The following classes from our core curriculum are open to the public. Classes marked with an asterisk may be taken for Master's level college credit. For more information on our instructors, please read our faculty bios. To see current pricing information, please visit our Tuition information page. For further information on daily schedules, see our 2008 – 2009 MOC Program Calendar. For information on our NEW Winter and Spring weekend workshops, including course descriptions, see our 2008 Winter/Spring Weekend Workshop Series brochure.

New 2008 Winter/Spring Weekend Workshop Series
New 2008 Summer/Fall Workshops
New 2009 Winter Workshops

One-Week Intensive Workshop
June 16 – 20, 2008 Mon. – Fri. 9am – 4pm (Tues. and Wed. until 5:30pm)
With Susan Bauer

Experiential Anatomy and Kinesiology *
July 7–9, with Susan Bauer
Monday, July 7: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Tuesday, July 8: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Wednesday, July 9: 9:00am – 12:00pm

Learning to Move: Principles of Developmental Movement *
July 9 – 11, with Cathie Caraker
Wednesday, July 9: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Thursday, July 10: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Friday, July 11: 9:00am – 12:00pm

The Alexander Technique
July 14 – 15, with Carol Swann
Monday, July 14: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Tuesday, July 15: 9:00am – 4:00pm

Bartenieff Fundamentals™ *
July 16 – 17, with Peggy Hackney
Wednesday, July 16: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Thursday, July 17: 9:00am – 4:00pm

Somatic Therapy (based on principles of the Hakomi Method)
July 21 – 23, with Carol Swann
Monday, July 21: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Tuesday, July 22: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Wednesday, July 23: 9:00am – 12:00pm

Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) *
August 11 & 12, with Peggy Hackney
Monday and Tuesday 9:00am – 4:00pm

Body–Mind Centering® (BMC) *
August 16 & 17, 2008, with Martha Eddy
Saturday and Sunday 12:00pm – 6:00pm

Two-Week Intensive Workshop:
August 18 – 29, 2008 Mon. – Fri. 9am – 4pm
(Plus public performance August 28, Thurs. pm)
With Brenton Cheng, Vitali Kononov, Adam Kenyon Venker and Carol Swann

The Elder, the Artist, and the Social Activist: Worldwork and Process Work
September 8, 10, 12, 15 & 17, with Lane Arye
Monday, September 8: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Wednesday, September 10: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Friday, September 12: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Monday, September 15: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Wednesday, September 17: 9:00am – 12:00pm

Liberation Singing
September 8 & 15, with Carol Swann
Monday, September 8: 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Monday, September 15: 1:00pm – 3:30pm

Authentic Movement *
September 9, 11, 16, & 18, with Bill McCully
Tuesday, September 9: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Thursday, September 11: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Tuesday, September 16: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Thursday, September 18: 9:00am – 12:00pm

Theatre of the Oppressed
September 13 & 14, with Aryeh Shell
Saturday and Sunday 12:00pm – 6:00pm

Tracking the Unconscious Facilitator
September 23 & 25, with Bill McCully
Tuesday, September 23: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Thursday, September 25: 9:00am – 12:00pm

The Basics of Group Facilitation
September 22 – 26, with Paul De Lapa
Monday, September 22: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Tuesday, September 23: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Wednesday, September 24: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Thursday, September 25: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Friday, September 26: 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Going Deeper: Advanced Facilitation Training
September 29- October 3, with Isoke Femi
Monday, September 29 – Friday, October 3: 9:00am – 4:00pm (Tuesday until 5:30)

Voice Thru the Body
January 5, 12, 19 & 26, with Carol Swann
Monday, January 5: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Monday, January 12: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Monday, January 19: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Monday, January 26: 9:00am – 12:00pm

Contact Improvisation *
January 5 – 8, with Brenton Cheng & Vitali Kononov
Monday, January 5: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Tuesday, January 6: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Wednesday, January 7: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Thursday, January 8: 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Body-Mind Centering® and Improvisation *
January 6, 13, 20 & 27, with Cathie Caraker
Tuesday, January 6: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Tuesday, January 13: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Tuesday, January 20: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Tuesday, January 27: 9:00am – 12:00pm

Action Theater: Improvisation, Performance
January 12 – 15, with Ruth Zaporah
Monday, January 12: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Tuesday, January 13: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Wednesday, January 14: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Thursday, January 15: 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Performance and Composition
January 19 – 22, with Jess Curtis
Monday, January 19: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Tuesday, January 20: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Wednesday, January 21: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Thursday, January 22: 1:00pm – 4:00pm

East Coast Workshops and Lectures – Call 212.414.2921 or email Martha Eddy to register for all workshops, and to determine their location. Current information on many workshops can be found at the website for The Center for Kinesthetic Education.

