Monday, October 3, 2011

Preparing hands (and body) for haptic anchoring and ballet

Clip art: Clker
Here is a 1937 newspaper article describing an absolutely amazing exercise reportedly used by Russian ballerinas in developing hands that are " . . . graceful in repose, direct and free in movement . . . ", an almost ideal "felt sense" for haptic integration work.  After you have practiced it yourself daily for about a week, begin having learners do this deceptively simple routine occasionally, especially if the class is tense or not focused, before haptic anchoring (where hands touch in various ways on stressed syllables or words.) Follow the directions carefully and repeat exactly as prescribed. The efficient, systemic effect on the body is striking, the best I'm aware of . . . hands down (gracefully in repose, of course!)

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