Dance: Embodied Anatomy

Introductory courses or seminars on topics beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.

Open to Degree and PACE students

Course Description This course will develop a basic understanding of human anatomy, development and the roots of the somatic approach. Somatics describes any practice that uses the mind-body connection to help you survey your internal self and listen to signals your body sends about areas of pain, discomfort, or imbalance. These practices allow you to access more information about the ways you hold on to your experiences in your body. We will begin with basic anatomy and explore physiology though the perspective of yoga and the science of Ayurveda. We will embody experimental anatomy with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen’s Body Mind Centering and move through developmental movement patterns with Imgard Bartenieff’s Fundamentals. By experimenting with Rudolf Laban’s movement scales, we will experience the potential of the human structure and finally develop and tone the body using Joe Pilates training method. Course Objectives Upon Successful completion of this course, students should be able to: Increase kinesthetic awareness through embodied anatomy Name and locate bones and landmarks of importance to somatic practices Identify joint actions and limitations Identify muscles of importance to somatic practices Identify and understand the functions of organs and fluids of importance to somatic practices Embody and explore ways to work with the nervous system Understand how to balance the sympathetic and para-sympathetic nervous system Understand developmental movement patterns through Bartenieff Fundamentals Understand kinetic potential through Rudolf Laban’s Movement scales. Develop a personalized meaning of movement by fostering awareness of individual movement preferences and patterns Deepen movement knowledge and experience though a wide variety of creative somatic practices Develop strength and deepen somatic intelligence Major Topics Basic anatomy and physiology The science of Ayurveda The practice of Hatha Yoga The work and practice of Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen - Body Mind Centering The work and practice of Imgard Bartenieff - Bartenieff Fundamentals, Basic 6 The work and practice of Rudolf Laban - Movement Scales The work and practice of Joe Pilates Course Requirements Specific assignments and procedures for evaluating student performance in this course will be described in the individual class syllabus, will include the following: Daily Active Participation in every class Anatomy and physiology quiz Practical evaluations Written evaluations Written self- assessments Oral presentations and practical demonstrations