Authentic Movement Embodiment Journey

Eight Mondays, 6:30-8:30pm
October 2-November 28th, no class 10/9

@Anahid Sofian Studio, 29 W. 15th St., Manhattan

-moving from the inside out this Fall-

This is an invitation to devote eight evenings to deepening into your body space, to shaking the dust off and experiencing yourself anew.

Authentic Movement is a transfomative body centered practice. It is embodied meditation, Deep Listening with your body and your eyes. It is a simple yet profound. Mary Starks Whitehouse first developed it in the field of expressive arts therapy in the 1950’s; then Janet Adler evolved the form, bringing in Buddhist aspects. It has roots in Jungian Psychology.

During this eight weeks you will explore this pathway to presence via experiencing the human body more truly in the now. The practice is experienced in a safe and respectful container held by the group and the facilitator. The mover generally moves with eyes closed in order to contact their inner body, witnessed or seen by another. There are different ‘scores’ or forms of authentic, that allow for experience and exploration. Comfort and facility with the from deepens over time. Like the layers of an onion, the depths are endless, inviting curiosity and engagement. It can be fun.

As we navigate this fourth year of the pandemic Authentic Movement offers us balance through connection to self and others in the amplified space of the practice. It is an ultimate embodiment tool. It is a safe space within to ground into and experience your body, perhaps awakening to feeling and sensing it in many ways for the first time, as well as seeing others with new eyes.

In this course you will:
*Learn about Authentic Movement, it’s history as an embodiment practice and its potential for healing
*Try on the roles of both mover and witness
*Learn techniques to allow the body to move and express, to be the initiator (rather than the mind directing)
*Practice drawing, writing, and speaking as integration of the unconscious material you discover in your (and other’s) movement
*Learn safe and respectful ways of reflecting on others experiences.
*Practice compassionate listening and witnessing (of yourself and others).
*Have the opportunity to experience your body kinesthetically, in a space of non-judgement and positive regard.
*Experience new aspects of connection with others, yourself, and Community

The Structure: Each of the eight weeks will progress into the next, visiting a different theme and aspect of the form. Each week we’ll begin with a guided warm up or ‘drop-in’ to the body—drawing from Breathwork, body-mind centering, release technique, qi-gong, and yoga. There will be time to practice a traditional Authentic Movement ‘score’—solo, in dyads and with the whole group. There will be time to integrate through writing, drawing, and reflection with others in the style unique to Authentic.

No previous experience is necessary, experienced Authentic Movers are welcome.

All Bodies, abilities, and identities are welcome.

If you have any questions contact Shakti via email or phone to schedule a 15 minute call. (917-405-5877, [email protected])

Shakti: has been studying and teaching Authentic Movement since 1992. She has studied with Janet Adler, Susan Schell, Paula Josa Jones, and Carolyn Shakti Sadeh. She has led weekend workshops and ten week groups, both inside and outside in nature, at The University of Vermont, Emerson Umbrella, Earthdance, Dance New England, and in New York City. For more about Shakti scroll below.

Earlybird fee: paid by 9/18: Low Income: $300, Standard: $350, Supporter: $395. There are two spots available for low income artist/Student. After 9/25: $425
Register Here, or by sending your payment to:
Venmo: @Shakti-Smith, last 4 digits phone number are 5877
paypal: [email protected], please pay via ‘friend to friend’

Artwork: below is by Janet Morgan

“The form of this work is simple—one person witnesses another person moving in a studio space… The witness, especially in the beginning, carries a larger responsibility for consciousness, as she sits to the side of the movement space. She is not ‘looking at’ the person moving, she is witnessing, listening, bringing a specific quality of attention or presence to the experience of the mover.

The mover works with eyes closed in order to expand her experience of listening to the deeper levels of her kinesthetic reality. Her task is to respond to a sensation, to an inner impulse, to energy coming from the personal unconscious, the collective unconscious, or the superconscious.”

—Janet Adler, from “Who is the Witness?.” Contact Quarterly, 1987