Tag Archives: research

What is a Feldenkrais teacher?

What is a Feldenkrais teacher? There are about 8,000 teachers of The Feldenkrais Method around the world – not a great number when compared with yoga and Pilates, but to be a Feldenkrais teacher, it does take commitment, dedication and a certain flexibility of mind. Moshe Feldenkrais developed his movement awareness method as an educational system for the mind and body; he wrote extensively about this throughout his life and passed on this knowledge to his students up until his death in 1984. Moshe realised the vital importance of working with the whole body and indeed the whole self in order to achieve lasting, radical change: to be able to teach this, Feldenkrais teachers train for four years on a globally recognised programme in order to understand not only how the body works, but also the nervous system, habitual movement patterns and early childhood development. There are no “quick fixes” although most people can experience radical change after one 45 minute lesson.
So when you go to an accredited Feldenkrais teacher, you can be confident that this person will not force your body into shapes or encourage you to “feel the burn”. You will be respected as an individual whose body has its own unique history. You will also be safe as accredited teachers MUST hold valid public indemnity insurance. All accredited Feldenkrais teachers have access to Advanced Training and many are continually adding to their knowledge as well as writing, researching and publishing. If you are interested in becoming a Feldenkrais teacher, please use this link: http://www.feldenkrais.co.uk/further.php

My latest article is published this month

Part of my Feldenkrais practice is working with theatre and dance students in universities. There are around 30 Feldenkrais teachers in the UK who include university teaching as their ongoing work. My article “Teaching the Feldenkrais Method in UK Higher Education performer training” is now published by Taylor & Francis online and you can access it here:http://www.tandfonline.com/…/full/10…/19443927.2015.1043468…

Bath Spa Symposium

On Saturday 27 June there is a one day Symposium all about The Feldenkrais Method and Creative Practice. Speakers and delegates from all over the world will gather at Bath Spa University to share research, classes, performances and discussion. I’m looking forward to heading a panel discussion on the ways that Feldenkrais teachers use the Method in their work with theatre and dance students. Should be an interesting day!

Link

As well as teaching Feldenkrais to undergraduates and to members of the public, I also edit a couple of journals about The Feldenkrais Method. When writing a short piece today to encourage contributions, I realised how close Feldenkrais practice is to being a researcher – its about approaching something with fresh eyes every time. When we teach The Feldenkrais Method, we encourage our clients and students to resist judging and making assumptions about their movement ability, rather to become interested in the process and remain open to new possibilities. If you’re interested in finding out more, contact me or sign up for a session.