Kinetic Awareness

Kinetic Awareness is a trademarked system of bodywork originated by the American choreographer Elaine Summers in the 1950s.[1][2][3]

The practice is developed through close individual observation of proprioceptive and kinesthetic processes. This practice of heightening self-awareness is combined with objective information about anatomy. The resulting awareness is intended to develop one's full individual potential for healthy movement.

Because of its use of hollow rubber balls to achieve deep muscle-relaxation, Kinetic Awareness is also referred to as "The Ball Work".

Characteristics

Kinetic Awareness relies on the individual's proprioceptive signals as the guiding principle, complemented by anatomical understanding of the body and guidance through a certified teacher. Physical pain and discomfort are treated as important warning signals of the body, and consequently avoided. Instead, the focus lies on discovering resting positions and movements that are accompanied by a sensation of pleasure and well-being.

Hollow rubber balls are optionally placed under parts of the body to aid multi-directional movement, and to help to focus on the body part. Because of the slow, gentle movement, the balls also help to give a self-directed massage which can reach the deeper muscle-layers.

Five Phases

Kinetic Awareness is structured into five phases.
Each phase includes and builds upon the previous one:

1 - articulation:

Moving one body part at a time, very slowly and gently. By focussing on a single body part at a time, and going very slowly, the practitioner becomes aware of their individual range of movement and trains their proprioceptive and kinesthetic sensitivity.

A commonly used instruction is to "let the body part move on its own, in all the ways that it will go without pain."

In this phase, muscles and muscle groups that are, often subconsciously, kept in continuous contraction) (also referred to as "frozen tension") can be noticed and, when ready, they can be released. This view derives from the theories of muscle armor as developed by Wilhelm Reich, with influence by the work of Elsa Gindler. It becomes also clear if there are any painful directions, or injuries, which the student is encouraged to avoid, so as not to worsen the condition, but to give time and space for healing.

The phase is completed when the practitioner can move any part of the body at will, slowly and with little tension.

2 - total body systems, coordination:

Articulating more than one body part simultaneously. The practitioner becomes aware of total body systems such as breathing and fluid circulation (blood, lymphatic, spinal etc.) Movements are still very slow and gentle.

3 - speed levels:

Ability to articulate any part(s) of the body at any desired speed, with the least amount of tension. By working at the lowest tension level, injuries are avoided that would otherwise be risked by using an inappropriate amount of tension at high speed.

4 - tension levels:

Moving any body part in any way possible, from completely relaxed to highly tense, at will. Tension is understood as a resource for the individual mover, who is guided along to explore their choices about how they want to use it.

5 - performance / interaction:

Combining all the previous phases and using them in interaction with others. This includes the relationship to the space in which the movement happens.

Course of Study

The pace and course of study is decided by the practitioner, with additional guidance from their teacher. Most sessions are happening one-to-one, but group classes are also offered. Interaction of the practice of awareness with movement in daily life and other movement disciplines is encouraged as an integral part of the individual development.

Relation with other bodywork practices

Kinetic Awareness is closely related to Sensory Awareness and Feldenkrais which both have been influenced by the work of Elsa Gindler. Elaine Summers studied Sensory Awareness with Charlotte Selver and Physical Re-education with Carola Speads, both former students of Gindler.

Kinetic Awareness Center

The Kinetic Awareness Center was founded in 1987 as a US-registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to research, education, and development in the kinetic arts and sciences. The Kinetic Awareness Center also coordinates the training and certification of Certified Teachers (CKA) and Certified Master Teachers (MCKA) of Kinetic Awareness. The president of the Center was originator Elaine Summers until her death in 2014.

References

  1. ↑
    • Sally Banes, Democracy's Body, 1983
  2. ↑
    • Anne-Sargent Wooster, Elaine Summers, Moving to Dance, The Drama Review T88, 1980
  3. ↑
    • Ellen Saltonstall, Kinetic Awareness, Discovering your Bodymind, The Cultural Press, 1988

Sources

External links

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