Sunday Workshop on Human Behavior and Expression: How We Move through Space with Dynamic Expression
Dates variable, with Martha Eddy CMA, Ed.D.

July intensive: Introduction to Laban Movement Analysis (LMA)
Dates variable, with Martha Eddy CMA, Ed.D.

Fundamental Fitness Learn and Practice Bartenieff Fundamentals
Dates variable, with SMTT Faculty

The Evolution of Fitness: Find core stability through developmental movement – a neurodevelopmental approach
Dates variable, with Martha Eddy CMA, Ed.D.

Functional Anatomy and Physiology : Introduction the Body Systems work of Body-Mind Centering©
Dates variable, with Martha Eddy CMA, Ed.D.

Body Counseling: Discover methods of transformative communication
Dates variable, with Martha Eddy CMA, Ed.D.

Dynamics of Touch(c): Use LMA to touch physiological systems of the body
Dates variable, with SMTT Faculty

Dynamic Movement Dynamic Health(c): A holistic approach to combining the observation of movement techniques of Body-Mind Centering and Laban principles
Dates variable, with SMTT Faculty

Movement Fundamentals (Bartenieff perspective)
Dates variable, with Martha Eddy CMA, Ed.D.

Practicing Bartenieff Fundamentals
Dates variable, with Martha Eddy CMA, Ed.D.

Movement Analysis and Observation (Laban Movement Analysis perspective)
Dates variable, with Martha Eddy CMA, Ed.D.

Learning to Move: Principles of Developmental Movement
Dates variable, with Martha Eddy CMA, Ed.D.

Intro to Body Systems/Experiential Anatomy/Physiology (Body-Mind Centering® perspective)
Dates variable, with Martha Eddy CMA, Ed.D.

Dynamics of Touch and Dynamic Movement
Dates variable, with Martha Eddy CMA, Ed.D.

Dynamic Movement, Dynamic Health
Dates variable, with Martha Eddy CMA, Ed.D.

InSight Eye Relaxation
Dates variable, with Martha Eddy CMA, Ed.D.

BodyMind Dancing©/Gentle Aerobics
Dates variable, with Martha Eddy CMA, Ed.D.

Moving On Aerobics
Dates variable, with Martha Eddy CMA, Ed.D.

Infant Toddler Monthly Check in Groups
Dates variable, with Martha Eddy, CMA, Ed.D.

Counseling Skills for Hands-on Movement Specialists
Dates variable, with Martha Eddy, CMA, Ed.D. and Ruella Frank, Ph.D.

Introduction to Somatic Fitness
Dates variable, with Martha Eddy, CMA, Ed.D. and Lesley Powell

Lecture Series – Complementary Therapies and Education for Children by the Center for Kinesthetic Education and Integrative Pediatrics
Dates variable, with Martha Eddy CMA, Ed.D. and others

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

Winter/Spring Weekend Workshop Series

New! BodyMind Centering® for Dance, Yoga, and Other Movement Practices
With Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen
Location: Moving On Center, 1428 Alice St., Oakland, CA

Come join BMC founder Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen in this innovative approach to movement and experience fuller embodiment of your practice!

Body-Mind Centering® principles form the basis of a dynamic approach to the practice and teaching of movement disciplines of all types. The support and articulation of the major body systems and of early developmental patterning are the foundations of all our movement, ranging from everyday activities to the more skilled and complex movements of the dancer, yoga practitioner and athlete.

In this workshop, we will explore the interplay between the body systems and developmental movement and how they inform and interact with each other. We will apply this to specific movement practices that are of particular interest to participants in the workshop.

Return to top

New! Bodies in Relationships: A Somatic Approach
With Rita Venturi and Denzil Washington
Location: Wildcat Studios, 2525 8th Street, Berkeley, CA

Through a variety of body-based exercises (such as Authentic Movement, Contact Improvisation, Somatic Awareness, Sociometrics, and Map-Making) we will examine our personal story-making around intimacy, trust, and support. We will focus on building awareness and skills for creating conscious and intentional relationships, deepening our capacity for connection.

Return to top

New! Urban Dance Rituals: Where Urban Dance and Somatics Intersect
With Rashad Pridgen
Location: Buena Vida Dance Studio, 337 13th Street (at Webster), Oakland, CA

This workshop is a facilitated freestyle movement session of collaborative urban dance circles/exercises based on Innerwork, group process, and somatic principles to understand the structures of urban freestyle dance. Objectives include experiencing the elements of urban freestyle dance, understanding how to hold space for self and others, and how to freestyle with increased self-awareness.

