How is it that we arrive in our bodies? When we are born, we are able to react to internal sensations. These are mostly related to digestion and elimination. As we react and vocalize our experience in this way we begin to build relationship language through the reaction of our caretakers. Infants have a goal to become mobile, able to hold up and move their bodies in space. Here, right at the beginning is the focus on the world outside of our body. Exploration of food, objects, and mobility give us greater knowledge of how to exist, move and communicate in our world. Childhood conditions us both in behavior and physicality to exist alongside other beings and to thrive in controlled environments, such as school.
During adolescence we become increasingly aware of how we are seen by others and how we fit into the world of other people. If we are lucky we become involved in sports or dance which helps to develop our proprioception. This is how our body relates with the world outside of us, but what about the inner experience of the body? Have we yet arrived in our bodies?
Interoception is the word which pertains to our bodies’ inner experience. Current science has become very exciting in the realm of interoception. Fostering the growth of our interception is fostering the growth of our wisdom body. Interoception, now being called the Eighth Sensory System, is our ability to sense and have awareness of stimulus from the inside. This includes our ‘inner’ reaction to ‘outer’ stimuli. We now know that interoception and neuroplasticity have a distinct connection. Recent studies have found that mind/body practices which focus on interoception have a profound influence on moving those who suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and chronic pain towards wellness. In the past we have referred to interoception with the following words and phrases: embodiment, ‘a soma-experience’, neuromuscular reeducation, ‘a gut feeling’ or ‘a gut reaction’, intuition, ‘heart felt’, ‘butterflies’, and even instinct. Embodiment is the word that has been used in the field of somatics and dance education.
Does interoception occur in adulthood? Maybe and maybe not. As an adult, we are the accumulation of all that we have experienced, thought and physically have practiced. If you trained as a dancer or athlete during your developmental years, then you arrive in adulthood with dancer or athlete abilities. If you learned embodiment or interoceptive practices during your development, then your resources in adulthood are vastly different those who have not. So the question remains; have you arrived in your body? Are you interested in finding an interoceptive or embodiment experience for yourself? This fall there are several opportunities for you at the Village Dance Studios with instructor Rie Monique Cherie Franklin. Look below to find a class or a workshop which addresses your needs.
Appropriate for Adults and Teens
Yoga-Dance
October 5, 12, 19, 26
Wednesdays 6:30 -7:30
Register for the series $48, drop in $15 each
Description:
Yoga Dance offers the mind/body healing practices of a yoga class combined with the full-bodied-movement and creativity of a dance class. Each class will feature; meridian tapping (working with the energetic body), standing poses for the cultivation of strength, body awareness and alignment, simple fun dance sequences (both traveling and center work which reflect upon ‘Brain Dance’ from Anne Green-Gilbert), improvisational studies for self-study and creativity, restorative poses and breathe work will round out this holistic mind/body experience. If you are looking for exercise, relaxation, or to learn how to feel good about yourself and your body, this class is for you!
This class is appropriate for teens through seniors. Students will need to bring a yoga mat, a large towel (a beach towel is perfect), socks, and a long sleeved shirt. Apparel: Dance or yoga leggings with a form fitting top (leotards, tank tops, yoga tops all acceptable. No baggy shirts, please.), barefoot (no dance shoes required).
Posture for Performance
Date:October 15, 2016 Time: 10-12 Price: $30
Description:
If you are you a performer, or a public speaker then you know about the importance of your posture. But you may not realize that its importance extends beyond sitting and standing and into your movement. This is why, in the Franklin Method®, we prefer to refer to posture as Dynamic Alignment. It is from here that you either develop the poor movement patterns that lead to injury, or the functional movement patterns that prolong your health. This two hour workshop is filled with fun partnering activities, eye opening imagery, and simple exercises that will encourage your ‘dynamic alignment’ and instill an interest to perfect your Posture for Performance.
Relax your Neck and Shoulders
Date: November 5, 2016, Time: 1-4pm Price: $45
Description:
There are few tasks left in life which do not require the use of our hands, arms, shoulders and neck. Perhaps this is why over 1/2 of the adult population complains of neck or shoulder pain. This three hour workshop offers anatomical knowledge, imagery, functional movement and embodiment exercises which will allow you to not only release stress and break patterns of chronic tension but also perform life’s tasks with smooth efficiency and ease. Students will leave with several tools that they can use to relax the neck and liberate the shoulders from tension and pain.
Students must be able to get down on to floor and be able to get up off the floor. Please bring a light snack and water, an exercise/yoga mat, and two bath or beach sized towels. Please wear comfortable clothing for exercise which is not loose fitting, covers the skin and allows for mobility. Please include a long sleeve shirt and socks.
Happy Feet
Date: November 19, 2016 Time: 10am-12 Price: $30
Description:
The length of your foot is approximately 15% of your height. What an architectural feat! Find out how the foot functions as both a support and a propulsion device. Explore the bone rhythms of the foot. Learn self-care, imagery and embodiment exercises to increase the health, flexibility and vitality of your foot. Filled with fun foot facts this Franklin Method® work shop will find your feet feeling refreshed and frankly fabulous!
Delete Low Back Pain
Date: January 14, 2017 Time: 1-4PM Price: $45
Description:
This Three hour workshop focuses on pelvic floor conditioning which is necessary for basic functional mobility, sexual vitality and continence. A lack of awareness and conditioning of this part of the body has led to epidemic numbers of men and women suffering from a wide variety of conditions including; chronic low-back pain, incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and organ prolapse. Spend three hours learning the design of the pelvic girdle and simple exercises you can integrate into your exercise program to foster your continued health and vitality.
Students must be able to get down on to floor and be able to get up off the floor. Please bring a light snack and water, an exercise/yoga mat, and two bath or beach sized towels. Please wear comfortable clothing for exercise which is not loose fitting, covers the skin and allows for mobility. Please include a long sleeve shirt and socks.
Classes at Village Dance, see the site here
