Body-Mind Centering® Workshop

An embryo is a complete unity of form, function and environment. You make your body … you made it.   Jaap van der Waal | Embryo Motion

Embryological development is a continual folding, migrating and expanding, a story full of mystery, movement and momentum.

This workshop addresses the first three weeks of life. At conception, two diverse cells join to create a unique individual. Through embodiment, we discover the primal roots of our structure, perception, respondability and presence. You will gain insight into your personal evolutionary story and how potentiality originates within us.

Body-Mind Centering® is an embodied approach to learning, living and knowledge making. BMCsm invites change that is an integration of your physical, psychological, intellectual and imaginative life. The practice offers a rich palate of experiences for both the beginner and the more experienced participant.

DATES: 9, 10 & 11 June 2018
TIME: Sat 2-7; Sun & Mon 10-4
VENUE: ReadyMade Works, Ultimo

Body-Mind Centering® Workshop

An embryo is a complete unity of form, function and environment. You make your body … you made it.   Jaap van der Waal | Embryo Motion

Embryological development is a continual folding, migrating and expanding, a story full of mystery, movement and momentum.

This workshop addresses the first three weeks of life. At conception, two diverse cells join to create a unique individual. Through embodiment, we discover the primal roots of our structure, perception, respondability and presence. You will gain insight into your personal evolutionary story and how potentiality originates within us.

Body-Mind Centering® is an embodied approach to learning, living and knowledge making. BMCsm invites change that is an integration of your physical, psychological, intellectual and imaginative life. The practice offers a rich palate of experiences for both the beginner and the more experienced participant.

Dates: 2, 3 & 4 June 2018
Times: Sat 10-4; Sun 11.30-5.30; Mon 10-4
Venue: The Chapel Space, North Perth

Two–hour classes to dance, play, experiment and compose. Beginning with a practice of atunement, somatic and perceptual techniques will be used to generate original ways of moving, refine technique and develop sensitivity, awareness and relationship to space. We will then extend our practice to dancing and making with others, finding ways to realize the potential that materializes between us. We learn from responding, listening, waiting/pausing and initiating in the differing configurations of duet, trio or group work. You will accumulate skills that inform the moment-by-moment decision making that is improvisation, recognizing moments of serendipity, as we create meaning through the dance.

7-week series for the more experienced dancer/improvisor: Alice’s work offers dancers, physical theatre performers and movement artists unique approaches to technique, composition and improvisational performance.

Dates: 5 April - 17 May 2018 (7 weeks)
Time: Wednesdays 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Venue: Cecil St Studio, Fitzroy

Beginning with the premise that movement is perception, we will rigorously engage with different Body-Mind Centering® principles. Through a practice of listening and attention you will develop somatic awareness. The workshops will include guided movement, anatomical information, imagery and directed touch, followed by Authentic Movement, shared discussion, and journal writing to integrate the material.

Body-Mind Centering® (BMC) is a study of the experienced body in contrast to the objectified body. It is an embodied approach to learning, living and knowledge making. BMC engages the bodymind through the poetics of moving, touch and experiential anatomy, inviting change that is an integration of our physical, psychological, intellectual and imaginative life. Alice studied Body-Mind Centering® with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen in the United States, 1995-98.

Dates: 4, 11, 18 April and 2, 9, 16, 23 May (7 weeks)
Time: Wednesdays 11am - 1pm
Venue: Dancehouse, North Carlton

This residential professional development program at Riddells Creek Studio, offers practitioners from the creative arts, health,  and education, the opportunity to study, deepen and refine their engagement with the somatic based work of Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen (Body-Mind Centering® ). The program provides an in-depth understanding of the following:

• Cellular consciousness
• Sensory Integration
• Experiential Anatomy
• Embodied Somatic Knowledge
• Hands-on Techniques
• Understanding and expression through Movement

Participants will gain confidence in discerning and assessing somatic integration problems working ‘hands-on’ with individuals and supporting the creative process in healing and arts practice.

