5Rhythms Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the difference between a class and a workshop?
A. Classes are short-format Waves sessions, the foundational 5Rhythms map, that occur on a regular (generally weekly) schedule and typically last for 2 hours. Classes with Layah are open to anyone from new-comers to long-time practitioners. Workshops are longer-format events (from half-day to multiple days) that explore one or more of the 5Rhythms maps (Waves, Heartbeat, Cycles, Mirrors, etc.) providing an opportunity for in-depth study. Attendance at workshops may require prerequisites of a certain number of hours of, or previous attendance at other 5Rhythms classes or workshops.
Q. Do I need experience or some minimum level of fitness?
A. No experience or level of fitness is required to begin your 5Rhythms practice.
Q. I have/had an injury. Can I still do 5Rhythms?
A. The 5Rhythms is a simple and flexible practice that can be experienced by anyone regardless of their physical limitations. Because there is no specific “routine” to follow you will be able to participate at your own pace, within your own capacity to move.
Q. Are 5Rhythms classes appropriate for children?
A. 5Rhythms can be wonderful for children, however typically my regular 5Rhythms classes are geared towards adults. Unless a class is specifically listed as a family/all-ages class, or a class specifically for children, please email me ahead of time to explore whether my adult class will be a good fit for your child/teen. Thank you!
Q. What happens in a 5Rhythms class?
A. While every class is different, each class will provide basic instruction in the 5Rhythms, whether that is the full Wave (the 5Rhythms in sequence) or focusing on one or another of the rhythms and its energies. There will be a warm-up period, some verbal teaching, and exercises for exploring the teaching. Teachers may use a variety of different kinds of music, or no music at all, to support embodying the rhythms. There may be a combination of individual, partnered, and group work. Some classes are more structured than others but all classes provide the opportunity to be moved by and with the 5Rhythms.
Q. What do I need to bring to a 5Rhythms class?
A. It is suggested that you dress comfortably in clothing that you don’t mind sweating in and allows you a full range of motion. You may want to bring a cover-up so you don’t get cold, and/or a small towel to dry off with. We dance bare-footed or in light-soled dance shoes. Bring a bottle of water and your curiosity. That’s all you need.
Q. What if I’m REALLY terrified?
A. First of all remember that right on the other side of that terror there’s excitement. Take to heart that the 5Rhythms practice has the room for you to move with however you’re feeling. There’s nothing to get right and you can’t get it wrong so there is nothing for you to “do” except move in whatever way feels right in the moment. You will not be the first person to be so terrified that you just barely made it over the threshold of the door. Once in the room I will encourage you to move to your full potential and I will also give you the space to move into your potential from wherever you are. I welcome questions by phone or email.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. Most 5Rhythms classes cost what an average yoga class costs.
In 2021 I began to offer sliding scale tiered price options for classes and workshops, to embody my values of inclusivity and economic justice, while also generating a sustainable livelihood to support my family. Classes cost between $20-$35+. More info about my Sliding Scale/Economic Justice pricing model is available HERE.
Q. How do I become a teacher?
A. In the practice of anything, some of us reach a point where we are called to give back to our community. If you are interested in becoming a teacher the best way to start is to dive into regular weekly classes and workshops whenever possible, to deepen your embodiment and understanding of the practice. Please note that only classes and workshops with members of the 5Rhythms Teachers' Association (listed at www.5Rhythms.com) will count towards prerequisite hours.
Each teacher in the 5Rhythms teaching circle is meant to share the deeper teachings of the 5Rhythms as a philosophy, perspective, and practice in their own individual way and drawing from their personal experience in this life. To become a 5Rhythms teacher you must complete a year-long certification program, which involves 3 training modules (2 in-person and 1 online), mentoring, assignments, and community service. Before being eligible to apply, applicants must complete certain minimum requirements of 5Rhythms study. The prerequisites are not there as barriers for you to get through or leap over, but are there to prepare you for teaching as deeply and fully as possible, by entering your own journey and meeting yourself deeply through the dance. Below are the main requirements for applying to 5Rhythms Teacher Training. Please visit http://www.5rhythms.com/gabrielle-roths-5rhythms/the-dancing-path/teacher-trainings/ for more information about Teacher Training prerequisites and the application process.
BEFORE APPLYING:
* A minimum of 3 years of study.
* WAVES - at least 300 hrs of Waves classes with a 5RTA teacher (50% of these hours may be on-line), plus 15 Days of Waves Workshops including a minimum of 4 Waves weekend workshops (it is recommended that one of these workshops be with Jonathan Horan). Workshop weekends are 2.5 days (minimum 15 hours of consecutive workshop time).
* HEARTBEAT - 10 days of Heartbeat level workshops completed with at least 2 different teachers (inquire as to whether any on-line workshops with 5RTA member teachers may apply). Study with a minimum of 2 different teachers. One 5-day Heartbeat, in person or on-line, either 5-days in a row or a committed group series of one-day workshops held over several weeks or months.
* CYCLES - A minimum of 1 workshop (5 consecutive days study total)
* MIRRORS - A minimum of 1 workshop with Jonathan Horan (5 consecutive days study total).
* GOD, SEX, AND THE BODY - A minimum of 1 workshop (4 days consecutive study total)
POST TEACHER CERTIFICATION STUDY:
Post Teacher Certification Study: 25 Days of Additional Study that must be completed within 2 years of Teacher Certification to maintain Active Teacher status. (Note: If you have already completed some or all of these please contact TT@5Rhythms.com for clarification on this requirement.)
* Cycles - A minimum of 1 workshop (5 consecutive days study total).
* Mirrors - A minimum of 1 workshop with Jonathan Horan (5 consecutive days study total).
* 15 days additional study with any 5RTA member (These workshops may include the following):
○ Naked Soul
○ Additional 5Rhythms workshops in any of the maps (Waves, Heartbeat, Cycles, Mirrors, God, Sex & the Body)
○ Workshops classified as “Electives”:
○ Waves workshops that are “Combined” or “mixed” with other disciplines outside of the 5Rhythms
○ Specialty workshops within the 5Rhythms maps
Q. Should I dance with just one 5Rhythms teacher?
A. In a word, "no". The 5Rhythms practice is rich with the teachings of many hundreds of certified teachers internationally - each teacher bringing their own unique flavour, style, and passion for the work. Many of us have 1 or 2 core teachers who we rely on based on geography or particular resonance, but I enthusiastically encourage you to seek out classes and workshops with the other certified teachers of this practice!
Q. Where can I find an international list of 5Rhythms teachers?
A. 5Rhythms Global has an online search tool that allows you to search for classes and workshops with all certified 5Rhythms teachers who are also accredited members by the 5Rhythms Teacher's Association.
Q. Will you come and teach in my community?
A. Chances are the answer will be "yes"! It's my honour and delight to teach 5Rhythms in my hometown and further afield when I am invited. Please get in touch with me at layah (at) layahjane (dot) com and we can explore possibilities together.