Philosophy of Somatic Education
I am eager to share with others the practice of somatics as a tool: a) to explore new patterns of movement and expression, and b) to understand and improve the connection with the body and its movement in space.
My somatic approach is focused on improving body awareness through the experiential integration of the tissues and systems of the body, and listening to the presence and movement of others.
The somatic techniques are a tool to improve body awareness, alignment, coordination, balance, and expression. In addition, they are a tool for enhancing the mental health of the individual and the society since they foster a deep understanding of the self and their relation with others.
My somatic practice takes elements from my experience as a performer, teacher, choreographer, and somatic therapist certified in Body-Mind Centering® developmental movement and yoga, as well as my training in kinesiology and public health research.
I enjoy guiding others in their process of exploration and discovery of the power of body and movement awareness. We live in a society in which the body is relegated to move in repetitive patterns to conduct specific tasks , or to stay in the same position for long periods of time, or to move in certain patterns to satisfy social norms. This type of interactions or lack of communication with our bodies leads to emptiness and fragmentation of the self, as well as physical manifestations such as pain, limitations of movement, and injuries. The pathway to self-integration can be revealed through movement awareness and expression. During the last 15 years I have offered somatic classes and programs for diverse populations including women recovering from drug abuse, older adults, and professional dancers. Below are descriptions of workshops taught during the last 10 years. For more information about an updated schedule contact me.
My somatic approach is focused on improving body awareness through the experiential integration of the tissues and systems of the body, and listening to the presence and movement of others.
The somatic techniques are a tool to improve body awareness, alignment, coordination, balance, and expression. In addition, they are a tool for enhancing the mental health of the individual and the society since they foster a deep understanding of the self and their relation with others.
My somatic practice takes elements from my experience as a performer, teacher, choreographer, and somatic therapist certified in Body-Mind Centering® developmental movement and yoga, as well as my training in kinesiology and public health research.
I enjoy guiding others in their process of exploration and discovery of the power of body and movement awareness. We live in a society in which the body is relegated to move in repetitive patterns to conduct specific tasks , or to stay in the same position for long periods of time, or to move in certain patterns to satisfy social norms. This type of interactions or lack of communication with our bodies leads to emptiness and fragmentation of the self, as well as physical manifestations such as pain, limitations of movement, and injuries. The pathway to self-integration can be revealed through movement awareness and expression. During the last 15 years I have offered somatic classes and programs for diverse populations including women recovering from drug abuse, older adults, and professional dancers. Below are descriptions of workshops taught during the last 10 years. For more information about an updated schedule contact me.
Somatic dance workshops
- In this workshop we use elements of experiential anatomy and Body-Mind Centering to awake and create awareness of the different systems of the body: bones, fluids, organs, muscles, and nervous system.
- We also incorporate elements of contemporary dance (Humphrey-Limon technique, and Laban-Bartenieff movement analysis) to move in the space in the three planes of motion, and to move in and out of the floor.
- I have taught these workshops locally in the San Francisco Bay Area at Counterpulse, West Coast Contact Festival, Come Flourish, in the San Francisco Bay Area, and in Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and Spain.
Somatic pathways and creative landscapes
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This practice intends to promote improvisation based on somatic explorations.
We combine elements of Body-Mind Centering and Tamalpa Life-Art Process to offer scores that awaken the awareness and expression of the different systems of the body. Tuning in to sensations from our bones/ muscles/ nerves/ organs/ fluids and other body systems, we awake creative impulses. With improvisation, we activate our capacity for discovery and embodied expression. Drawing/ writing integrate and support our experience. Co-taught with Joy Cosculluela,Tamalpa Life-Art practitioner, at Lines ballet in 2017-2018. |
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Body Dynamics and Aging Process
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The goal of this class is to provide tools to improve body awareness and movement to seniors who have mild to moderate movement limitations. I use movement and meditation techniques that improve awareness of the present moment and promote relaxation. I guide participants into gentle movement using guided visualization, breathing, pictures and music. You can watch a fragment of a class in this link:
https://youtu.be/vxCpMohSSIw We use chairs to improve confidence and safety, and materials and props that provide sensory stimulation such as feathers, fabrics, elastic bands, balls. I adapt the class to the needs of participants, encouraging big movements and expansion of the body in space, elements that are beneficial for participants with dementia and Parkinson disease. This class aims to:
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