*For urban dancers this will help you to discover the inner impulse of your personal freestyle movement and provide you with tools for injury prevention and personal growth!

*For somatic students/movement researchers this will give insight into the world of urban dance and its structure and form, while presenting an integration of somatic principles!

This workshop is open to all dancers: urban dancers, somatic students and movement researchers.

Return to top

Voice Thru the Body
With Carol Swann
Location: Wildcat Studios, 2525 8th Street, Berkeley, CA

In this workshop, the voice is explored as a "muscle of the soul." We contact energy sources in the body that inform us of the many qualities, characters, pitches, and tones that are authentic expressions of each unique individual. Whether sounding, speaking, or singing, the body is revealed through the voice. Embracing improvisational structures, somatic therapies, Balkan and African songs, this class provides a rich and challenging laboratory for the person interested in deepening the resonance of his/her physical and vocal expression.

Return to top

New! Moving-from-Within®
With Susan Bauer
Location: Spring/Fall Studios, 2525 8th Street, Berkeley, CA, Berkeley, CA

This workshop introduces a unique form of dance improvisation with roots in Authentic Movement, contemplative practices, and creative improvisation. For over fifteen years, Moving-from-Within® has offered a place of inspiration and discovery that bridges more inner-directed experience with dynamic group dance. Come experience this fun, creative process with co-founder Susan Bauer. All levels welcome.

Return to top

Alexander Technique
With Shelly Senter
Location: UC Berkeley, Bancroft Dance Studio, 2401 Bancroft St. (at Dana St.) Berkeley, CA

The Alexander Technique is an educational method of body-mind reorganization that aims to promote ease in everything we do. By freeing ourselves from unconscious physical habits, we can create effortlessness in the way we live and move. This workshop will include applications to voice, movement, walking, and sitting.

Return to top

Bartenieff Fundamentals®
With Peggy Hackney
Location: Wildcat Studios, 2525 8th Street, Berkeley, CA
This class works with Patterns of Total Body Connectivity (related to a developmental progression) that facilitate the lively interplay of connective kinetic chains inside the body with expression into the outer world. Basic issues of efficiency and coordination are dealt with in relation to Breath and Core Support, clarity of proximal joint articulation (including gradated rotation), weight shift, propulsion and level change, and full three-dimensional movement. Students are encouraged to locate the sensations and feelings that are brought up by the movement, and form these in some way that is personally meaningful.

Return to top

Somatics of Presence: Performance
With Vitali Konanov, Brenton Cheng, and Adam Venkar
Location: Wildcat Studios, 2525 8th Street, Berkeley, CA

For those interested in theater, dance, composition, contact, and improvisation as performance disciplines, this intensive workshop will integrate the deep body awareness of Body-Mind Centering® with the rich expressive framework of Laban Movement Analysis.

What is presence? How can the performer remain permeable, yet powerful? We will develop essential performance skills from an embodied perspective, address the nature of performance, and explore the hidden realities of the performer / spectator relationship. All levels welcome.

[Note: This workshop serves as an introduction to the full Somatics of Presence: Performance Intensive in August 2008.]

Return to top

Experiential Anatomy
With Susan Bauer
Location: Spring/Fall Studios, 2525 8th Street, Berkeley, CA

This course provides an introduction to a dynamic, movement based approach to Experiential Anatomy based on Body-Mind Centering®, Ideokinesis, and Bartenieff Fundamentals. In this approach, each student becomes his or her own “lab” to move, experience, and learn from through movement, drawing, creative writing, and hands-on partner work. Essential for dancers, movement teachers, and all who want to enliven their relationship to their body/mind. No anatomy experience required; all welcome.

Return to top

Theatre of the Oppressed
With Aryeh Shell
Location: Wildcat Studios, 2525 8th Street, Berkeley, CA

Theatre of the Oppressed is a set of games, exercises and practices that create space for people to name their reality, identify the contradictions, dialogue through the language of theatre, and try out different solutions. It uses movement, storytelling and tableaux to explore how images of one’s personal experience reflect universal issues of power and social transformation. This workshop offers an energizing set of skills for activists, teachers, leaders and artists working for social change.

SOMATICS IN EDUCATION

Weeklong Workshop
More information on the workshop can be found on the Somatics in Education page here.

