Applications of Somatic Education Principles to Voice Pedagogy

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Applications of Somatic Education Principles to Voice Pedagogy Running head: SOMATIC EDUCATION AND VOICE PEDAGOGY APPLICATIONS OF SOMATIC EDUCATION PRINCIPLES TO VOICE PEDAGOGY By ALISON J. MINGLE A dissertation submitted to the Mason Gross School of the Arts Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey In partial fulfillment of the requirements For the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts Graduate Program in Music Written under the direction of Dr. Stephanie Cronenberg And approved by ______________________________ Dr. Stephanie Cronenberg ______________________________ Dr. William Berz ______________________________ Professor Judith Nicosia ______________________________ Dr. Kathy Price New Brunswick, New Jersey May, 2018 SOMATIC EDUCATION AND VOICE PEDAGOGY ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION Applications of Somatic Education Principles to Voice Pedagogy By ALISON J. MINGLE Dissertation Director: Dr. Stephanie Cronenberg Students of voice are trained in complex processes of coordinated movements, many of which occur internally. Somatic education techniques may promote complementary skills, such as the ability to integrate the mind and body, to move with ease and efficiency, and to intervene with awareness and volition against interfering habits. After examining three related approaches to somatic education, a multiple case study was conducted on three professional voice teachers, each of whom is also certified in the somatic education disciplines of the Alexander Technique, the Feldenkrais Method, or Hanna Somatic Education. Each teacher was interviewed three times, and observed teaching four voice lessons. One voice student at each site was interviewed as well. A comparison and analysis of interview and observation data from these contexts may illuminate the ways in which somatic education principles can be applied to the teaching of voice. ii SOMATIC EDUCATION AND VOICE PEDAGOGY For Nana Barbara. iii SOMATIC EDUCATION AND VOICE PEDAGOGY ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The author wishes to express her appreciation for her advisor, Dr. Stephanie Cronenberg, for all her assistance, patience, and support. She would also like to thank the other members of the committee: Dr. William Berz for encouraging her to pursue this topic, Professor Judith Nicosia for helping her find her voice, and Dr. Kathy Price, whose comprehensive voice pedagogy instruction broadened the author’s horizons, leading her to pursue research in the field. iv SOMATIC EDUCATION AND VOICE PEDAGOGY TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter I: INTRODUCTION 1 Principles and Techniques of Somatic Education 3 Somatic Education Principles 4 Sensitivity and awareness improve with practice. 4 Learning is physical, emotional, and mental. 5 Habits are changeable. 5 Students can be taught to self-improve. 6 Somatic Education Techniques 7 Origins of the Alexander Technique. 7 Origins of the Feldenkrais Method. 7 Origins of Hanna Somatic Education. 8 Applications of Somatic Education Principles 9 Juli’s Jaw Tension: An Invented Voice-teaching Scenario 10 A possible Alexander Technique approach. 10 A possible Feldenkrais Method approach. 11 A possible Hanna Somatic Education approach. 13 Somatic Education Techniques and Habits of Singing 15 Rationale 16 My Somatic Education 19 Statement of the Problem 20 Purpose of the Study and Research Question 20 Key Terms and Definitions 21 Alexander Technique Key Terms 21 Feldenkrais Method Key Terms 22 Hanna Somatic Education Key Terms 22 v SOMATIC EDUCATION AND VOICE PEDAGOGY Sensory-motor Key Terms 23 Delimitations 23 Context 24 Therapeutic and Dance-Based Somatic Disciplines 24 Established Somatic Voice Approaches 25 Eastern Mind-Body Disciplines 25 Chapter II: LITERATURE REVIEW 27 The Development of Somatic Education 27 Mind–body Dualism 27 Social norms. 