January and March 2018

January 22 – 26: Embryology
March 12 – 16: Basic Neurocellular Patterns: Pre-Vertebral
March 20 – 24: Basic Neurocellular Patterns: Vertebral                                                   

A weekend BMC workshop: Finding Our Legs explores how our legs under-stand us.  Our capacity to balance, stand, move towards and away from or in a new direction, cultivates discernment and agency. In the thrill or our first steps we sense the excitement of falling and catching our weight through the action of walking. Standing, walking and running are developmental landmarks, creating new neural pathways.

Alignment is a dance: this 2-day workshop will refresh you with new understandings of your embodiment through a re-alignment of your bones, muscles and soft tissue.

Body-Mind Centering® is an embodied approach to learning, living and knowledge making. Workshops include guided movement, experiential anatomy, imagery and directed touch. BMC invites change that is an integration of our physical, psychological, intellectual and imaginative life.

DATES: 7 & 8 October 2017
TIME: Sat 10–5
VENUE: ReadyMade Works, Ultimo

This workshop is an opportunity for professional development as well as an introduction to Body-Mind Centering®’s approach to the inherent intelligence of the moving body. The practice offers a rich palate of experiences for both the beginner and the more experienced participant.

Tone & tensegrity have embryological and developmental origins, developing in relationship to resistance and support. From early developmental patterns and reflexes we will explore more complex organization – embodying different states and toning through the layers of our tissue – bones, muscles, fascia and cells.

Tone is the experience of balance in our bodies.  All our systems can be supported to find balanced tone – increasing our potential to shift, perceive and create with agility. You will be guided through these somatic experiences with movement, voice and experiential anatomy. In a world of rapid change we need this capacity for adaptation along with the felicity to enjoy being ‘in the company of others’. Playfulness brings delight to all our relationships. 

Dates: 23 - 25 September 2017
Times: 10 - 4pm
Venue: The Chapel Space, North Perth

Two–hour classes to dance, play, experiment and compose. Beginning with a practice of atunement, somatic and perceptual techniques will be used to generate original ways of moving, refine technique and develop sensitivity, awareness and relationship to space. We will then extend our practice to dancing and making with others, finding ways to realize the potential that materializes between us. We learn from responding, listening, waiting/pausing and initiating in the differing configurations of duet, trio or group work. You will accumulate skills that inform the moment-by-moment decision making that is improvisation, recognizing moments of serendipity, as we create meaning through the dance.

5-week series for the more experienced dancer/improvisor: Alice’s work offers dancers, physical theatre performers and movement artists unique approaches to technique, composition and improvisational performance.

Dates: 16 August - 13 September 2017 (5 weeks)
Time: Wednesdays 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Venue: Cecil St Studio, Fitzroy

Beginning with the premise that movement is perception, we will rigorously engage with different Body-Mind Centering® principles. Through a practice of listening and attention you will develop somatic awareness. The workshops will include guided movement, anatomical information, imagery and directed touch, followed by Authentic Movement, shared discussion, and journal writing to integrate the material.

Body-Mind Centering® (BMC) is a study of the experienced body in contrast to the objectified body. It is an embodied approach to learning, living and knowledge making. BMC engages the bodymind through the poetics of moving, touch and experiential anatomy, inviting change that is an integration of our physical, psychological, intellectual and imaginative life. Alice studied Body-Mind Centering® with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen in the United States, 1995-98.

Dates: 16 August - 13 September, 2017 (5 weeks)
Time: Wednesdays 11am - 1pm
Venue: Dancehouse, North Carlton

A weekend BMC workshop: Finding Our Legs explores how our legs under-stand us.  Our capacity to balance, stand, move towards and away from or in a new direction, cultivates discernment and agency. In the thrill or our first steps we sense the excitement of falling and catching our weight through the action of walking. Standing, walking and running are developmental landmarks, creating new neural pathways.

Alignment is a dance: this 2-day workshop will refresh you with new understandings of your embodiment through a re-alignment of your bones, muscles and soft tissue.

Body-Mind Centering® is an embodied approach to learning, living and knowledge making. Workshops include guided movement, experiential anatomy, imagery and directed touch. BMC invites change that is an integration of our physical, psychological, intellectual and imaginative life. 

