Click here for Updated Class Schedule
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
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---
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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