The Science of Biodanza Workshop

Welcome to The Science Behind Biodanza: Psychology, Neuroscience & Embodied Practice, an engaging and experiential workshop designed to explore the theoretical foundations that make Biodanza such a powerful tool for emotional well-being, connection, and personal growth.
This unique intensive bridges neuroscience, psychology, and somatic theory with the principles of Biodanza, offering participants a deep understanding of why and how this movement-based system can lead to transformation—supported by contemporary research and lived experience.

Book (recording will be available): https://www.neuroscienceofdance.co/product-page/the-science-behind-biodanza-psychology-neuroscience-embodied-pratcie

Course Highlights

🧠 The Neuroscience of Movement & Emotion
Discover how rhythmic movement, music, and group synchrony activate neural networks associated with pleasure, connection, emotional regulation, and neuroplasticity. Learn how Biodanza stimulates the limbic system, oxytocin production, and vagal tone.

🧘 The Psychology of the Vivencia
Explore the psychological mechanisms that underlie the vivencia (intense present-moment experience), including embodiment, affective attunement, and symbolic movement. Understand how nonverbal expression supports identity integration, trauma resolution, and emotional safety.

🧩 Theory into Practice: Guided Explorations
Experience a series of carefully designed practical exercises—inspired by Biodanza but adapted for a learning environment—that demonstrate key concepts such as affective movement, mirroring, eye contact, and connection through music. These will be reflective, gentle, and accessible to all bodies.

🗣️ Integration & Discussion
Engage in reflective dialogue and group discussion to help integrate insights and apply them in therapeutic, educational, or personal development settings.

Whether you're a therapist, educator, coach, dancer, or simply curious about the science behind embodied transformation, this workshop offers practical tools, deep insight, and inspiration rooted in the essence of Biodanza—without requiring prior dance experience.

Book (recording will be available): https://www.neuroscienceofdance.co/product-page/the-science-behind-biodanza-psychology-neuroscience-embodied-pratcie

About the facilitator:
Sophia Martins is a Somatic Body Psychotherapist, Neuroscientist, Dancer, and Dance Teacher. Nominated for the One Dance UK's Applied Dance Science Award in 2021 and the IADMS Dance Educator Award in 2022, Sophia has been recognized as a Healthier Dancer Practitioner. Her journey began with postgraduate research on the brain mechanisms behind dance, working alongside a leading researcher in the field. Her work has been published in Dance Data, Cognition, and Multimodal Communication and presented at numerous conferences. She also practiced Biodanza for many years and participated in related research, deepening her understanding of dance as a pathway to emotional integration and collective healing.

Through her Neuroscience of Dance project and Dance Integrated Healing Method, Sophia offers neurocognitive and dance healing tools. For the past five years, she has supported dancers and teachers globally through individual sessions and workshops, focusing on injury recovery, neurological rehabilitation, memory and equilibrium struggles, teaching techniques, mental well-being, and dance as a healing practice. Her expertise also extends to parents, mental health professionals, and students of dance science.

Personally, Sophia is a dynamic individual who loves cats, coffee, playing the piano, and writing poetry. She embraces her mixed background, is part of the LGBTIQA+ community, supports the BLM movement, and emphasizes neurodiversity in her teachings as a dyslexic advocate.