Mapping the Human Terrain

Taught by Robin Gilmore

July 22–28, 2012

	“Feeding the Mermaid”

Weaving together Body Mapping, the Alexander Technique, and developmental movement, we will explore how we are designed to move, and develop a conscious approach to moving with ease and clarity. Decoding common dance habits helps to prevent and overcome injury and opens creative windows. Some material will be drawn from Robin’s book, What Every Dancer Needs to Know About the Body. Participants from all levels of movement training are welcome and will gain tools for enhancing their daily lives. Robin will be assisted by Lauren Kelly-Washington, creator of BLiS Moves (www.blismoves.com).

Each day will begin with a warm-up focusing on a particular area of the body and will continue into partnering and guided movement exploration. Body Mapping separates myth from reality and helps to clarify one’s idea and experience of body structure, size, and movement. Particular attention will be paid to language and its effect on kinesthetic response. Afternoons will include developmental movement and structured improvisation in the woods, rocks, and water. Expanding our awareness of self to include the environment enlivens our innate coordination so we may tap into a full range of artistic possibilities.

Comments from participants in Robin’s previous workshops at Bearnstow:

“As a somatic movement teacher for 10 years, I feel very enlightened by my amazing week with Robin. It has changed the way I teach my classes! I can finally explore anatomy through my teaching in a very tangible way because I know how my body’s architecture functions. This week is a gateway to everyday embodiment because Robin gifts her participants with many tools. Her knowledge is astounding.”

—Lauren Kelly-Washington, Reiki Master, Somatic Arts Trainer, Vocalist

“I really don’t think I can put into words what happened to me during the days I was at Bearnstow. Magic is a good word. I can’t get the exercises of [Robin’s] teaching out of my thoughts, and I feel like I have found the next piece of a puzzle . . . and the fire of excitement is burning in my belly.”

—Ruth Lund, Massage Therapist

“Looking back on Robin’s workshop, I realize that a transformation with many levels took place for me. I accessed myself deeply. I opened my heart to new possibilities in my life. I discovered my own playfulness and complete presence as a performer. I felt a sense of love toward myself and others that inspires me creatively, as a teacher, and as a human being. Robin is so gracious and such an endless font of knowledge—she made our group a family, and gave us all so much of herself.”

—Lorene Bouboushian, dancer

Robin Gilmore is the director of Chesapeake Bay Alexander Studies. She began studying the Alexander Technique and other somatic disciplines in 1980. Qualifying to teach the Alexander Technique in 1986, she is a Teaching Member and Sponsoring Member of Alexander Technique International (ATI). Robin directs an Alexander Technique teacher training program in Greensboro, NC, and from 1993 to 1999 directed the Kyoto Alexander Program in Japan. Her book, What Every Dancer Needs to Know About the Body, was published in 2005 and is a required text in numerous college dance and theater departments.

     Robin has been dancing her entire life. After early ballet training, she shifted her focus to modern dance, release technique and Contact Improvisation. Her choreography has been presented in Washington, DC, Philadelphia, New York, Japan, and the Netherlands. She received an award for outstanding solo dance performance from the Maryland State Arts Council. She holds a BA with Honors from American University and an MFA in Dance and Choreography from Temple University. As a Teaching Artist for the Maryland State Arts Council and VSA Arts, Robin teaches developmental movement and dance to children with special needs. She is a faculty member at the Annual Residential Course in Alexander Technique at Ohio State University.

     For more information see www.chesapeakealexander.com.