution of his dance company, freedomDANCE, since its founding in August 2009.
7:10: Alex explains why his company’s mission — to make dance accessible for all — is important and how his company accomplishes this goal.
14:43: Svoboda discusses how making “dance meditation” more of a mainstream activity is beneficial for our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
16:54: Alex explains how virtual dance classes, which were initially started out of necessity, have grown into something extremely beneficial for dancers around the world.
21:27: Svoboda walks through his unique career and how each of his seemingly disconnected vocations have equipped him for his current role in dance.
26:10: Svoboda shares some practical advice for how to make the most out of a virtual dance class — as both the teacher and as the student.
32:00: Alex rounds out the podcast by sharing his optimal future plans for both himself and for freedomDANCE.
Bullet List of Resources –
Alex Svoboda
freedomDANCE