FUNCTIONAL AWARENESS®: ANATOMY IN ACTION

Functional Awareness® (FA) is a practical somatic approach that provides a series of explorations in experiential anatomy to enhance our understanding of movement function, facilitate ease in body action, and improve dynamic alignment. It explores the relationship between the skeletal structure, the muscular structure and the myofascial tissue in order to help sustain elasticity, resiliency, and efficiency of movement.

Participants Will

1. Deepen cognitive and experiential understanding of anatomy and movement function through discussion and embodied movement exploration
2. Deploy practical skills to analyze and correct postural alignment in standing activity and dancing through space
3. Understand the role of daily movement habits and their profound implications on dance training
4. Learn verbal cuing & hands on tools to guide others towards balanced alignment

OUTLINE

1. The Role of Habit on Dance Training
   
   1. Lecture/Discussion and Movement Explorations
      
2. Primary factors for Postural Balance
   1. Skeletal Factors
      1. The Foot
         1. Lecture/Discussion and Movement exploration
      2. The Balance of the AO joint
         1. Lecture/Discussion and Movement exploration
      3. Spinal Inclinations: lordosis, kyphosis, scoliosis
         1. Lecture/Discussion and Movement exploration
   2. Muscular Factors
      1. The sub-occipital, transversospinalis, and psoas
         1. Lecture/Discussion and Movement Explorations
            
3. Postural Assessment Training
   1. FA® Alignabod Training

4. Gait Assessment and it’s Application to Traveling Phrase Work

5. Introduction to the FA® ‘Hands On’ Assistance Towards Balance
   
6. Myofascial Factor in Dynamic Alignment