Sunday 1st of April 2012

Ideokinesis – Using the Mind’s Eye for Movement Improvement

with Glenna Batson

11 am – 5 pm
Cost: FREE

Location: Roof Studio @ Siobhan Davies Studios, 85 St George's Road, London, SE1 6ER

Movement skill emerges from facilitating the coordination of body and mind. Training body-mind integration has long been the subject of fascination for sports scientists and performing artists through the use of mental rehearsal, visualizing motor imagery in absence of actual physical movement. This powerful use of the mind’s eye primes the nervous system to coordinate skilled movement. In dance, this visualization technique is called Ideokinesis (Ideo, meaning “idea” and kinesis meaning “movement”). Ideokinesis has a long history dating back the 1920’s through the work of Mabel Todd, with many “pioneers” following in her footsteps. This workshop will introduce the work of Ideokinesis through lecture, experiential anatomy, and discussion. Participants will learn the basic approach to visualizing motor imagery to improve body awareness, alignment, and ease and freedom of movement in select functional activities.

Glenna Batson, PT, ScD, MA

For over three decades, Glenna Batson has integrated dance, somatic education and rehabilitation medicine in teaching the art and science of human movement. While pursuing her Master’s degree in Dance Education from Columbia University Teachers College in New York (1978), Glenna apprenticed with Irene Dowd in Ideokinesis, the mental practice of motor imagery, a mentorship that spanned four years. Glenna also is an internationally recognized teacher of the Alexander Technique (certified, 1989), and has taught in training schools in England, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Estonia, Japan, and Australia. She was a Fulbright Senior Specialist in residence at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Dance in 2009, and University of Tallinn and Tartu Estonia in 2011. She holds a doctorate in physiotherapy (neuroscience) and continues in an emeritus role to mentor students, teach, and conduct research. Glenna believes in the power of movement as a catalyst for personal growth and professional development in meeting and transforming the challenges present in our world today.

http://www.glennabatson.com