Body and Earth

Monday, June 18-22, 2012

Andrea Olsen and Caryn McHose

This course starts from the insight that our bodies are not separate from the earth, but are inherently connected to the natural world: its minerals, air and water are our bones, breath and blood. By engaging with a combination of experiential anatomy and time spent in nature, participants will clarify their perception and deepen their relationship to place.

The course focuses on three layers of work: evolutionary movement and experiential anatomy to clarify and orient the body; perceptual explorations to understand the nervous system and restore ease in alignment; and the disciplines of Authentic Movement and writing to integrate and articulate our findings. Evolutionary movement reminds us that our bodies are part of the natural world and Authentic Movement invites listening to the inherent intelligence and mystery of the body. These practices offer participants resources for clarifying personal movement and for teaching body and earth principles to others, as well as developing ways to cultivate creativity in their lives.

Course sessions will take place indoors and outdoors, enabling explorations of the inner workings of the body and encounters with the land to stir the senses and nourish creative possibilities. The final evening of the course is the Summer Solstice, and participants will be involved in creating a celebration to mark this special, long day.

The course is open to all who are interested in inhabiting the body and place with more ease and awareness.

About the teachers

Andrea Olsen is professor of dance and environmental studies at Middlebury College. She is the author of Body and Earth, An Experiential Guide and coauthor of Bodystories, A Guide to Experiential Anatomy with Caryn McHose. Olsen performs and teaches internationally. She is also on the faculty of the teacher-training program for Yoga Center Amherst in Massachusetts, USA.

Caryn McHose is co-author of How Life Moves, Explorations in Meaning and Body Awareness. She is a Registered Somatic Movement Educator/Therapist in New Hampshire. She teaches perceptive approaches to core stability and structural integration internationally. With Andrea Olsen she has led body and earth trainings in Wales for the past seven years.
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Course Fees: £750 (All course fees include accommodation, food, field trips and all teaching sessions.)

To provisionally reserve a place for 5 days, email us your contact details and the name of the course admin@schumachercollege.org.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1803 865934

We will hold the place for five working days for reservations – three weeks before a course or earlier. After five days we will automatically offer your place to someone else if we have not received your application.