Germany

Body Mind Centering: Fascial and Ligamentous Systems

In Klein Jasedow, I participated in daily practice which incorporated a few different methods of learning about the fascial and ligamentous systems. All of these practices were explorative, but at times, we were asked to present in groups. This would allow us the chance to articulate what we have learned and how we would apply it to our own practice. This allowed for 'in the moment' research, thinking on our feet, literally.

The day was divided into four sections with rotating guides/instructors. Within one day, a range of body parts would be covered so that after seven days, we covered the entire human structure. While learning about each area of the body, we would do hands on work (approximation practice), movement exploration focused both on the fascia as a whole and particular body specific regions, and work with one another asking questions and testing our knowledge. Throughout the course there was quite a bit of focus on the embryological and fetal development of the fascia and ligaments.

The importance of fascia and ligaments support upward suspension, lifting up, out of gravity. Especially in the spine. Fascia fibers have an orientation with one another. This relationship addresses the health of the ligaments. The texture quality and power of fascia shifts depending on the function it needs to perform. Some fascia is more fluid, some more elastic, and some more stabilizing. Hydration affects how fascia glides within the body.

Fascia and flow research focuses on gaining knowledge of the anatomical construct of connective tissue. Looking into this new approach to the body may influence how we as teachers design dance training for the future.

Different forms of touch:

mesenchyme touch- deep touch (soft)

muscular touch- larger portions surface (strong)

melting touch- hydrated tissue (fluid)

moving the limbs (guide to finding blockages)

gentle push & pull (guide to finding blockages)

Embryological- Anatomical-Social

connective tissue-connection-movement

• How does fascia relate to both body and mind?
• What are the implications of body and mind working in synchronicity?
• How can the intention of working from a fascia perspective affect choices in movement?
• How can the structure of fascia be incorporated into classroom or curriculum models?
• How does this relate to the 'bigger picture' beyond the classroom?
• What are the consequences of nature vs. nurture? What does this mean in terms of dance education?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the structure or elements of the fascial/ligamentous system?
• Ligaments are very important in terms of rebounding. Thinking of them like springs, how does this translate to dance jumps?
• The lines of connections through the body direct the intention of movement. How often do we think of moving our fascia or organs in dance?
• How does the viewpoint of fascia's interconnectedness translate into dance pedagogy?
• How does this knowledge impact the specific training I teach, a contemporary dance method- Double Skin/Double Mind?
• Is it possible we need to rethink our form of instruction due to the most updated research on the body and how it functions as a whole rather than individual parts?