Travel and Teaching

During an extended trip to Italy (Spring 2011), I taught a day-long workshop, “Mobilizing the Centre of Gravity,” in Prato, near Florence. Many thanks to Lorella Rapisarda, CMA, who set up this workshop, recruited 23 people and translated for a wonderful and inspiring session. One of Bartenieff’s most important contributions to the art of moving well is the awareness of a mobile centre of gravity. This workshop teaches participants how to appreciate and cultivate the experience on their own bodies. I enjoyed meeting other CMAs in Prato at this gathering.

Welcome Maria Consagra, Kristina Nierynck and Alessio Romano to the growing roster of Certified 3-D Workout instructors. In April I spent a week in Sicily training these CMAs to teach 3-D Workout. We gathered near Palermo at a beautiful B & B (with a studio, no less), for five intensive days spent moving, learning and teaching the basics of 3-D Workout. In this training, CMAs experience Bartenieff Fundamentals and Space Harmony applied to an integrated, organic fitness approach. CMAs always tell me how they appreciate the review and in-depth exploration of Fundamentals they get in my courses. The training is supported by a 50-page manual and DVD. Special thanks to all for making this first-time intensive a success.

I have just returned from New York City where I taught Essential Movement Patterns (June 25-26) to CMAs who are working toward their ISMETA up-grade/qualification. This course trains the practitioner to assess and treat the essential patterns that keep us moving on two feet for a lifetime. These patterns derive from the work of Dr. Vladimir Janda and share the same spirit of Bartenieff Fundamentals. For example, in the hip abduction pattern, we learn the functional basis of weight shift, level change and gait. This two-day course with a follow-up assignment offers a training process that prepares the student for immediately applying the material.

While in New York I met with Lesley Powell, CMA ,at Movements Afoot where I have taught several workshops. We are planning a weekend for 5-6 November 2011 and a future training for 3-D Workout instructors in 2012. Lesley is a Balanced Body pilates teacher and trainer of instructors.

Thanks to Kim Woolridge for organizing a Postural Muscle Assessment and Stretching course in Mississauga, ON for 12 pilates instructors training at Second Wind Pilates Plus. This very useful protocol covers 18 postural muscles for manual assessment and stretching plus self-stretches to enhance pilates work. Included in the training is an illustrated manual. We organized this course in four, four-hour modules in July. According to the course evaluations, this format was universally appreciated.