28 Technology and adaptation. 28 Cultural ideals. 29 Somatic Practices Emerge 29 Branches of Somatics. 30 Somatic education or therapy? 31 The Influence of Related Fields 33 Neuroscience. 33 Psychology. 36 Endocrinology. 36 Biofeedback. 37 The “How” of Somatic Education 39 How We Perceive Ourselves 40 Awareness and agency. 43 The interconnectedness of sensing and moving. 44 How We Use Ourselves 48 Learning and unlearning. 50 vi SOMATIC EDUCATION AND VOICE PEDAGOGY Habits. 52 Habit correction. 52 Habit inhibition. 53 Habitual tension. 54 Habituated stress reflexes. 54 How We Improve Ourselves [With Help From a Somatic Educator] 56 Feeling wrong. 57 Process focus. 58 Comparing modalities. 59 Alexander Technique modalities. 60 Feldenkrais Method modalities. 61 Hanna Somatic Education modalities. 63 Learning how to learn. 65 Research In Somatic Education 66 Research from the Somatic Viewpoint 67 Comparing Quantities of Research in Three Somatic Education Disciplines 68 Experimental Studies 69 Experimental research on Alexander Technique and musicians. 69 Experimental research on Feldenkrais Method. 70 Experimental research on Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais Method. 71 Somatic education and music performance anxiety (MPA). 72 Considerations for future experimental research in somatic education. 73 Descriptive Research in Somatic Education 74 Teaching cases. 74 Research case studies. 76 Suggestions for Research in Somatic Education Principles and Voice Pedagogy 78 vii SOMATIC EDUCATION AND VOICE PEDAGOGY Chapter III: METHODS 82 Introduction 82 Theoretical Background 82 The Somatic Viewpoint 83 Overall Approach 85 Site and Participant Selection 85 Participant Selection 85 Participant and Context Description 86 Alexander Technique case. 86 Feldenkrais Method case. 87 Hanna Somatic Education case. 87 Data Collection 87 Trustworthiness 90 Triangulation 90 Thick Description 91 Member Checking 92 Reflexive Journal 92 Clarification of Bias 93 Confidentiality 94 Data Storage 94 Labels and Pseudonyms 95 Analysis 95 Chapter IV: WITHIN-CASE FINDINGS 98 Alexander Technique: Victoria’s Practice 98 Use, Voice, and the Primary Control 101 Singing sets up good use. 102 viii SOMATIC EDUCATION AND VOICE PEDAGOGY Coaching on use, not sound. 103 The Means-whereby: Guiding orders, Cues, and Movement 104 Verbally cued “means-whereby.” 104 Gestural cues of the “means-whereby.” 106 End-gaining 108 Feldenkrais Method: Mary’s Practice 111 Connecting to “The Part of You That Knows” 114 Connecting nervous systems. 114 Substituted effort. 115 Feeling knowledge. 116 Creating Conditions for Receptivity 118 Supported positioning. 120 Listening to a sound from far away. 120 Finding the stability in letting go. 121 Imagination 123 Imagination as a step of the process. 124 Imagination as a habit-detector. 126 Imagination as a substitute for doing. 127 Hanna Somatic Education: Caitlyn’s Practice 128 Awareness of the Internal Movements of Singing 131 Finding the onset. 133 Connecting tone to support. 134 Enabling the open throat. 135 Sensing the “lean and stretch.” 135 Understanding Existing Patterns 136 Habituated stress patterns. 137 ix SOMATIC EDUCATION AND VOICE PEDAGOGY Sensory Motor Amnesia. 137 Pandiculation. 138 Unintentional movement. 139 Finding Words 140 Reframing students’ language. 141 Describing her own experience. 142 Helping students find their words. 143 Building Layers of a Pattern 144 Conclusion 146 Chapter V: CROSS-CASE FINDINGS 148 Targeted Sensing 150 Allowing 151 “Allowing” Instructions 152 Indirect Control 153 Accepting Intangibility 154 Observing Nonjudgmentally 156 Experiencing Somatically 160 Experimenting in Safety 165 Sensing Differences 172 Slowing and Pausing 179 Setting a Slower Pace 179 Pausing to Process 181 Self-Monitoring 185 Manual Self-Monitoring 186 External Props 189 Conclusion 190 x SOMATIC EDUCATION AND VOICE PEDAGOGY Chapter VI: DISCUSSION 192 Four General Principles of Somatic Education 192 Juli’s Jaw Tension Revisited 196 Victoria. 