Return to top

SOMATIC EDUCATION & MASSAGE:

Experiential Anatomy and Kinesiology
This course aims to provide an introductory overview of the anatomy of the bones, muscles, nervous system, and viscera. It introduces kinesiological terminology. Some principles of the Somatic Movement Therapy Training and of Body-Mind Centering®, as well as "Bony Landmarks" from Bartenieff Fundamentals will also be taught.

Return to top

Learning to Move: Principles of Developmental Movement
Workshop and classes aim to provide an experiential framework for movement learning. Principles of movement development will be explored through two primary somatic movement therapy systems – Body-Mind Centering® (BMC) and Bartenieff Fundamentals. Each system incorporates neurodevelopmental movement patterns, reflexes, and righting reactions – the building blocks of motor co-ordination and expressive movement. Further insights will be drawn from motor learning, and educational and psychological theories.

Return to top

The Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique is an educational method of body-mind reorganization that aims to promote ease in everything we do. By freeing ourselves from unconscious physical habits, we can create effortlessness in the way we live and move. Applications to voice, movement, walking, sitting, and talking will be addressed.

Return to top

Bartenieff Fundamentals
This class works with Patterns of Total Body Connectivity (related to a developmental progression) that facilitate the lively interplay of connective kinetic chains inside the body with expression into the outer world. Basic issues of efficiency and coordination are dealt with in relation to Breath and Core Support, clarity of proximal joint articulation (including gradated rotation), weight shift, propulsion and level change, and full three-dimensional movement. Students are encouraged to locate the sensations and feelings that are brought up by the movement, and form these in some way that is personally meaningful. (This course meets the LMA Certification Program pre-requisite.) Required for CMTSE.

Return to top

Somatic Therapy (based on principles of the Hakomi Method)
Hakomi uses the principles of non-violence, body-mind holism, organicity, unity and mindfulness to facilitate a transformational process - a conscious, assisted exploration of the self. It is a co-operative venture between client and practitioner designed to study the organization of experience, making it possible for the client to take greater responsibility for his/her own therapy and life process. Required for CMTSE.

Return to top

[NOTE: the following workshops are only available to students taking the entire module]

Somatic Integration
This class will focus on the intersection and synthesis of the many different but related areas of study in the intensive program. Principles from Somatic Theory classes are explored in relation to dance and movement classes. Embodying the Somatic Theory work, there is an opportunity to practice these new principles and begin to find your individual embodied knowing.

Return to top

Heart Circle
Heart Circle is a place where core students and faculty gather to "check-in" every week. Check-in is an important time for students and faculty to share with each other about what is going on in their present experience. This is also an essential part of the curriculum. It is a direct practice in real time, in real relationships within the group that utilizes the various systems we are learning, particularly, Hakomi and Authentic Movement.

The somatic systems which we are so engaged in learning influence how we participate in Heart Circle. As we progress in our learning, the skills of body awareness, listening, respect for each persons unique process, rhythm, personal signature, owning ones own story, etc., help create a clearer container and deeper connection to ourselves and each other. We believe that acknowledging the whole person through all these various perspectives is essential to positive group dynamics and personal growth. Most often, this process clarifies and deepens everyone's experience, and helps promote moving forward.

Return to top

Basic Massage, Part I and Part II
This two-week workshop includes massage instruction, emphasizing Tai Chi body usage and combining Swedish and Esalen styles. Offered in partnership with Alive&Well!, this course is Only open to students seeking CMT-SE certification. The state of California Council approves it for private and post-secondary education.

Return to top

Laban Movement Analysis (LMA)
This workshop will introduce students to the LMA approach, developed by Rudolph Laban, that focuses on experiencing and perceiving changes in Body, Effort, Shape, and Space—basic elemental building blocks to all our movement. Students will learn to use a clear language for speaking about movement in movement terms (as opposed to psychological or sociological terms), and will be encouraged to personally claim their own context for meaning making, i.e. interpretation.

Understanding between humans cannot happen until we are able to claim our own values and ways of moving into action, and appreciate how these are similar to, or different from those of others. These values are being constantly expressed in our movement, such that each of us has a unique LMA Movement Signature. Each of us can be valued for our own uniqueness in order for us to contribute to the world effectively. LMA helps us to look at where our own style of movement fits into the broader range of human movement; how we can accept where we (and others) are; and how we can broaden our range. (This course meets the Laban/Bartenieff Certification Program pre-requisite).

Return to top

Body-Mind Centering® (BMC)
Experience principles and techniques for embodying six different physiological body systems – skeletal, organ, gland, muscular, nervous and fluid systems – in the context of self-discovery and openness, using movement, touch and sound.

