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Mariana Romero, Creator of the Body Awareness Lab, BAL

I am a sum of experiences and a work in progress ancient people said
“We are all little bits of each other”.

I learned about yoga in my childhood. My grandmother gifted me my first yoga book written by Indra Devi. She saw yoga as a channel for self-discovery.  She harnessed focus through breathing linked with movements. Indra was remarkable in her stand against a restrictive society. She grew up in a system that allowed only men to practice yoga. But that did not stop her. She became the first woman to receive a yoga education in the western world and brought yoga to women. 

My yoga practice is a place where I am fully present.  I am engaged with my body, emotions, and breathing. It is like dating myself as I explore what it means to be under my skin. 

My mother also played a role. She gave lessons on “Body Symbol”. Posture was a tool to represent character development. Each configuration carved shapes and imagery. Likewise, my mother taught me to appreciate small miracles. Acknowledging people meant welcoming others and taking care of each other.

I follow in the footsteps of visionaries. Their teachings are carefully knitted into my practice. Body Awareness Lab (BAL) brings a blend of body motions and creation tools. 

One of my inspirations, Gabrielle Roth established the five rhythms.  In her work, the movement helped to recognize and to express emotions. Another innovator was Roy Hard. His technique highlighted the voice of the body. Stress played a role in voice intonation. With sounds, the body could release emotions. 

I picked up the Alexander technique within the four walls of the National Centre for the Arts (CNA) in Mexico City. It was one of the best ways to re-educate the body and improve awareness. It incorporated a balance between effort and gentle movement. It was full of grace, energizing, and relaxing at the same time. 

An essential approach was Contrology. It not only helped in finding connection but also movement alignment. It began with the smallest movement to articulate joints. An additional benefit was injury prevention.  

Simplicity met adventure with Butoh dance. I learned this dance with Makiko Tominaga and Yuko Kaseky. It comprised the meditative state with the eyes at the back of the head listening to your inner voice. 

Other movement techniques employed in my training for  BAL are release, Contempo, and Limon techniques. 

I am honored to dance with my feet extended to the sky. Body awareness and finding myself is a dynamic experience of living in my body.