DATES: 12 & 13 August 2017
TIME: Sat 10–5pm & Sun 10–5pm
VENUE: Dancehouse 150 Princes St North Carlton

How might we become more human? Taking responsibility for this question in the Anthropocene requires us to acknowledge the complex and multiple forms of life that contribute to the diversity of life on earth. Embodying the Body-Mind Centering® (BMC) Developmental Movement Patterns allows us to sense, feel and know something of the otherness of living creatures. This practice cultivates an awareness of our cellular, amphibian, reptilian and mammalian origins with a focus on how animals interact. Through moving research we will explore what animals teach us about conviviality and learning.

Research for being animal began in Melbourne last year. It was then the focus of my presentation at the BMCA conference in Montreal and was expanded further through a residency with the SenseLab at Concordia University.

Dates: 3 & 4 June 2017
Time: 10am – 5pm
Venue:  ReadyMade Works, Ultimo

How might we become more human? Taking responsibility for this question in the Anthropocene requires us to acknowledge the complex and multiple forms of life that contribute to the diversity of life on earth. Embodying the Body-Mind Centering® (BMC) Developmental Movement Patterns allows us to sense, feel and know something of the otherness of living creatures. This practice cultivates an awareness of our cellular, amphibian, reptilian and mammalian origins with a focus on how animals interact. Through moving research we will explore what animals teach us about conviviality and learning.

Research for being animal began in Melbourne last year. It was then the focus of my presentation at the BMCA conference in Montreal and was expanded further through a residency with the SenseLab at Concordia University.

Dates: 27 & 28 May 2017
Times: 12 - 7pm
Venue: The Chapel Space, North Perth

Two–hour classes to dance, play, experiment and compose. Beginning with a practice of atunement, somatic and perceptual techniques will be used to generate original ways of moving, refine technique and develop sensitivity, awareness and relationship to space. We will then extend our practice to dancing and making with others, finding ways to realize the potential that materializes between us. We learn from responding, listening, waiting/pausing and initiating in the differing configurations of duet, trio or group work. You will accumulate skills that inform the moment-by-moment decision making that is improvisation, recognizing moments of serendipity, as we create meaning through the dance.

5-week series for the more experienced dancer/improvisor: Alice’s work offers dancers, physical theatre performers and movement artists unique approaches to technique, composition and improvisational performance.

Dates: 19 April - 17 May 2017 (5 weeks)
Time: Wednesdays 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Venue: Cecil St Studio, Fitzroy

Beginning with the premise that movement is perception, we will rigorously engage with different Body-Mind Centering® principles. Through a practice of listening and attention you will develop somatic awareness. The workshops will include guided movement, anatomical information, imagery and directed touch, followed by Authentic Movement, shared discussion, and journal writing to integrate the material.

Body-Mind Centering® (BMC) is a study of the experienced body in contrast to the objectified body. It is an embodied approach to learning, living and knowledge making. BMC engages the bodymind through the poetics of moving, touch and experiential anatomy, inviting change that is an integration of our physical, psychological, intellectual and imaginative life. Alice studied Body-Mind Centering® with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen in the United States, 1995-98.

Dates: 19 April - 17 May, 2017 (5 weeks)
Time: Wednesdays 11am - 1pm
Venue: Dancehouse, North Carlton

This professional development program offers practitioners from the creative arts, health,  and education, the opportunity to study, deepen and refine their engagement with the somatic based work of Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen (Body-Mind Centering® ). The programprovides an in-depth understanding of the following:

• Cellular consciousness
• Sensory Integration
• Experiential Anatomy
• Embodied Somatic Knowledge
• Hands-on Techniques
• Understanding and expression through Movement

Participants will gain confidence in discerning and assessing somatic integration problemsworking ‘hands-on’ with individuals and supporting the creative process in healing and arts practice.