Body-Mind Centering® is an integrated approach to transformative experience through movement re-education and hands-on re-patterning. Developed by Occupational Therapist and renowned Somatic Educator Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, it is an experiential study and application of anatomical, physiological, psychophysical and developmental principles. One goal of this exploration is to understand how the mind is expressed through the body and the body through the mind. It is a creative process in which we learn to meet and recognize others and ourselves using somatic awareness.

Return to top

SOMATICS OF PRESENCE

Somatics of Presence Intensive
More information on the intensive can be found on the Somatics of Presence page here. Please check back for more information!

Return to top

THE SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS BODY:

The Elder, the Artist, and the Social Activist: A Workshop in Worldwork and Process Work
How do we best deal with conflicts in ourselves, in our relationships, in our work, in our communities, in the world? The social activist in us holds strongly to her position and fights for what she believes is right. This is not only political; we can be "social activists" in relationship when we stand up for ourselves and feel the other should see our point of view. The elder in us embraces all sides. Recognizing that all conflicts live within her, she stays centered and is able to facilitate in the midst of the raging storm. The artist in us transforms through creative expression. She reveals a vision of reality that is deeper than content, and is able to touch people in ways that other forms of communication could never do. These roles are in each of us; sometimes one is needed, sometimes another. Being clear which role we are in can help us live creative lives, make change that is sustainable, and contribute to a world where non-violence is a daily (and very personal) practice.

This workshop will combine theory, discussion, supervision, inner work, and group process. We will directly address and work with issues that are present among our group of participants, as well as issues arising in the world around us, in order to learn how to work with conflicts in general. You do not have to identify as an elder, an artist, or a social activist to take this workshop. We will practice finding and developing these roles in ourselves, differentiating between them as they come up, and choosing them consciously.

PROCESS WORK and WORLDWORK offer powerful and effective tools that can help us to work toward wholeness, well-being, social justice, and community. Developed by Arnold Mindell, Ph.D. (author of Sitting in the Fire, Dreambody, etc.) and his colleagues from around the world, Process Work and Worldwork are based on a trust that even the most disturbing experiences - including physical illness, conflicts and world issues - can lead us in the direction of change, growth, and connection.

Return to top

Liberation Singing

Singing together has been the “Voice” to unify, encourage, uplift the human spirit and communicate in many social movements throughout history. The Voice is “the muscle of the Soul” as Roy Hart says (from the Roy Hart Theatre).

In these two classes, we will physically warm up the body and the voice through improvisational scores which will bring us more deeply into the “embodied voice.” After this long warm up, we will then learn many world songs belonging to different cultures and different protest movements such as: Balkan songs, African songs, civil rights, spirituals, gospel songs, peace songs and rounds.

Everyone welcome! Bring loose clothes and come prepared to move physically as well as vocally.

Return to top

Authentic Movement
Authentic Movement is a self-directed movement form. One moves with eyes closed in the presence of another, who is a witness. With eyes closed, the mover has the opportunity to bring awareness to inner sensation and focus on other senses. As a witness one is encouraged to bring attention to one's own experience while being totally present in seeing the mover. The simplicity of this form is its power. We will explore the action of seeing and being seen, the dynamic interplay that is at the heart of both the therapeutic dyad and performance. This class provides time and space in the Moving On Center program for integration. It is a time we use to be present with whatever is moving for each of us.

Return to top

Theatre of the Oppressed
Theatre of the Oppressed is a set of games, exercises and practices that create space for people to name their reality, identify the contradictions, dialogue through the language of theatre, and try out different solutions. It uses movement, storytelling and tableaux to explore how images of one’s personal experience reflect universal issues of power and social transformation. This workshop offers an energizing set of skills for activists, teachers, leaders and artists working for social change.

Return to top

Tracking the Unconscious Facilitator

Group facilitation can be supported by bringing awareness to some basic experiences most of us have when gathering with a group: issues of acceptance and rejection, the fear and excitement of being intimate, and the tension between being an autonomous individual and being a part of the group. Many of these issues lie deep in our bodies and minds and are not in our conscious awareness. Bringing these unconscious issues into awareness creates more ease and a fuller intelligence for the group and its members. Using skills developed through the practice of Authentic Movement and other body-centered forms, you will learn to directly and indirectly address these issues as facilitators.

