November included a wonderful week of work at Schwelle 7,Wedding, Berlin.
August 2011
CHILE – AUGUST 17- 28 -IN VALPARAISO and SANTIAGO
….see blog posts to read more about them
WORKSHOPS
In a workshop setting we work intensively, 3-6 hours per day depending upon the needs or requests of the presenting organization. The format of each individual workshop is unique. The time engages us, as a group, in an in-depth study of our bodies: its movement possibilities, obstacles and specific information grounded in 30 years of perceiving the body in motion. As in on- going classes, the pelvis is worked on in depth and detail, for all students to find the supports underlying the superficial muscles, deep within. The skeleton is our resource for imagery and physically detailed work. The movements are specific, and the exercises are broken down, explored, and analyzed so that we can come to the beginning of an understanding of our own body stories. Basic anatomy is explored and explained, in particular the pelvis and the four deep muscle groups that support the pelvis on top of the legs – the hamstrings, external rotators, the pelvic floor and the psoas group. The goal of each workshop is to address the need for a deeper understanding of one’s body with self discovery, improved body function, efficiency in movement and attention to injuries. The workshops utilize the major principles of the integration of my own research and teaching style and skills along with 30 years of experience teaching Klein Technique. Klein Technique….strong, solid, healing, brilliant.
A major component is the attention to moving from the deepest tissue of the body, our bones, our skeleton, as opposed to the outer muscles. We work on this level, as opposed to the more common and traditional level of muscles. In order to move most efficiently it is necessary to let go of the muscles that hold us back from moving and fix the body into a set and locked configuration. When the bones are aligned we become connected, powerful and strong. The body becomes efficient and alive. It affects all levels of a person – body, mind and spirit.
To further integrate and experience the possibilities which are open to all of us in a workshop, and for each workshop to address the specific needs of the group, there is the additional constructs of improvisation, dance technique, choreography, and any other creative process for further integration of these principles into one’s unique movement practice. Workshops are created for specific situations and group dynamics.
“Mahler, a noted teacher, views dance training as a voyage of self-discovery. Barbara Mahler roots her choreography in distillation, as if she aims to extract the essence of her ideas, making them calmer and purer.”(Village Voice 2007)
Barbara Mahler’s choreography is consistent with her teaching vision and work, which is greatly informed by the teachings of Susan Klein, Dr. Fritz Smith and Dorothy Vislocky. It explores the endless possibilities that the body holds. The movement vocabulary is most often created by Ms. Mahler: her movement informed, and embodied by 30 years of study research, and re-education her own body, mind and movement. See the Klein Technique page for more information.
Below, a workshop group in Minneapolis, July 2011, organized by Rosy Simas. A wonderful time had by all!!!