196 Mary. 199 Caitlyn. 202 Takeaways from Juli’s Jaw Tension. 205 Applications of Somatic Education Principles for Voice Pedagogy 208 Applications of Principle 1: Teaching Voice from the Somatic Viewpoint 210 Applications of Principle 2: Considering the Soma and its Integrated Facets 215 Applications of Principle 3: Creating a Safe Studio Space for Exploring the Voice 221 Applications of Principle 4: Giving Students Somatic Tools for Practice 225 Limitations 236 Implications for the Field 239 Answering the Research Question 239 Implications of Somatic Education Principles for Voice Pedagogy 242 The Question of Certification 245 Recommendations for Future Research 247 Conclusion 251 References 253 APPENDIX A: Glossary 263 APPENDIX B: Student Flexible Interview Protocol 264 APPENDIX C: Voice Lesson Observation Protocol 265 APPENDIX D: Teacher Flexible Interview Protocol 266 APPENDIX E: Teacher Interview Consent Form with Audio/Visual Recording 267 APPENDIX F: Student Observation Consent Form with Audio/Visual Recording 269 xi SOMATIC EDUCATION AND VOICE PEDAGOGY APPENDIX G: Student Interview Consent Form with Audio/Visual Recording 271 APPENDIX H: Introductory Email to Teachers 273 APPENDIX I: Introductory Email to Students 274 APPENDIX J: IRB Approval Letter 275 APPENDIX K: IRB Amendment Approval Letter 276 xii SOMATIC EDUCATION AND VOICE PEDAGOGY LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Student Characteristics at Site AT 100 Table 2 Student Characteristics at Site FM 113 Table 3 Mary’s Approach to Students’ Challenges 119 Table 4 Student Characteristics at Site HSE 130 Table 5 Connecting HSE Jaw Exercise to Singing Space 133 Table 6 Caitlyn’s Multi-layered Approach 145 Table 7 Cross-case Themes 149 Table 8 Manual Self-monitoring 187 Table 9 Principles of Somatic Education and Related Cross-Case Themes 194 Table 10 Applications of somatic education principles
Recommended publications
  • 2016 Issue 29: Aesthetic Experience
    The Feldenkrais #29 Aesthetic Experience Online Edition 2016 Journal Contents 2 40 81 Response to Somaesthetics Book Review: “Developing a and Beauty: The Brain’s Way Healthy Bias: Richard Shusterman of Healing Four Days with Interviewed by Norman Doidge Sheryl Field” Hermann Klein Matt Zepelin Sheryl L. Field / Martha C. Nowycky 43 88 Voluntary & Book Review: 10 Involuntary Several Short Could Feldenkrais Movements: Sentences Resolve the Somatic Practice About Writing Paradox of in Contemporary by Verlyn My Jewish Self- Art Klinkenborg Image? Helen Miller Adam Cole Ilona Fried 68 92 16 Moments of Developing a A Body to Mind Being: The Healthy Bias: Franz Wurm Feldenkrais Four Days with Introduction by Method in Actor Sheryl Field David Zemach-Bersin Training Seth Dellinger Connie Rotunda 38 104 Developmental 73 Contributor Bios Movement Intimacy: Adopting Observation the Feldenkrais Tiffany Sankary / Method’s Principle of Matty Wilkinson Constraint to Create a New Dance Theatre Work Ingrid Weisfelt #29 Aesthetic Experience The Feldenkrais Journal 1 Letter from the Editor / 2016 Last year I wrote in this space about the distinctive nature of the Journal: a print publication, written just for those fascinated by Feldenkrais, that only comes out once each year. I celebrated with you the wide range of wonderful articles that could be savored at our leisure and the beautiful, tangible magazine we enjoy. And as you are reading this, you may be holding the 2016 edition of the Journal in your hands. Or maybe not. Because for the first time we are publishing the Journal in both print and electronic versions. At www.feldenkrais.com/2016-journal you can see a complete version of the print publication, plus some features that are only online.