January 16 – 28 2017 (10 days with 3 day break)
January 16 – 20: The Fluid Body
January 24 – 28: Senses & Perceptions and the Vestibular System

Two–hour classes to dance, play, experiment and compose. Beginning with a practice of atunement, somatic and perceptual techniques will be used to generate original ways of moving, refine technique and develop sensitivity, awareness and relationship to space. We will then extend our practice to dancing and making with others, finding ways to realize the potential that materializes between us. We learn from responding, listening, waiting/pausing and initiating in the differing configurations of duet, trio or group work. You will accumulate skills that inform the moment-by-moment decision making that is improvisation, recognizing moments of serendipity, as we create meaning through the dance.

5-week series for the more experienced dancer/improvisor: Alice’s work offers dancers, physical theatre performers and movement artists unique approaches to technique, composition and improvisational performance.

Dates: 2, 9, 16, 30 Nov & 7 Dec 2016 (5 weeks)
Time: Wednesdays 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Venue: 66 Cecil St Studio, Fitzroy

Beginning with the premise that movement is perception, we will rigorously engage with different Body-Mind Centering® principles. Through a practice of listening and attention you will develop somatic awareness. The workshops will include guided movement, anatomical information, imagery and directed touch, followed by Authentic Movement, shared discussion, and journal writing to integrate the material.

Body-Mind Centering® (BMC) is a study of the experienced body in contrast to the objectified body. It is an embodied approach to learning, living and knowledge making. BMC engages the bodymind through the poetics of moving, touch and experiential anatomy, inviting change that is an integration of our physical, psychological, intellectual and imaginative life. Alice studied Body-Mind Centering® with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen in the United States, 1995-98.

Dates: 2, 9, 16, 30 Nov & 7 Dec 2016 (5 weeks)
Time: Wednesdays 11am - 1pm
Venue: Dancehouse North Carlton

Cellular holding embraces strengthens and recuperates the heart.

The heart has its own profound intelligence.  Over this weekend we will spend time contemplating, sounding and moving from the heart.  Through anatomical images, guided movement and touch you will develop an understanding of the heart’s physiological structure and function from its embryological beginnings to its central role via the circulatory system in maintaining the life of every other organ.

Discover the ‘voice’ of your heart whilst recognising the mystery that always surrounds deep investigation of matter and spirit.  The heart sits at the centre of all this, beating patiently and constantly.

Body-Mind Centering® is an embodied approach to learning, living and knowledge making. Workshops include guided movement, experiential anatomy, imagery and directed touch. BMC invites change that is an integration of our physical, psychological, intellectual and imaginative life. 

Dates: 1, 2 & 3 October
Time: 10am – 4pm
Venue: ReadyMade Works

Cellular holding embraces strengthens and recuperates the heart.

The heart has its own profound intelligence.  Over this weekend we will spend time contemplating, sounding and moving from the heart.  Through anatomical images, guided movement and touch you will develop an understanding of the heart’s physiological structure and function from its embryological beginnings to its central role via the circulatory system in maintaining the life of every other organ.

Discover the ‘voice’ of your heart whilst recognising the mystery that always surrounds deep investigation of matter and spirit.  The heart sits at the centre of all this, beating patiently and constantly.

Body-Mind Centering® is an embodied approach to learning, living and knowledge making. Workshops include guided movement, experiential anatomy, imagery and directed touch. BMC invites change that is an integration of our physical, psychological, intellectual and imaginative life. 

DATES: 24, 25 & 26 Sept 2016
TIMES: 10–4pm
VENUE: The Chapel Space 117 Angove St, North Perth

Two–hour classes to dance, play, experiment and compose. Beginning with a practice of attunement, somatic and perceptual techniques will be used to generate original ways of moving, refine technique, develop sensitivity, awareness and relationship to space. We will then extend our practice to dancing and making with others, finding ways to realize the potential that materializes between us. We learn from responding, listening, waiting/pausing and initiating in the differing configurations of duet, trio or group work. You will accumulate skills that inform the moment-by-moment decision making that is improvisation, recognizing moments of serendipity, as we create meaning through the dance.

5-week series for the more experienced dancer/improvisor: Alice’s work offers dancers, physical theatre performers and movement artists unique approaches to technique, composition and improvisational performance.

