play · creativity · Spontaneity
play
creativity
Spontaneity
The expressive body
My classes integrate movement, voice and speech and encourage playful, creative and spontaneous expression. Spontaneity arises through giving our full attention to the present moment: the details of how we move, the quality of our voice, images that appear in our mind’s eye and feelings that arise. Through becoming aware of how we act, new choices occur, we find ourselves in unfamiliar places, where we no longer rely on our habits, where we feel alive and free.
The expressive body
What happens in a class
A short video of my classes filmed by Willson Hau.
Coming Back to the Body
After a movement and vocal warm-up we practise simple improvisational exercises (or scores) which quiet our thinking mind and bring us into our bodies, awakening our senses, our feelings and our imagination. Working solo, duet and in ensemble, some scores focus on expanding our physical and vocal range while others centre on the skills of listening, responding and collaborating with our partners.
Word Play
In this form of theatre all action is informed by our experience of our body, so when speaking we focus on the sensory experience of words: the movement of the mouth, the pitch, rhythm and volume of the sounds. In this way how we talk and who we’re being when we talk is as important as what we say.
They are also for
performers:
- dancers wanting to use their voice in performance
- actors and musicians interested in expanding their physical vocabulary and sourcing characters from the body
- all performers wanting to integrate voice and movement and develop performance presence
These classes are for
anyone who wants to:
- discover new ways of expressing themselves,
- follow their impulses and make fresh choices
- be playful and spontaneous
- be physically aware: get out of their head and into their body
- build connections through improving listening and relationship skills
- take more initiative and bring direction to life
- be more curious and have a sense of wonder in everyday life.
Coming Back to the Body
After a movement and vocal warm-up we practise simple improvisational exercises (or scores) which quiet our thinking mind and bring us into our bodies, awakening our senses, our feelings and our imagination. Working solo, duet and in ensemble, some scores focus on expanding our physical and vocal range while others centre on the skills of listening, responding and collaborating with our partners.
Word Play
In this form of theatre all action is informed by our experience of our body, so when speaking we focus on the sensory experience of words: the movement of the mouth, the pitch, rhythm and volume of the sounds. In this way how we talk and who we’re being when we talk is as important as what we say.
These classes are for
anyone who wants to:
- discover new ways of expressing themselves,
- follow their impulses and make fresh choices
- be playful and spontaneous
- be physically aware: get out of their head and into their body
- build connections through improving listening and relationship skills
- take more initiative and bring direction to life
- be more curious and have a sense of wonder in everyday life.
They are also for
performers:
- dancers wanting to use their voice in performance
- actors and musicians interested in expanding their physical vocabulary and sourcing characters from the body
- all performers wanting to integrate voice and movement and develop performance presence
I offer bespoke trainings for groups and businesses who are looking for a creative and fun approach to building skills in areas such as embodied listening, communication and team building.
themes include
- how to listen and respond in order to make more meaningful connections with colleagues and clients
- enhance your natural physical and vocal expression in public speaking for greater influence
- collaborate effectively as a group for better business results
- re-kindle your innate playfulness, curiosity and sense of fun for greater innovation and team cohesion
My influences
My teaching has many influences, mainly Action Theater™, a form of improvised movement-based theatre developed by Ruth Zaporah (USA) who I worked with intensively over many years including completing her teacher training in 2005. Meeting Sten Rudstrøm in 2000, one of Ruth’s most senior Action Theater teachers, changed the direction of my life in a remarkable way.
My work and pedagogical style is hugely inspired by the wonderful Andrew Morrish, particularly his insistence on students developing the skills and curiosity to become their own teacher. Roy Hart voice work, especially through studying with Margaret Pikes, has brought a depth and a finesse to my understanding of the voice. I am also inspired by my training in the Feldenkrais Method and dance improvisation as well as my Focusing and meditation practice.