Return to top

The Basics of Group Facilitation

This course engages participants in an overview of basic skills and procedures for encouraging productive, inspiring meetings. Using brief lecture, experiential exercises, role-playing, self- and group-process reflection, we’ll explore facilitative influences on the dynamics of meetings and effective groups, with a focus on participatory (consensus) agreement building. The workshop will include specifics such as: listening skills, using guidelines with groups, differentiating content from process, focusing and managing conversations, working with concerns, and the self as instrument in any group meeting. Mornings will be spent learning games and songs for community building and a somatic approach of looking at ourselves psychologically to build awareness of how the body becomes both a resource and tool to support us in the facilitative role.

Return to top

Going Deeper: Advanced Facilitation

This course is designed to support the emergence of skills, capacities, and qualities that will enable cultural leaders to engage the edgier issues that arise within group life. Racism, sexism, classism, ableism, and other forms of social oppression often evoke intense subjective states. When these states are activated, capacities of empathy, courage, and self-awareness, as well as the ability to play and work in ways that transgress the normal rules of engagement, can minimize scapegoating dynamics. We will explore the role of expressive skills in the creative engagement of difference.

Return to top

[NOTE: the following workshops are only available to students taking the entire module]

Somatic Integration
This class will focus on the intersection and synthesis of the many different but related areas of study in the intensive program. Principles from Somatic Theory classes are explored in relation to dance and movement classes. Embodying the Somatic Theory work, there is an opportunity to practice these new principles and begin to find your individual embodied knowing.

Return to top

Heart Circle
Heart Circle is a place where core students and faculty gather to "check-in" every week. Check-in is an important time for students and faculty to share with each other about what is going on in their present experience. This is also an essential part of the curriculum. It is a direct practice in real time, in real relationships within the group that utilizes the various systems we are learning, particularly, Hakomi and Authentic Movement.

The somatic systems which we are so engaged in learning influence how we participate in Heart Circle. As we progress in our learning, the skills of body awareness, listening, respect for each persons unique process, rhythm, personal signature, owning ones own story, etc., help create a clearer container and deeper connection to ourselves and each other. We believe that acknowledging the whole person through all these various perspectives is essential to positive group dynamics and personal growth. Most often, this process clarifies and deepens everyone's experience, and helps promote moving forward.

Return to top

IMPROVISATIONAL MIND & PERFORMANCE:

Voice Thru the Body
In this class, the voice is explored as a "muscle of the soul." We contact energy sources in the body that inform us of the many qualities, characters, pitches, and tones that are authentic expressions of each unique individual. Whether sounding, speaking, or singing, the body is revealed through the voice. Embracing improvisational structures, somatic therapies, Balkan and African songs, this class provides a rich and challenging laboratory for the person interested in deepening the resonance of his/her physical and vocal expression. (This class supports SMTT expression.)

Return to top

Contact Improvisation
In Contact Improvisation, dancers move in and out of contact, uniting their bodies to create a mutually supportive and dynamic interplay of weight. The primary developmental patterns of rolling, crawling, falling, walking, and running form the basis of the movement vocabulary. Through studying these patterns in-depth, we will develop an understanding of the body's structure and the movement forces acting upon this structure. We do not strive to achieve results, but rather to participate openly in a constant changing physical reality. Focus on solos, duets, trios and scores will be integrated as skills are developed. Contact Improvisation is offered as a weekly class in addition to the 12-hour workshop.

Return to top

Body-Mind Centering® and Improvisation
Body-Mind Centering® (BMC) is a “language of experience”: an innovative approach to exploring the experiential anatomy of the body and its innate states of movement and mind. Investigations of selected body systems (organs, fluids, nervous system, endocrine glands) form the ground for personal movement research through bodywork, partnering, and improvisation. Classes encourage the mind of research and the ability to creatively develop movement material as it arises by expanding and refining our physical perceptions of movement, space, musicality and presence.

Return to top

Action Theater: Improvisation and Presence
Action Theater is a training system in physical theater improvisation that builds vocal, verbal, and physical performance skills, hones awareness and increases expressive range. In this workshop we investigate how to use embodied presence as a doorway into the agility of the imagination. We explore both solo and ensemble scores through exercises that are simple, playful and challenging. Each exercise expresses the relationship between awareness and action, and invites a deeper dialogue and dance between the two. In the deeply human physical play we reunite with the interior world that causes us to live at our fullest reach while building solid improvisational skills. There will be a focus on the inescapable musicality of the moment-to-moment experience, connections between control and freedom, and how to relax into the active nature of time and change.