Wednesdays 6:30pm to 8:30pm
66 Cecil St Studio, Fitzroy

Beginning with the premise that movement is perception, we will rigorously engage with different Body-Mind Centering® principles. Through a practice of listening and attention you will develop somatic awareness. The workshops will include guided movement, anatomical information, imagery and directed touch, followed by Authentic Movement, shared discussion, and journal writing to integrate the material.

Body-Mind Centering® (BMC)  is a study of the experienced body in contrast to the objectified body. It is an embodied approach to learning, living and knowledge making. BMC engages the bodymind through the poetics of moving, touch and experiential anatomy, inviting change that is an integration of our physical, psychological, intellectual and imaginative life. Alice studied Body-Mind Centering® with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen in the United States, 1995-98.

Dates: 17 Aug – 14 Sept 2016 (5 weeks)
Time: Wednesdays 11am - 1pm
Venue: Dancehouse North Carlton

Cellular holding embraces strengthens and recuperates the heart.

The heart has its own profound intelligence.  Over this weekend we will spend time contemplating, sounding and moving from the heart.  Through anatomical images, guided movement and touch you will develop an understanding of the heart’s physiological structure and function from its embryological beginnings to its central role via the circulatory system in maintaining the life of every other organ.

Discover the ‘voice’ of your heart whilst recognising the mystery that always surrounds deep investigation of matter and spirit.  The heart sits at the centre of all this, beating patiently and constantly.

Body-Mind Centering® is an embodied approach to learning, living and knowledge making. Workshops include guided movement, experiential anatomy, imagery and directed touch. BMC invites change that is an integration of our physical, psychological, intellectual and imaginative life. 

Dates: 5, 6 & 7 Aug 2016
Time: Friday 6-9pm; Sat & Sun 10am - 5pm
Venue: Dancehouse North Carlton

A weekend BMC workshop: Finding Our Legs explores how our legs under-stand us.  Our capacity to balance, stand, move towards and away from or in a new direction, cultivates discernment and agency. In the thrill or our first steps we sense the excitement of falling and catching our weight through the action of walking. Standing, walking and running are developmental landmarks, creating new neural pathways.

Alignment is a dance: this 2-day workshop will refresh you with new understandings of your embodiment through a re-alignment of your bones, muscles and soft tissue.

Body-Mind Centering® is an embodied approach to learning, living and knowledge making. Workshops include guided movement, experiential anatomy, imagery and directed touch. BMC invites change that is an integration of our physical, psychological, intellectual and imaginative life. 

DATES: 23 & 24 July 2016
TIME: Sat 11–6pm & Sun 10–5pm
VENUE: The Chapel Space 117 Angove St, North Perth

In 2016 this professional development program begins its second 4-year cycle, offering practitioners from differing fi elds of health, arts and yoga, the opportunity to study, deepen and refine their engagement with the somatic based work of Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen (Body-Mind Centering® ). The program will provide participants with an in-depth understanding of the following:

• Cellular consciousness
• Sensory Integration
• Experiential Anatomy
• Embodied Somatic Knowledge
• Hands-on Techniques
• Understanding and expression through Movement

You will gain confidence in assessing and discerning somatic integration problems and working ‘hands-on’ with clients in your work as health practitioners, artists, yoga practitioners, educators and therapists.

January 18 – 30 2016 (10 days with 3 day break)
January 18 – 22 2016 : Skeletal System
January 26 – 30 2016: Organ System
 

Beginning with the premise that movement is perception, we will rigorously engage with different Body-Mind Centering® principles. Through a practice of listening and attention you will develop somatic awareness. The workshops will include guided movement, anatomical information, imagery and directed touch, followed by Authentic Movement, shared discussion, and journal writing to integrate the material.

Body-Mind Centering® (BMCSM)  is a study of the experienced body in contrast to the objectified body. It is an embodied approach to learning, living and knowledge making. BMC engages the bodymind through the poetics of moving, touch and experiential anatomy, inviting change that is an integration of our physical, psychological, intellectual and imaginative life. Alice studied Body-Mind Centering® with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen in the United States, 1995-98.

