This contemporary class is based on Release Technique and Floor work and includes Contact and other forms of Improvisation. Aspects of Yoga, Alexander Technique, Pilates and Skinner Releasing are also often part of the class.
The focus is on the body’s alignment and on working economically in movement through emphasis on direction, sequencing, impulse and fluidity. Part of working economically is the use of the centre and internal musculature, hence reinforcing and learning to access that power is a major objective.
The classes usually start by warming up at ground level: strengthening the centre and upper body for taking weight by travelling across the floor with set material or improvisations. With a strong centre we can move fluidly and economically on all levels.
We then move into verticality: alignment (incl. Alexander Technique exercises), thoroughly working feet, legs, arms and spine, learning Release Technique through specific set material. Contact Improvisation or other improvisational material is often introduced at this point: working on specific techniques or images (incl. Skinner Releasing) with which to improvise together.
Lastly we make a transition into movement, which travels farther through space: changing directions and levels, using impulse, sequencing and flow, learning set material which builds up to a final phrase that will end the class. Attention is always given to stretching afterwards to prevent injury.
"I teach participants to work with partners, give feedback and take charge of their own education. The most important for me, however, is the enjoyment factor - otherwise why dance?!"
Susanne Bentley
