Weaving together Body Mapping, the Alexander Tech­nique, and developmental movement, in a series of five afternoon sessions, we will explore how we are designed to move, and develop a conscious approach to moving with ease and clarity. Decoding common dance habits helps to prevent and overcome injury and opens creative windows by clarifying one’s idea and experience of body structure, size, and movement. Participants from all levels of movement training are welcome and will gain tools for enhancing their daily lives.

Drawing on material from Robin’s book, What Every Dancer Needs to Know About the Body, each session begins with a warm-up, focusing on a par­ticular area of the body and will continue into partnering and guided movement exploration. Particular attention will be paid to language and its effect on kinesthetic response. Expanding our awareness of self to include the woods, rocks, and water of the surrounding environment enlivens our innate coordination so we may tap into a full range of artistic possibilities.

Comments from participants in Robin’s previous workshops at Bearnstow:

“As a somatic movement teacher for 10 years, I feel very enlightened by my amazing week with Robin. It has changed the way I teach my classes! I can finally explore anatomy through my teaching in a very tangible way because I know how my body’s architecture functions. This week is a gateway to ev­eryday embodiment because Robin gifts her participants with many tools. Her knowledge is astounding.” 

—Lauren Kelly-Washington, Reiki Master, Somatic Arts Trainer, Vocalist

“I really don’t think I can put into words what hap­pened to me during the days I was at Bearnstow. Ma­gic is a good word. I can’t get the exercises of her teaching out of my thoughts, and I feel like I have found the next piece of a puzzle . . . and the fire of excitement is burning in my belly.”

—Ruth Lund, Massage Therapist

“Looking back on Robin’s workshop, I realize that a transformation with many levels took place for me. I accessed myself deeply. I opened my heart to new possibilities in my life. I discovered my own playful­ness and com­plete presence as a performer. I felt a sense of love toward myself and others that inspires me creatively, as a teacher, and as a human being. Robin is so gracious and such an endless font of knowledge—she made our group a family, and gave us all so much of herself.”

—Lorene Bouboushian, dancer

Robin Gilmore is the director of Chesapeake Bay Alex­ander Studies. She began studying the Alex­ander Technique and other somatic disciplines in 1980. Qualifying to teach the Alexander Technique in 1986, she is a Teaching Member and Sponsoring Member of Alexander Technique International (ATI). Robin directs an Alexander Technique teacher training program in Greens­boro, NC, and from 1993 to 1999 directed the Kyoto Alexander Program in Japan. Her book, What Every Dancer Needs to Know About the Body, was published in 2005 and is a required text in numerous college dance and theater departments.

     Robin has been dancing her entire life. After early ballet training, she shifted her focus to modern dance, release technique and Contact Improvisation. Her choreography has been pre­sented in Wash­ington, DC, Philadelphia, New York, Japan, and the Netherlands. She received an award for out­stand­ing solo dance performance from the Maryland State Arts Council. She holds a BA with Honors from American University and an MFA in Dance and Choreography from Temple University. As a Teaching Artist for the Maryland State Arts Council and VSA Arts, Robin teaches developmental movement and dance to children with special needs. She is a faculty member at the Annual Residential Course in Alexander Technique at Ohio State University.

For more information see www.chesapeakealexander.com.
See also MOTION — Embodied Awareness, by Leah Weiss and photos by Amy Raab.

The 2018 Robin Gilmore Workshop

“Mapping the Human Terrain”: Back row: Jonathan Trejo, Keila Ching, and Robin Gilmore; Front row: Ocoee Chapelle, Daniel Ramírez, Ruth Grauert, Bárbara Valencia, and Symara Johnson