    [Show full text]
  • Complementary and Alternative Medicine
    Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy Number: Original Effective Date: MM.12.013 01/01/2014 Line(s) of Business: Current Effective Date: HMO; PPO 11/17/2017 Section: Miscellaneous Place(s) of Service: Outpatient I. Description Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), also called non-traditional medicine, is a group of diverse medical and healthcare systems, practices and products that are not typically considered to be a part of traditional Western medicine (i.e., conventional medicine). This policy addresses services performed by CAM providers such as naturopaths, chiropractors and acupuncturists. Complementary medicine generally refers to using a non-traditional approach together with conventional medicine. Alternative medicine refers to using a non-traditional approach in place of conventional medicine. Various CAM assessments and therapies are supported by some degree of scientific evidence and are intended to reduce disease-based symptoms and to improve health outcomes. However, due to a lack of well-designed scientific studies and/or peer reviewed literature many CAM therapies have not been shown to improve health outcomes over conventional therapies. II. Criteria/Guidelines A CAM service or procedure is covered (subject to Limitations and Administrative Guidelines) when all of the following criteria are met: A. It meets the definition of medical necessity as specified in Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Section 432: 1. It is for the purpose of treating a medical condition. 2. It is the most appropriate delivery or level of service, considering potential benefits and harms to the patient; 3. It is known to be effective in improving health outcomes; provided that: a. Effectiveness is determined first by scientific evidence; b.
    [Show full text]
  • Alexander Technique Principles & 21St Century Research
    Science Catches Up – Alexander Technique Principles & 21st Century Research © 2019, Rajal G. Cohen, Ph.D. I have spent the last 18 years trying to understand Alexander technique from a scientific perspective, using insights from AT to inspire testable hypotheses, and testing those hypotheses. It is now over 100 years since FM Alexander published his first book, and scientists are finally asking questions where insights from Alexander technique can make a difference. Before examining some relevant modern research, let’s review a few key aspects of how science works. Peer Review and Replication No matter how careful and objective scientists try to be, we all need outside perspectives on our work. Peer review and replication are two of the most important parts of the scientific process. Here’s how it works: After I write an article, I submit it to a peer-reviewed journal for consideration. The editor glances at it and decides whether to reject it immediately or send it out for review. It often takes months to gather reviews from willing volunteers with suitable expertise. A paper could be accepted or rejected at this stage; more typically, reviewers will request specific changes, which might include things like ‘run another study’ or ‘re-analyze the data.’ Multiple rounds of review are common. Most published researchers also serve as reviewers, and most of us try to provide constructive feedback that will lead to a better final published paper. Any paper not published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal has not passed this essential test.1–3 Even with peer review, a single study is never enough.
    [Show full text]
  • A Preliminary Survey of the Practice Patterns of United States Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitionerscm
    Buchanan BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2010, 10:12 http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/10/12 RESEARCH ARTICLE Open Access A preliminary survey of the practice patterns of United States Guild Certified Feldenkrais PractitionersCM Patricia A Buchanan Abstract Background: The Feldenkrais Method® of somatic education purports to guide people of varying ages and abilities to improve function. Many people choose this method to aid with recovery from injury, manage chronic conditions, or enhance performance even though limited research supporting its safety and effectiveness exists to guide decisions about use and referral. Very little information about practitioner characteristics and practice patterns is publicly available to assist researchers in the design of appropriate safety and effectiveness studies. The purpose of this study was to obtain an initial overview of the characteristics of United States Guild Certified Feldenkrais PractitionersCM. Methods: Of 1300 certified Feldenkrais® practitioners at the time of the study, there were 1193 practitioners with email accounts who were sent invitations to complete a web-based survey. The survey inquired about practice locations, additional credentials, service patterns and workloads during the previous 3 months. Response rate and descriptive statistics were calculated. Results: The survey had a 32.3% (385/1193) response rate. The top states in which responders practiced were California (n = 92) and New York (n = 44). Most responders did not hold other credentials as traditional health care providers or as complementary and alternative medicine providers. Among those who did, the most common credentials were physical therapist (n = 83) and massage therapist (n = 38). Just over a third of traditional health care providers only provided Feldenkrais lessons, compared to 59.3% of complementary and alternative providers.