Return to top

Performance and Composition
A rigorous training in improvisation and composition. We will develop a language to speak to each other and our selves about our intentions and goals as improvisers/composers, ultimately increasing our ability to achieve those goals. We will address the body's potential in terms of movement, sound, image, symbol, and energetic container. We begin by finding the body and the weight. Infusing it with breath and letting gravity create motion. The will creates resistance to gravity and the resulting tension is the life of the dance.

Return to top

[NOTE: the following workshops are only available to students taking the entire module]

Authentic Movement
Authentic Movement is a self-directed movement form. One moves with eyes closed in the presence of another, who is a witness. With eyes closed, the mover has the opportunity to bring awareness to inner sensation and focus on other senses. As a witness one is encouraged to bring attention to one's own experience while being totally present in seeing the mover. The simplicity of this form is its power. We will explore the action of seeing and being seen, the dynamic interplay that is at the heart of both the therapeutic dyad and performance. This class provides time and space in the Moving On Center program for integration. It is a time we use to be present with whatever is moving for each of us. This class supports SMTT expression.

Return to top

Heart Circle
Heart Circle is a place where core students and faculty gather to "check-in" every week. Check-in is an important time for students and faculty to share with each other about what is going on in their present experience. This is also an essential part of the curriculum. It is a direct practice in real time, in real relationships within the group that utilizes the various systems we are learning, particularly, Hakomi and Authentic Movement.

The somatic systems which we are so engaged in learning influence how we participate in Heart Circle. As we progress in our learning, the skills of body awareness, listening, respect for each persons unique process, rhythm, personal signature, owning ones own story, etc., help create a clearer container and deeper connection to ourselves and each other. We believe that acknowledging the whole person through all these various perspectives is essential to positive group dynamics and personal growth. Most often, this process clarifies and deepens everyone's experience, and helps promote moving forward.

Return to top

EAST COAST WORKSHOPS

All of the courses below can be credited toward certification with SOMAction© Movement Therapy Training (SMTT) Ask about tuition packages.

Classes are held at the Center for Kinesthetic Education - 151 West 30th Street, #200 or at the Riverside Church - 90 Claremont at 120th Street. Call 212.414.2921 or email Martha for exact information. Please call or email to register for all workshops

SMTT Phase 1 Courses
Please see more information on these courses at Movements Afoot.
Costs: 1 twelve hour course $300; 2 courses $550; 3 courses $800. Single classes available $83 per session.

Return to top

Movement Fundamentals (Bartenieff perspective)
Introduces Physical Therapist Irmgard Bartenieff’s principles of efficient movement functioning. Concepts such as breath support, 3-dimensionality in movement, relationship and sequencing of body parts, and the interaction of stability/mobility are learned experientially. Considers a person's motivation to move, as well as one's relationships to the environment (e.g., space, time, gravity, tension, people and other environmental constraints.)

Return to top

Practicing Bartenieff Fundamentals
Join us to help keep your skills in Bartenieff practices sharp and strong!

Return to top

Movement Analysis and Observation (Laban Movement Analysis perspective)
Introduction to the elements of human movement Body/Space/Dynamics/Shape/ Relationship. Practice in observing, naming and recording movement patterns.

Return to top

Learning to Move: Principles of Developmental Movement
Workshop and classes aim to provide an experiential framework for movement learning. Principles of movement development will be explored through two primary somatic movement therapy systems -- Body-Mind Centering® (BMC) and Bartenieff Fundamentals. Each system incorporates neurodevelopmental movement patterns, reflexes, and righting reactions -- the building blocks of motor co-ordination and expressive movement. Further insights will be drawn from motor learning, and educational and psychological theories.

Return to top

Intro to Body Systems/Experiential Anatomy/Physiology (Body-Mind Centering® perspective)
Overview of the major body systems as organized by tissue type (vs. physiological function); studies experientially their contribution to movement and affect. Attention is paid to the contrast of autonomic and "voluntary" functioning.

Return to top

Dynamics of Touch and Dynamic Movement
Use Laban Movement Analysis to better understand skillful touch. Investigate how the use of the LMA concepts such as Effort Use and Shape Change can enhance access to the specific types of touch necessary to experience and influence the various physiological systems - bone, muscle, organs, glands, fat, fascia, nerve && brain (as taught through Body-Mind Centering®). Gain a greater sensitivity and focus in working with others through touch and movement.

Return to top

Dynamic Movement, Dynamic Health
This course uses the languages of LMA and BMC to assess a person or group's health needs and to match their needs to suitable movement practices. It teaches us to answer questions such as: When is yoga preferred over tai chi? What situations warrant water aerobics versus Pilates exercises?

