Applying Feldenkrais Lessons to a Dance Context
Mentor 1
Daniel Burkholder
Location
Union 240
Start Date
27-4-2018 1:20 PM
Description
Historically, dance training has been taught from an outward approach that values appearance over efficiency. The Feldenkrais Method (FM) is a somatic practice focusing on awareness and improving movement efficiency through emphasizing internal perception of movement. As an individual explores inner sensation derived from movement, the mover can learn from habitual patterns to uncover new, efficient ways of moving. In our investigation of Awareness Through Movement (ATM) exercises, we sought to create a paradigm of dance training focused on the principles of the FM. We performed and analyzed ATM lessons, subsequently categorizing the anatomical actions, patterns of connectivity, and somatic experiences. In categorizing the ATM lessons, we were able to translate the patterns and functionality discovered into a movement vocabulary applicable to dance training. These movement sequences offer an individualized approach to learning and executing movement. This research supports the idea that dance training would benefit from somatic-based teaching.
Applying Feldenkrais Lessons to a Dance Context
Union 240
Historically, dance training has been taught from an outward approach that values appearance over efficiency. The Feldenkrais Method (FM) is a somatic practice focusing on awareness and improving movement efficiency through emphasizing internal perception of movement. As an individual explores inner sensation derived from movement, the mover can learn from habitual patterns to uncover new, efficient ways of moving. In our investigation of Awareness Through Movement (ATM) exercises, we sought to create a paradigm of dance training focused on the principles of the FM. We performed and analyzed ATM lessons, subsequently categorizing the anatomical actions, patterns of connectivity, and somatic experiences. In categorizing the ATM lessons, we were able to translate the patterns and functionality discovered into a movement vocabulary applicable to dance training. These movement sequences offer an individualized approach to learning and executing movement. This research supports the idea that dance training would benefit from somatic-based teaching.