    [Show full text]
  • Rudolf Laban in the 21St Century: a Brazilian Perspective
    DOCTORAL THESIS Rudolf Laban in the 21st Century: A Brazilian Perspective Scialom, Melina Award date: 2015 General rights Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. • Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. • You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain • You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal ? Take down policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim. Download date: 30. Sep. 2021 Rudolf Laban in the 21st Century: A Brazilian Perspective By Melina Scialom BA, MRes Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of PhD Department of Dance University of Roehampton 2015 Abstract This thesis is a practitioner’s perspective on the field of movement studies initiated by the European artist-researcher Rudolf Laban (1879-1958) and its particular context in Brazil. Not only does it examine the field of knowledge that Laban proposed alongside his collaborators, but it considers the voices of Laban practitioners in Brazil as evidence of the contemporary practices developed in the field. As a modernist artist and researcher Rudolf Laban initiated a heritage of movement studies focussed on investigating the artistic expression of human beings, which still reverberates in the work of artists and scholars around the world.
    [Show full text]
  • Aikido: a Martial Art with Mindfulness, Somatic, Relational, and Spiritual Benefits for Veterans
    Spirituality in Clinical Practice © 2017 American Psychological Association 2017, Vol. 4, No. 2, 81–91 2326-4500/17/$12.00 http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/scp0000134 Aikido: A Martial Art With Mindfulness, Somatic, Relational, and Spiritual Benefits for Veterans David Lukoff Richard Strozzi-Heckler Sofia University, Palo Alto, California Strozzi Institute, Oakland, California Aikido is a martial art that originated in Japan and incorporates meditation and breathing techniques from Zen Buddhism. Like all martial arts, it requires mindful concentration and physical exertion. In addition, it is a compassion practice that also provides a spiritual perspective and includes social touch. These components make Aikido a unique form of mindfulness that has the potential to be particularly appealing to veterans coming from a Warrior Ethos tradition who are used to rigorous somatic training. Mindfulness practices have shown efficacy with veterans, and the self- compassion, spiritual, and social touch dimensions of Aikido also offer benefits for this population, many of whom are struggling with these issues. Several pilot Aikido programs with veterans that show promise are described. Keywords: mindfulness, veterans, PTSD, spirituality, martial arts Aikido, like all martial arts, requires mindful spiritual dimensions in his martial art and de- concentration and physical exertion. In addi- scribed it as “The Way of Harmony.” tion, it is a compassion practice that provides a Aikido emphasizes working with a partner, spiritual perspective and social human touch. rather than sparring, grappling, or fighting Aikido emerged in twentieth-century Japan fol- against an opponent in competitive tourna- lowing an evolution of martial arts over hun- ments. Aikido techniques neutralize and control dreds of years from a system of fighting arts attackers instead of violently defeating them.
    [Show full text]
  • Reducing Performance Anxiety in Woodwind Playing Through the Application of the Alexander Technique Principles
    i REDUCING PERFORMANCE ANXIETY IN WOODWIND PLAYING THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE PRINCIPLES By ANNELIE HOBERG Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music In the Department of Music Of the Faculty of Humanities University of Pretoria Supervisor: Prof. J. de C. Hinch Pretoria April 2008 © University of Pretoria ii Abstract Many musicians are forced to scale down or even abandon their profession due to injuries caused by playing and practicing their instruments for long hours in unnatural body positions; also, the competition and the high standard expected of performers in the industry causes anxiety and tension in their lives. Increasingly, music schools, conservatories and colleges attempt to cater for these problems by including classes in the Alexander Technique. But young learners can also fall prey to these problems. Performance anxiety is potentially a threat to any musician’s career and can be experienced at all levels of expertise. In the light of this the following research question was tested: Is it possible to substantially reduce performance anxiety (stage fright) in instrumental playing by implementing Alexander Technique principles? The study included a group of twelve school- going children who had been identified as being prone to performance anxiety. They were divided into two groups of six each, one being the experimental group and the other the control group. The experimental group consisted of six flute students who were exposed to selected Alexander Technique principles in their lessons, while the control group consisted of six flute students that were taught by different teachers, who provided no exposure.
