Intwining dance, somatics and sustainability.

This article explores the interdisciplinary concept of somatic sustainability, which integrates dance, somatic practices, and sustainability to enhance self-awareness, relational empathy, and community stewardship through embodied experience. It presents somatic intelligence—awareness of bodily sensations and movements—as a foundational resource for addressing ecological and social challenges from the inside out, emphasizing process-oriented, non-hierarchical learning and the cultivation of empathy and resilience. The development of an undergraduate minor in Somatic Sustainability at Appalachian State University illustrates how somatic practices can expand beyond dance to foster inclusivity, social activism, and environmental engagement. Student projects and faculty reflections demonstrate how embodied awareness supports personal growth and collective action, suggesting that somatic approaches offer valuable perspectives for sustainability education and practice.