Somatic Practices: Aligning Body and Mind

In this course, we experience the reality of the mind-body connection: somatic practices to build awareness of embodiment, our relationship to our bodies and movement and understanding the biomechanics of aligned movement. In this course, we aim to expand our capacity to feel and move by building self-awareness of self-limiting patterns and studying biomechanically aligned, somatic forms of movement and dance.

This course is recommended for anyone who wants to improve movement capacity and gain more embodied expression.  It is also recommended for people who experience chronic pain, such as issues with neck pain, back pain, knee pain and hip problems.

This course will use modalities:
- Somatic Movement
- Biomechanics of Movement
- Embodied Psychotherapies
- Dance Movement Therapy
- Functional Anatomy

The way we move and think are often unconscious and habitual.  We develop ways of moving which are not biomechanically aligned.  We develop habits for thinking and feeling which do not support health nor psychological potential.  Emotions are physiological events that happen in our musculature; repressed experiences and childhood trauma get stored in our body.   We lose freedom of movement and joy in our bodies through habits of holding and forgetting.  Moving in-joy is our human birthright and a path of healing.

We will use free movement exploration, improvisation as well as learning new ways to move and dance through studying biomechanical alignment with Axis Syllabus.   We study functional anatomy and physiology to create a foundation for understanding how the body wants to move.  We will use creative psychotherapies of dance and art therapy to align movement and mind to create more resilience and inner strength.

Classes can be taken individually; although it is recommended to take both days of the module, participants can choose to take single day classes as well.

Module 1: Introduction to the Spine: Aligning the 3 Brains
November 19, November 20: 11:00- 16:00 (lunch break 13:00-14:00)

In this module, we study the anatomy of the spine and the “movement center”.  Understanding alignment of the spine is critical for healthy movement and greatly expands dance abilities.  Finding our movement center, we find effortless embodiment and joy, spiraling and soaring.

Module 2: Walking: The Biomechanical Miracle for Health, Balance and Posture
December 3, December 4, 11:00- 16:00 (lunch break 13:00-14:00)

Understanding the functional anatomy of the feet gives us a foundation for our entire body. Aligned walking supports healthy spine and posture and is key to rehabilitating chronic pain conditions.  Walking is the foundation for dancing and an embodied metaphor for moving forward in life.  How you walk is how you feel about life!  Let’s investigate our metaphors for approaching challenges!

Module 3: Dancing from the Heart: Feeling, Breathing and Alive!
December 11, December 12, 11:00- 16:00 (lunch break 13:00-14:00)

Understanding our life force!  The organs are an integral part of healthy body-mind system.  We study the heart and lungs as anatomical structures and forces of nature.  The arms emanate from the heart and movement.  Aligned use of the arms and shoulder joint supports healthy necks and end to headaches!  How we give and take, let go and hold are all part of the heart-lung-arm dynamic for expressing our needs, giving and receiving love and setting healthy boundaries.

Module 4: Surrendering to Physics for Dynamic Movement and Understanding Relationships
December 17, December 18, 11:00- 16:00 (lunch break 13:00-14:00)

What does it mean to move effortlessly?  Letting go and experiencing release!  Following our bodies and trusting the wisdom of biomechanics!  We will also look at sharing weight and some foundations for contact improvisation for developing complex coordination skills.  In Contact Improvisation Dance, our habits for interrelating are revealed.  We see our daily life in the way that we meet and interact with others in the dance. 

Class size: Maximum 15 people per day

Cost:
Participants can choose which classes they would like to participate in. It is recommended to try to attend both modules, but not necessary. (Link to the other module). Tickets will be sold according to number of classes you sign up for:

1-2 classes: 80 lev per class
3-6 classes: 70 lev per class
7-8 classes: 60 lev per class

What to bring:
Wear comfortable clothes that will allow you to dance, many warm layers, warm socks, blanket or yoga mat, notebook and any writing and drawing implements that you would like to use.