    [Show full text]
  • Master Thesis Document Schwartz
    Copyright by Ray Eliot Schwartz 2006 Exploring the Space Between: The Effect of Somatic Education on Agency and Ownership Within a Collaborative Dance-Making Process by Ray Eliot Schwartz, B.F.A., C.B.M.C.P. Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of The Graduate School of The University of Texas at Austin in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts University of Texas at Austin May 2006 Exploring the Space Between: The Effect of Somatic Education on Agency and Ownership Within a Collaborative Dance-Making Process Approved by Supervising Committee: _____________________________ Kent DeSpain _____________________________ Jill Dolan _____________________________ David Justin ______________________________ Kristen Neff Acknowledgements I would like to thank my many dance colleagues and teachers. In particular: the faculty and students of the North Carolina School of the Arts 1984-1987, the faculty and students of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Dance and Choreography 1987-1992, the faculty and students of The University of Texas at Austin 2003-2006, Martha Myers, Nancy Stark Smith, Mike Vargas, Donna Faye Burchfield, Laura Faure, Phillip Grosser, Rob Petres, Sardono Kusumo, Ramli Ibrahim, Liz Lerman, Lucas Hoving, Steve Paxton, Chris Aiken, Andrew Harwood, K.J. Holmes, Kathleen Hermesdorff, Sandy and Denny Sorenson, Deborah Thorpe, Sarah Gamblin, the members of Steve’s House Dance Collective, the Zen Monkey Project, them, and Sheep Army/Elsewhere Dance Theater. Their collective wisdom, as it
    [Show full text]
  • Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) Evidence Table
    Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) Evidence Table The approaches below show evidence of promising or potential benefit and can be used as adjuncts or alternative non- pharmacological approaches. They should be delivered as part of a personalized health plan, connecting with the patient’s health and well-being goals and focusing on self-care strategies. For questions, contact the VHA OPCC&CT Integrative Health Coordinating Center: [email protected] For more information on national VA CIH efforts visit: https://vaww.infoshare.va.gov/sites/OPCC/sitePages/IHCC-home.aspx DIAGNOSIS COMPLEMENTARY AND INTEGRATIVE HEALTH APPROACHES (listed alphabetically) Anxiety •Cognitive Behavioral Therapy • Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy •Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction •Meditation •Music Therapy •Yoga Cardiovascular Disease •Meditation •Relaxation Therapies Depression •Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) •Acupuncture- potentially effective •Cognitive Behavioral Therapy •Massage Therapy - in oncologic patients •Meditation •Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction •Yoga Fall prevention •Tai Chi Fibromyalgia •Acupuncture •Cognitive Behavioral Therapy •Exercise •Hydrotherapy •Mindfulness Meditation •Tai Chi •Myofascial Release Hypertension •Biofeedback •Meditation •Tai Chi •Yoga Insomnia •Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Insomnia •Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Irritable Bowel •Clinical Hypnosis •Cognitive Behavior Therapy •Relaxation Exercises Syndrome Low Back Pain •Acupuncture •Exercise •Cognitive Behavioral Therapy •Massage Therapy
    [Show full text]
  • Somatics Studies and Dance GLENNA BATSON DSC, PT, MA with the IADMS DANCE EDUCATORS’ COMMITTEE, 2009
    RESOURCE PAPER FOR DANCERS AND TEACHERS Somatics Studies and Dance GLENNA BATSON DSC, PT, MA WITH THE IADMS DANCE EDUCATORS’ COMMITTEE, 2009. INTRODUCTION 2 HISTORY 2 KEY CONCEPTS 3 NOVEL LEARNING CONTEXTS 4 SENSORY ATTUNEMENT 4 AUGMENTED REST 5 SOMATIC PRACTICES IN DANCE TECHNIQUE 6 IDEOKINESIS 6 THE FELDENKRAIS METHOD® 7 ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE 8 BODY-MIND CENTERING 9 FURTHER SUBSTANTIATION 10 STUDY AND CERTIFICATION 10 FURTHER THOUGHTS 10 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 11 REFERENCES 11 1. INTRODUCTION “I think, therefore I move” Thomas Hanna Since the 1970s, a growing number of dancers have sought additional training in mind- body techniques loosely called “somatic studies,” or simply, “somatics.”1 Once considered esoteric and far removed from daily technique class, somatics is now a household word in a dancer’s training. University