This class introduces a unique understanding of the body’s natural movement, integrating insights from Daoist and Somatic perspectives. We begin by cultivating visual analysis skills, observing stationary balance, walking, bending, reaching, and other compound movements. Participants will study how compressive, torsional, rotational, and shearing forces—when lodged in tissues and joints—affect the quality of movement, and learn to recognize these patterns in themselves and others. We will also develop palpation skills and positional release techniques to address joint imbalances and encourage a stable range of motion, improving both movement efficiency and comfort.

We will explore Gerda Alexander’s theory of how the force of gravity is distributed through the body and how repousser/rebound through the skeleton and tissues balances tonicity. Going beyond existing models and paradigms of movement we will discover how this new perspective fosters greater grace, ease, and efficiency, while reducing wear and tear on joints and tissues. By the end of the session, students will gain practical skills for observing, understanding, and supporting movement that is both resilient and harmonious.