The Feldenkrais Method in Creative Practice: Dance, Music and Theatre

Description

Bringing together scholars and researchers in one volume, this study investigates how the thinking of the Ukrainian-Israeli somatic educationalist Moshe Feldenkrais (1904-84) can benefit and reflect upon the creative practices of dance, music and theatre. Since its inception, the Feldenkrais Method has been associated with artistic practice, growing contiguously with performance, cognitive and embodied practices in dance, music, and theatre studies. It promotes awareness of fine motor action for improved levels of action and skill, as well as healing for those who are injured. For creative artists, the Feldenkrais Method enables them to refine and improve their work. This book offers historical, scientific and practical perspectives that develop thinking at the heart of the Method and is divided into three sections: Historical Perspectives on Creative Practice, From Science into Creative Practice and Studies in Creative Practice. All the essays provide insights into self-improvement, training, avoiding injury, history and philosophy of artistic practice, links between scientific and artistic thinking and practical thinking, as well as offering some exercises for students and artistic practitioners looking to improve their understanding of their practice. Ultimately, this book offers a rich development of the legacy and the ongoing relevance of the Feldenkrais Method. We are shown how it is not just a way of thinking about somatic health, embodiment and awareness, but a vital enactivist epistemology for contemporary artistic thought and practice.

Robert Sholl has published widely on twentieth-century music, including Stravinsky, Berio, Birtwistle, Ferneyhough, Messiaen, Arvo Part. He is the editor of Messiaen Studies (with Sander van Maas); Contemporary Music and Spirituality; and is part of a Leverhulme-funded project on The Phantom of the Opera at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He has released improvisation to silent film on YouTube and is currently editing volumes on James MacMillan and Messiaen. Robert Scholl is a trained Feldenkrais practitioner.

An ambitious and informative journey - full of studio insights for the Feldenkrais practitioner, and timely observations at the intersection of art practice, neuroscience, and psychology. * Annie Loui, UC Irvine, USA * I encountered the Feldenkrais methodology alongside other postural methods to help performers such as, Alexander Technique and Grindea Technique as part of my Master of Arts degree. I was struck by the somatic techniques used in the learning of the FM, and how these sensory awareness skills learned, synthesized with the kinesthetic aspects of instrumental pedagogy/learning. In addition to my professional musical performance, I am a keen amateur golfer; I have found the technique useful in reordering my posture. * Andrew Dunn, Trinity Laban Conservatoire, UK *