FAQ

What is the difference between Shake Your Soul® and SomaSoul®?

Shake Your Soul® : YogaDance, is a joy-based exhilarating approach to whole body fitness, generally given as a class-based group practice. Classes can happen weekly, monthly or can be customized and offered for special events. SomaSoul® : Somatic Expressive Therapy is predominantly used as a one-on-one therapy method, incorporating expressive arts, therapeutic dialogue and somatic movement. Its intention is to help awaken the body’s ability to move and process our issues.  

If I want to take everything you offer, the whole program - where would I begin?

There is no specific way to begin. You can either start with level one Shake Your Soul® or any of the level one modules (1, 2 or 3) of SomaSoul®. Notice what fits with your schedule the best, or what you feel most interested in, and start there!    

I noticed there are four modules in the level one SomaSoul® program. Do I need to take these in a particular order?

No, the level one, SomaSoul® modules can be taken in any order, for personal interest or towards certification. Only module four, The Art of Co-Facilitation, has the prerequisite of having completed at least one other module.

Do I have to be in good physical shape to take your trainings and/or workshops?

Trainings and workshops are open to everyBODY! At times, there may be a more intense physical component, depending on the workshop or training that you are participating in, but movements are facilitated in a way that lets participants determine the level of intensity that suits them.

There seem to be many types of YogaDance available - what makes Shake Your Soul® : YogaDance unique?

Dan Leven was one of the originators of Kripalu Danskinetics, which is the model that most YogaDance methods were born out of. A variety of teachers have created their own unique flows and named their personalized approaches according to their own concept. Some methods follow the flow of chakra energy, or elemental energy; others are based in shamanic or expressive approaches. Dan’s method, Shake Your Soul® : YogaDance, is based in fluid embodiment. Fluid-based movement ranges from the looseness of moving from our joint fluid, to the powerful and sensual movements that emerge from the fluid between our muscle cells, to the dynamic pulsing and rhythmic power of blood-based movements. The more fluid our body is, in these dynamic and natural ways, the more our life force, our prana, our chi moves our body. Shake Your Soul® : YogaDance classes allow participants to loosely follow guided choreography, as well as to break out in free flow motion!

How can I find a teacher or practitioner in my area?

We have a number of teachers and practitioners throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Please check our RESOURCE section for teacher listings and to determine if there is someone in your area. The list is updated frequently.

If I wanted to take a sample class with Dan Leven or have an individual session with him - what is the best way to go about this?

Dan teaches regular Shake Your Soul® : YogaDance classes at Kripalu Yoga Center, as part of the lunchtime offering. If you’re in the area, you can always sample his teachings by taking a class. Check our CALENDAR for class days and times. Additionally, if you’d like to book a one-on-one session with him in SomaSoul®, check the PRIVATE PRACTICE page for more information. Dan offers sessions both in person and by phone.

Can I sponsor a training or workshop in my area?

Absolutely! Dan Leven occasionally goes on the road with trainings and workshops. If you’re able to guarantee a suitable number of participants, he may be willing to travel to your area. Alternatively, the Leven Institute has a number of trained L.I.F.E. Movement workshop facilitators, who have advanced training, and are able to offer workshops in both Shake Your Soul®, SomaSoul®, and a combination of both.

If I already have a background or certification in related trainings, can I skip some of the prerequisites and training levels or modules?

If you already have a background in any of the areas our trainings cover, you will find it helpful and supportive for the learning experience. However, we don’t have any exemptions available for level one modules, due to the fact all of our trainings have a unique method and flow that builds upon itself. Participants begin working from the place they're at - either building on prior education and experience, or starting right from the beginning.

I have taken programs with the Leven Institute in the past, but the names seem to be different - what’s changed?

Yes, there have been some changes over the years.  As the body of work developed for both Shake Your Soul® and SomaSoul®, it has shifted and transformed into its present incarnation. For the most part, the content has remained similar or expanded; the training structures have shifted according to student feedback and teacher experience. If you are trying to determine what level would be equal to training you’ve received in the past, please contact us directly so we can help you figure that out!

Are continuing education credits available for your trainings and/or workshops?

Some organizations allow continuing education credits with a copy of the certificate or curriculum alone, and others require official registration by the certifying body, which we do not have at this time. However, when our trainings are offered through Kripalu Yoga Centre (an educational institution), continuing education credits are often available directly through Kripalu.

Are scholarships, exchanges or payment plans possible for training costs?

On occasion, scholarships, exchange or payment plans might be possible. It depends on the number of participants in the training and the level of commitment on the part of the participant requesting payment alternatives. Generally speaking, these alternatives are rare and usually only available to those who have taken some level of training already through the Leven Institute.

Are discounts on training costs ever available?

10% discounts are offered for early registration on many (but not all), workshops and trainings. "Early" means six weeks prior to the training date. This discount is generally only available on courses offered directly through the Leven Institute. If it is available, the discount will appear in your shopping cart when you go through the registration process online.