Return to top

InSight Eye Relaxation
A workshop focused on exploring the benefits of eye relaxation through a whole body relaxation and balancing for the visual system. Increase your coordination and breathing capacity to support relaxed seeing and gain more pleasure from looking and reading.

Return to top

BodyMind Dancing©/Gentle Aerobics
A workshop focused on the work of Gentle Aerobics and BodyMind Dancing©. In order to become trained as a BodyMind Dancing© instructor, it is ideal to be certified in Martha Eddy’s SMTT. However, some individuals with extensive background in dance and somatic studies may request to apply. Most notably, a background in Body/Mind Centering® and/or Laban Movement Analysis.

Return to top

Moving On Aerobics
Moving On Aerobics provides a gentle but invigorating workout, relieving stress - energizing mind, body and soul. Developed by exercise physiologist and somatic movement therapist Martha Eddy, CMA, Ed.D., this class is designed especially for women who have or who have had breast cancer and is now available to any one with, or recovering or in remission from all forms of cancer (6 weeks post surgery with doctor’s permission to exercise). For more information, see Moving On Aerobics.

Return to top

Infant Toddler Monthly Check in Groups
Join a small group class of parents and babies to deepen your connection with your infant or toddler. We explore why tummy time is important, Body-Mind Centering® for Babies, toddler development through movement and play,and easing physical stress for parents and caregivers. You can increase you knowledge and skill in parenting through developing strength of body-mind-spirit to deepen your rapport with your child and learning about the importance of movement in your child's development. Bring questions and concerns about special needs; network; find parental support.

Return to top

Counseling Skills for Hands-on Movement Specialists
Martha Eddy, CMA, Ed.D. and Ruella Frank, Ph.D.

Practice embodied listening as a baseline for building rapport. Learn how to interact with support when emotions arise during sessions. Practice staying in touch with your own feelings and sensations while you are working. Become aware of transferring feelings. Get better at observing non-verbal cues and tracking the concerns of your clients.

Return to top

Introduction to Somatic Fitness
Martha Eddy, CMA, Ed.D. and Leslie Powell, Director of Movements Afoot.

Somatic education is a growing field of research and therapies about self-awareness, movement and sensory-motor learning. Somatic movement education/therapy includes retraining the neural connections between the brain and muscles to reintegrate all the muscles into a whole functional unit with the rest of the body.

Return to top

LECTURE SERIES: Complementary Therapies and Education for Children
These lectures will be held in the offices of CKE (suite #503) or Jayme Lewin Rich/ Integrative Pediatrics (suite #307) at 39 West 14th Street between 5th Ave and 6th Ave

Mothers’ Body Awareness through the Alexander Technique
Lecture and demonstration on how to use your body safely while handling babies.
with Rebecca Tuffey and Ruth Diamond, AmSAT Certified

Return to top

Collaborative Approaches

Developmental Movement Therapy
A body-mind approach that facilitates children’s physical, cognitive and communicative development
with Martha Eddy, RSMT, Ed. D., Director of CKE

Connective Tissue Treatment and Learning
Stimulating the nervous system through deep fascial touch
with Ron Lavine, DC (Chiropractor, Connective Tissue Therapist)

Learn how Drs. Eddy and Lavine work together using movement and hands-on techniques with children with different types of movement and learning needs.

Return to top

Baby Massage – Easy Baby Program
Learn techniques to stimulate or calm your baby, providing a satisfying physical connection and bond.
with Janessa Rick, PT

Return to top

Rethinking Scoliosis through Body-Mind Centering® and Yoga
with Marcia Monroe, Teacher of Body-Mind Centering®

Return to top

Tummy Time
with Lauree Wise, OTR, Infant Developmental Movement Educator

Homeopathy for Children
with Sally Ekreib

Return to top

COLLEGE CREDIT FOR CLASSES AT MOC

We are excited to announce our new relationship with California State University, East Bay!  You can now take many classes at Moving On Center and receive Master's level college credit through CSU!  The following classes may be taken for credit:

1) Bartenieff Fundamentals
2) Diversity Embodied / Laban Movement Analysis
3) Learning to Move: Developmental Movement
4) Authentic Movement (students must take both offered workshops to receive credit.)
5) Body-Mind Centering® (students must take both offered workshops to receive credit.)
6) Contact Improvisation (students must take both offered workshops to receive credit.)
7) Somatic Integration (open to core students only)
8) Somatic Application (open to core students only)

If you wish to receive credit, there is an additional fee per class. Contact us for more information.

Return to top