WHO WE ARE
The Shiva Yoga & Dance Cultural Space in Lisbon is a place dedicated to self-discovery, conscious movement, and cultivating a more balanced life. Our school was born from the desire to create a safe, harmonious, and inspiring space where each person can grow at their own pace, exploring yoga, dance, spirituality, and the importance of the body as paths to personal transformation.
We are an open, inclusive, and human-centered community. We believe that everyone has the capacity to reconnect with their essence, release tension, build strength and presence, and discover an authentic expressiveness that arises from within. Our work combines traditional Yoga knowledge with a contemporary approach to movement and the symbolic language of the Dance of Lord Shiva—the transformer of the universe.
Our team consists of qualified instructors with experience in various areas of movement, meditation, and yogic culture. Each class, workshop, or event is crafted with care and intention, respecting our students' individual needs and fostering an environment of sharing, respect, and growth.
In our space, body, mind, and spirit find a point of union—A place where practice becomes a path.
SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
The philosophy of the Shiva's Dance Yoga Cultural Space in Lisbon rests on three fundamental pillars.
CONSISTENCY
We believe that true well-being stems from the ability to be present. We use movement, breathwork, and meditation as tools to awaken bodily, emotional, and mental awareness. Each practice is an opportunity for inner listening, refining sensitivity, and connecting with the present moment.
FREEDOM
We value free and genuine expression. The body has a language of its own, and we invite each student to discover their own vocabulary—free from impositions, comparisons, or judgments. The practice is a space for experimentation and discovery, where each person finds their own truth and rhythm.
INTEGRATION
For us, Yoga and Shiva Dance are complementary paths: both seek to unite polarities—movement and stillness, strength and softness, form and fluidity. Our philosophy integrates ancient wisdom with contemporary inquiry, enabling a comprehensive and accessible practice that considers the human being in their entirety.
The school is guided by a holistic vision: caring for the body supports mental clarity, which in turn sustains spiritual expansion. The practice extends beyond the mat into daily life, inspiring choices that are more conscious, compassionate, and aligned with life.
SHIVAS DANCE
Symbolism of Shiva Nataraja
The Dance of Shiva, or Nataraja, is one of the most profound and inspiring symbols of Indian philosophy. It represents Shiva as the Lord of the Cosmic Dance—a dance that is not merely physical, but spiritual, universal, and eternal. In traditional iconography, Shiva dances within a circle of fire, a symbol of the universe's continuous cycle of creation, preservation, and transformation. Each gesture, object, and posture in the image holds a specific meaning:
★ The foot trampling the dwarf demon Apasmara represents the overcoming of ignorance and the subjugation of the ego.
★ The flame represents the power of transformation and purification.
★ The open hand (abhaya mudra) offers protection and freedom from fear.
★ The movement itself symbolizes the constant flow of life, where everything changes, renews itself, and returns to its center.
For us, the Dance of Shiva is a powerful metaphor for human existence. It reminds us that, just as in the universe, a cycle of creation and destruction exists within us too: old patterns dissolving, new possibilities emerging, and moments of expansion alternating with moments of returning to silence.
By integrating this symbolism into the practice, we invite students to move with intention, to recognize the transformative potential of the dance, and to use the body as a bridge to a broader consciousness.
To dance here is not merely to move—it is to actively participate in the dance of life.
TEACHERS
Jane
Teacher Jane is the founder of and driving force behind Espaço Dança de Shiva, where she teaches the majority of the classes. With extensive experience and a solid background, she guides each student with dedication and attentiveness, creating a space for growth, balance, and personal expression.
Cecilia Poitier
Instructor Cecília rounds out the team by leading Pilates classes with enthusiasm and sensitivity, contributing to a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere. Her presence supports students in discovering balance, body awareness, and personal growth.