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Wholeness in Movement 

 

 

Class structure 

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There is a basic class structure whatever the problem.  Nevertheless, each session can be adapted to meet the individual needs and concerns of the dancer. 

During the sessions I use theoretical explanations and practical demonstrations on the topic concerned for a deeper understanding of the material.  Very often I use a light touch to help the dancer observe tension more easily. This is used when giving a table turn or when standing.  It is also common to integrate the new learning into a dance exercise or piece of choreography during the lesson so that the student can then practise this in dance class.  Resources are also provided such as articles, videos and website links. After each session the student takes away new information to explore until the next lesson when I encourage feedback and comments on their findings.  

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I advise students to take at least 10 classes to be able to integrate their knowledge and experience into their dancing. Many students opt for sessions all year long. All classes begin with comments, feedback and questions from their personal explorations in between classes. This encourages them to be responsible for their own learning.  

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Content

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Depending how many sessions are taken, the course teaches dancers:

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• how to improve movement coordination simply and easily

• how to release tension when dancing and in daily life

• the meaning of effort

• how to learn and make progress without being frustrated or losing self confidence

• the basics in human structure and function: balance, support, strength...

• how to find quality in movement

        ...and much more 

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All the classes include some basic bodymapping and functional anatomy that help students' integrate the new learning. Students are encouraged to experiment in and out of the dance studio from the very first session. They will gradually build up a set of skills and tools to continue the work themselves.

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‘Our son Z... has been followed by Mrs Gilroy throughout his 1st, 2nd
and 3rd year of dance training at Rosella Hightower PNSD. The
Alexander Technique enabled him to make great progress, both technically

and in terms of his psychological maturity, in particular his self-confidence.
We appreciated the listening space provided by these very useful regular
meetings during which Z... was able to express his doubts and questions

and obtain very useful answers.

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                                                   - Gregoire Evequoz

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​LearningMethods™

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One lesson that has proven very useful to dancers is learning about their value system.  It is part of the work of David Gorman's LearningMethods and helps dancers who get very nervous before exams and performances or who lack self esteem. It challenges the common notion that to be a perfectionist is a positive goal and leads to a deeper understanding of  constructive learning.  The lessons are mostly conversational but can include experiential in-class exercises.  Students learn the tools and the process to question fixed ideas and habitual way of seeing things. This is crucial to uncovering the source of the problem because dancers get caught in a vicious circle of misinterpreting their experiences and reacting to them. In other words, they find themselves rigid in fear before an exam without knowing why or how they got there.  When they understand how this works and can put theory into practise the problem disappears. 

 

 

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