Beyond Muscle Memory: Fascia, Embodied Knowledge, and Cultivating Care in Ballet Communities
Abstract:
This presentation and movement workshop explores the emerging field of fascia research and its implications for fostering care, connection, and community within diverse ballet settings. We will delve into fascia as a holistic system influencing movement, proprioception, the stress response, and potentially, the embodiment of experiences.
By introducing dancers and educators to the latest findings, we aim to cultivate a shared understanding of the body’s interconnectedness, sparking discussions and exploration of new training approaches that prioritize well-being.
Key themes:
- How fascia’s sensory network influences “muscle memory” and potentially reflects individual experiences and cultural legacies.
- How fascial awareness can enhance communication and collaboration between dancers and teachers.
- How understanding fascia can inform injury prevention, rehabilitation, and culturally sensitive teaching practices.
- The ethical implications of potential trauma storage in fascia and how to create a more inclusive environment for all dancers.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the fascial system and its impact on dance training.
- Develop greater body awareness through practical exercises targeting the fascial system, interoception, and proprioception.
- Gain insights into fascia and injury from a manual therapist’s perspective.
- Develop an awareness of fascia’s potential role in imprinting experiences and implications for trauma-informed pedagogy.
- Explore how fascial awareness can foster deeper connection within ballet communities.
This presentation will involve lecture and movement experiences while inviting participants to engage with cutting-edge research and contribute to a dialogue on cultivating care, inclusivity, and a deeper understanding of the body within diverse ballet communities.