Pilates
is a fitness method consisting of a series of exercises developed
by Joseph H. Pilates. The exercies were created to address
the issues of strength, stretch, symmetry of the skeletal/muscular
systems, and how they effect the overall stability and range
of motion of the body. However, the exercises do not work
alone; they are always taught in conjunction with Joseph Pilates'
exercise principles.
Pilates
adheres to some very basic movement principles. The exercises
have precise settings which require concentration to maintain.
Precision and concentration are triggers for the brain to
pay attention. All the exercises involve or initiate from
the abdominals. This is called centering. Centering facilitates
the co-ordination of the main functions of the abdominals,
stabilizing and moving the pelvis, rib-cage, spine and breathing.
Breathing is, of course, our body's most essential movement.
With every breath, the whole spine should lengthen and shorten.
Every pilates exercise has a specific breating pattern based
on this information.
Further, the breath pattern creates
the rhythm of each exercies. Controlled and flowing movements
are the result of this breath-based rhythm. Pilates works
because the exercises address the whole body, including the
brain. The brain informs the body, the body informs the brain.
SPECIALIZED
KINESIOLOGY
Classes which cover the following areas will be offered for
both Dancers and Musicians.
Specifically for dancers:
Specifically
for instrumentalists and singers:
1. Releasing Physical Tensions and Pain utilizing
Touch for Health
- techniques of SK to strengthen weak muscles in specific
areas such as shoulders/neck, wrists/hands/fingers, hips/lower
back, knees, etc.
2.
Overcoming Performance Anxiety
-
utilizing the One Brain System of SK to identify negative
emotions and desired states of mind regarding their performing.
Students will go through a process to diminish the emotional
and physiological effects of a previous 'negative' performing
experience and create positive expectations for future performances.
3.
Accelerated Learning Techniques for Performers
-
utilizing Brain Gym®, Brain Dominance Profiles, and the
7 Intelligences to discover how each student learns best;
which senses shut down under stress; what Brain Gym and other
activities will stimulate more complete learning for students.
This class would also include tips on pattern recognition,
(simple) analysis, sequences, memory techniques, study techniques,
how to switch on one's eyes for easier learning, and more.
4.
A Repatterning Process for 'In Depth Brain / Body Co-ordination
for Performers' -
-
overcoming dyslexia and learning difficulties; improving coordination;
being able to 'see' or 'hear' instructions more easily and
accurately; coordinating left and right hands/sides of the
body; and more.
Where
the focus is on 'singing techniques' , some hints:
-
How
to modify vowels (to give greater space and ease in singing
higher in one's range)How consonants can make singing
higher more difficult -- and how to overcome that.Breathing
exercises.How to project your voice without hurting your
throat.
-
How
to create an 'even' sound throughout your range.
