authentic movement

I guide groups in 6-week Authentic Movement immersions. You do not need to be a “dancer” to join an immersion. It is a contemplative movement practice that welcomes all bodies over age 18. In these immersions we will explore being the role of the “mover”, “witness” and also have transition times to further integrate the experience with writing and art-making. Contact me to learn about and sign up for the next immersion.

Authentic Movement is an inside-out approach to movement and a form of “active imagination”. In the same way that one reaches into the unconscious—making it conscious—through free-association writing, Authentic Movement taps into that imaginative realm via free-association with the body. With eyes closed, movers explore spontaneous gestures, movements, pauses, breath and sounds by following impulses that arise from the present moment. I also guide “witnesses” in this practice on how to hold a non-judgmental spacious presence that observes the “mover” while simultaneously tracking inner responses.

Authentic Movement was formalized by dance therapist and Jungian student Mary Starks Whitehouse in the 1950’s as an integration of Jung’s principles of “active imagination” combined with modern dance. Authentic Movement cultivates creativity, sharpens perception, assists the body/mind/spirit connection, and supports basic respect in partnership and community.

I first learned authentic movement from an 88 year-old dancer, Frances Wessells who is the founder of Virginia Commonwealth Dance and I remember watching in “awe” wanting to be like her when I grew up. She is still dancing at 104…a true inspiration! I have practiced authentic movement for 16 years and also trained in-depth with Zoe Avstreih at Naropa University.