dance programs worldwide now offer substantive somatic studies2 and degree programs,3 and community studios offer extensive study and certification in various practices.4,5 2. HISTORY Somatic studies also have been referred to as body therapies, bodywork, body-mind integration, body-mind disciplines, movement awareness, and movement (re) education.6 The origins of western somatic education are rooted in a philosophical revolt against Cartesian dualism.7,8 In the European Gymnastik movement of the late 19th century, for example, somatic pioneers Francois Delsarte, Emile JaquesDalcroze, and Bess Mensendieck sought to replace the reigning ideology of rigor in physical training with a more “natural” approach based on listening
    [Show full text]
  • SUGGESTED READINGS Lundberg P: the Book of Shiatsu, New York, NY, 1992, Simon & Schuster
    CHAPTER 16 Massage and Manual Therapies 231.e1 SUGGESTED READINGS Lundberg P: The book of shiatsu, New York, NY, 1992, Simon & Schuster. (photography by F. Dorelli). Brennan BA: Hands of light: A guide to healing through the human MacDonald G: Medicine hands: Massage therapy for people with energy field, New York, NY, 1988, Bantam Books. (illustrated by cancer, ed 2, Forres, 2007, Findhorn Press. J. A. Smith). Myers T: The ‘anatomy trains’, J Bodyw Mov Ther 1(2):91–101, Byers D: Better health with foot reflexology, revised ed, St. Petersburg 1997a. FL, 2001, Ingham Publishing, Inc. Myers T: The ‘anatomy trains’: Part 2, J Bodyw Mov Ther Clum GW Cervical spine adjusting and the vertebral artery. (2006). 1(3):135–145, 1997b. http://www.chirocolleges.org./acccva.html. Myers T: Anatomy trains: Myofascial meridians for manual and Dash VB, Dash B: Massage therapy in Ayurveda, New Delhi, 1992, movement therapists, ed 2, Edinburgh, 2009, Churchill Concept Publishing. Livingstone, Elsevier. Donoyama N, Manakata T, Shibasaki M: Effects of Anma therapy Nissen H: Swedish movement and massage treatment, Philadelphia, (traditional Japanese massage) on body and mind, J Bodyw Mov PA, 1889, FA Davis. Ther 14(1):55–64, 2010. Pritchard SM: Chinese massage manual: The healing art of tui na, Donoyama N, Satoh T, Hamano T: Effects of Anma massage Bulverde, TX, 1999, Omni. therapy (Japanese massage) for gynecological cancer survivors: Rand WL, Martin SA, editors: Reiki: The healing touch, Southfield, Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial, Trials 14:233, MI, 1996, Vision Publications. (illustrated by S. M. Matsko). 2013.
    [Show full text]
  • Prime Somatics Think • Move • Feel • Live
    SOMATIC SYSTEMS INSTITUTE S 1 Prime Somatics think • move • feel • live CLINICAL SOMATIC EDUCATION TM PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM PROGRAM PROSPECTUS FULL CERTIFICATION PROGRAM CONTENTS CONTENTS Greetings from the Director . 3 About Prime Somatics . 4 Greetings from the Director . 3 ThomasAbout HannaPrime Somatics. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 . 5 ProfessionalThomas Hanna Praise .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 . 5 SSIProfessional History & MissionPraise . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 . 6 PraiseSSI Historyfor Prime & SomaticsMission .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6 . 6 StudentPraise Testimonialsfor Prime Somatics . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6 . 7 CurriculumStudent Testimonials . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 7. 9 StudentCurriculum Support . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 9. 9 Student Support . 9 Certification . 10 Certification . 10 Society Membership . 10 Society Membership . 10 SocietySociety Benefits Benefits . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10. 10 StudentStudent Benefits Benefits . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10 . 10 FacultyFaculty & &Director Director . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 11. 11 Campus/HousingCampus/Housing . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 12. 12 CONTACT INFORMATION Somatic Systems Institute 32 Masonic Street Northampton, MA 01060-3038 (877) 586.2555 or (413) 586.2555 for more information, including schedules & tuition — or to apply to the training program — visit us today at somatics.org/training S 1 Prime Somatics think • move • feel • live Dear Prospective Student, On behalf of the entire faculty at the Somatic Systems
    [Show full text]