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Class Schedule
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Klein/Mahler
Alignment, Stretch & Placement Class (open level)-
Mondays 10am-12pm and Private Classes Available
In
this class we work on aligning the bones by accessing
the muscles most responsible for the transfer of forces
through the body - the psoas, the hamstrings, the external
rotators, and the pelvic floor. We do not work to "exercise"
these muscle but rather to "wake them up"; to use them
for support for and realignment of the bones. We work,
and teach, for the body to be elastic, responsive, open
to choices, and expressive. Movement, and the treatment
of each individual student's body, mind and spirit with
kindness, respect and generosity is our ultimate goal.
And finally and most importantly, the body does not
exist alone but in connection to the ground, the space,
and to others. Note: You do not need to be a dancer
to take this class & it is open to anyone interested
in learning to be more open, efficient, connected, and
freely expressive.
"
The technique is meditative, consisting mainly of standing
with the feet aligned under the hip joints, toes pointed
ahead, and slowly moving into a forward fold starting
with the top of the head falling forward in a move called
a Òrolldown.Ó The focus is to sense how the bones act
as conductors for gravity while releasing unnecessary
muscular tension, thereby facilitating ease of motion."
- Asimina Chremos Time Out Chicago
New
Approaches to Modern Dance Technique (rooted in Klein/Mahler
Principles)
The form and structure of Rachel Thorne Germond's technique
class is rooted in the principles of Release technique
as gleaned from her studies of somatic work such as
Alexander Technique, Nancy Topf's Dynamic Anatomy, and
Klein/Mahler techniques. The underpinnings of the work
lie in the understanding of anatomical function as it
relates to dynamic and free flowing movement, while
stylistically she incorporates a myriad of dance forms
ranging from classical modern dance, post-modern dance,
jazz, ballet, and contact improvisation. -some previous
movement or dance experience recommended---
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From Time
Out Chicago article on RTG Dance's Klein/Mahler Technique
Class by Asimina Chremos (2008)
(read the full article by clicking on the link above)
Rachel Thorne Germond-an indie choreographer whose
show, Fours, runs at Links Hall this weekend-uses
the same Òcontemporary danceÓ wording in her press release
and website. Yet, the two ensembles are worlds apart
in both style and substance. One of the most radical
differences between the groups is the way the dancers
train their bodies. Although they don't perform classical
ballets, HSDC dancers begin their rehearsal day with
a ballet class. This means they work on a skill set
originally developed in the royal courts of Europe during
the 1700s. Think pointed toes, turned-out legs, graceful,
rounded arm shapes, spins on one vertical leg, soaring
jumps.
Germond, on the other hand, trains her pickup-troupe
members in Klein-Mahler technique, originally developed
in 1972 in New York as Klein TechniqueTM by Susan Klein,
a dancer who was looking for a way to heal from an injury
and further developed by Barbara Mahler. The technique
is meditative, consisting mainly of standing with the
feet aligned under the hip joints, toes pointed ahead,
and slowly moving into a forward fold starting with
the top of the head falling forward in a move called
a Òrolldown.Ó The focus is to sense how the bones act
as conductors for gravity while releasing unnecessary
muscular tension, thereby facilitating ease of motion.
The various training approaches employed by different
dance companies directly affect what you see on the
stage. Choreographers and dancers collude in creating
movement languages that reference how they view their
fundamental material: the human body. So, while much
dance goes under the name of contemporary, in the sense
of being current and modern, there's a wide range of
approaches and values represented. Your like or dislike
for a dance performance may have a lot to do with what
ÒlanguageÓ you recognize and understand. -Asimina
Chremos
 
photos: Rachel Thorne Germond photographed by Catherine
Pedemonte c. 2005
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