NCDEO 2018 Conference

Somatics in Action is a Pilates, yoga, and dance inspired movement system that helps movers achieve optimum strength, skeletal alignment, and body-mind engagement. SIA is also a philosophy based on the belief that contemplation and action can co-exist in a moving body. The purpose of this session is two-fold: First, to teach the participants the six aspects of the SIA Floor Barre, designed to increase breath connection, alignment, strength, and fluidity; Second, to educate attendees about the utilization of the SIA Floor Barre as a supplemental physical and mental conditioning tool for dancers. Participants will be introduced to the concepts behind SIA, including: the understanding of anatomical structure; alignment-based yoga’s principle of proper physical alignment and yogic energy channels; the Pilates principle of strengthening abdominal and spinal musculature to support postural alignment; the promotion of intentional and mindful three-dimensionality of movement as opposed to rote, non-mindful patterning of movement; and the integration of brief rests to allow the body and the mind to assimilate the deep muscular work as well as the more subtle movement re-patterning that has occurred. The workshop leader will demonstrate and guide the participants through the six-part barre: Opening Body Scan and Breath Connection; Pelvis Alignment, Activation, and Hip Rotation; Core, Abductor, and Adductor Strength; Hamstring and Gluteal Strength; Psoas Flexion; and Cross-Lateral Fluidity and Full Body Connection. At the conclusion of the session, participants should have an understanding of how to safely and effectively practice this sequence.