Dates: 11 Nov – 9 Dec 2015 (5 weeks)
Time: Wednesdays 11am - 1pm
Venue: Dancehouse North Carlton

Riddells Creek - Annual Retreat
If you have been curious about Body-Mind Centering® here is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the experiential world of the bodymind – developing a practice and appreciation for the nuance, complexity and beauty of your originality. Visual Artist Michele Elliot will join Alice for the Retreat as we engage in the discovery of drawing/making/moving. The Retreat is an opportunity for you to renew your heart and spirit in the company of others. 

Dates:  31 October – 2 November  
Riddells Creek

From our sub-cellular cytoskeleton through muscles, bones and fascia we are a tensegritystructure. These structures create the potential for our adaptation through movement ... and movement is how we navigate the temporal and spatial realms. Toneis the experience of balance in our bodies. All our systems can be supported to find balanced tone – increasing our potential to shift, perceive and create with agility. Agility is a psychophysical state no matter our capacity, age, ability/disability … how we approach life day to day, how we engage with others, and how we make decisions both personal and professional that influence our sense of well-being.

Tone & tensegrity have embryological and developmental origins, developing in relationship to resistance and support. From early developmental patterns and reflexes we will explore more complex organization – embodying different states and toning through the layers of our tissue – bones, muscles, fascia and cells.

You will be guided through these somatic experiences with movement, voice and experiential anatomy. Discovering ways of moving that are original to you rather than prescriptive, frees up the imagination. The use of voice tones our diaphragms and whole being. In a world of rapid change we need this capacity for adaptation along with the felicity to enjoy being ‘in the company of others’. Playfulness brings delight to all our relationships.

This workshop is an opportunity for professional development as well as an introduction to Body-Mind Centering®’s approach to the inherent intelligence of the moving body.  The practice offers a rich palate of experiences for both the beginner and the more experienced participant.

Dates:  3, 4 & 5th October
Time: 10am to 4pm
Venue: ReadyMade Works

Two–hour classes to dance, play, experiment and compose. Beginning with a practice of attunement through somatic awareness, these classes will generate original ways of moving, refine technique, develop sensitivity, awareness and relationship to space. We will privilege the moving articulate body in the practice of solos, duets, trios and group improvisations. In a rigorous yet generative environment you will accumulate skills that inform decision making in the moment-bymoment composing that is improvisation, recognizing moments of serendipity, those ‘split seconds of paradise’ as we create meaning that suggests itself through the dancing and spatial relationships.

Alice’s work offers dancers, physical theatre performers and movement artists unique approaches to technique, composition and improvisational performance.

Dates: 23 Sept – 21 Oct 2015 (5 weeks)
Time: Wednesdays 6.30 – 8.30pm
Venue: Cecil Street Studio, 66 Cecil Street, Fitzroy

Beginning with the premise that movement is perception, we will rigorously engage with different Body-Mind Centering® principles. Through a practice of listening and attention you will develop somatic awareness. The workshops will include guided movement, anatomical information, imagery and directed touch, followed by Authentic Movement, shared discussion, and journal writing to integrate the material.

Body-Mind Centering® (BMCSM)  is a study of the experienced body in contrast to the objectified body. It is an embodied approach to learning, living and knowledge making. BMC engages the bodymind through the poetics of moving, touch and experiential anatomy, inviting change that is an integration of our physical, psychological, intellectual and imaginative life. Alice studied Body-Mind Centering® with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen in the United States, 1995-98.

Dates: 23 - 21 Oct 2015 (5 weeks)
Time: Wednesdays 11am - 1pm
Venue: Dancehouse North Carlton

Two-hour classes to dance, play, experiment and compose. These classes will generate original ways of moving, refine technique, develop sensitivity, awareness and relationship to space. We will privilege the moving articulate body in the practice of solos, duets, trios and group improvisations. Improvisation is the embodiment of the  moment steeped in memory, narrative and meaning ...

Wednesdays 6:30pm to 8:30pm
66 Cecil St Studio, Fitzroy