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Somatic Education
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  • Home
  • Workshops
  • Site-Specific Performance
  • collaborations
  • Video art
  • Somatic Education
  • Biography
  • Credits

EMBODIED PRACTICE TOWARDS COLLECTIVE CREATION

EMBODIMENT - SPACE - MOVEMENT

In these two-hour sessions towards the end of November, we explore the territory of somatic practices and ecological embodiment through space-responsive dance and improvisation, deepening our connection with our body-mind and the environment. 


Everyone is very welcome!


We use visualization, touch, body -work, and sensory awareness to observe our relationship with gravity and listening our anatomical structures and body systems (the skeleton, the organs). 


Body Systems and Embodiment Practice, individual and pair work.  We focus on body ecology, perceiving and moving while listening to our inner rhythms (breath, fluids) and responding to our surroundings. We observe the relationships between movement and stillness, extension and centering, support and mobility. 


The observation of environment, ecosystems, individual and collective movement and improvisation in the outdoors. We shift our attention to collective creative practice and open up to the playfulness and poetry of composing with the space—a place to duel with our visions and curiosity!


Weather permitting, we engage with he vibrancy of the outdoors, sharing our dances with the wonderfully nurturing Salisbury garden.

 

The schedule may adjust according to the group's needs and the weather.

Booking essential!

Saturday 23th and Sunday 24th November 2024

2 pm - 4 pm 

@ The Salisbury Centre (GARDEN/STUDIO) 2 Salisbury Rd, EH16 5AB.  


Please find below information about the sessions. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me via email.


  • The  session starts at 2pm. The studio will be open from 1.45, so we can meet and complete registrations to start on time.


  • The sessions will be held both indoors (Studio) and outdoors (Garden). Please wear comfortable clothes and layers for both indoor and outdoor activities (including waterproof clothing) to adjust to temperature changes. Feel free to bring water, snacks, and a notebook if you like to take notes or draw during the session. Drawing/writing materials will also be provided.


  • Please enter through the main door and ring the Studio's bell. Someone or I will be there to open the door.
  • We are all responsible for creating a safe and inclusive space where everyone feels welcomed and comfortable. This session is person-centered, integrating personal processes with each offered exploration.

Body - Mind Ecology Somatic Movement Workshop - May'24

time and space for the embodiment of the ecological intelligence of the moving, perceiving body.

During this 3hrs workshop, we will explore Somatic Movement (Body-Mind Centering* approach) to cultivate ecological embodiment and deepen our connection with ecosystems.
Our focus will be on ecological Homeostasis, which is defined as a self-regulating process through which a living organism can maintain internal stability while adapting to changing external conditions.  We will observe and facilitate this process within our body systems and the environment through movement and improvisation in the outdoor setting of the Salisbury garden, as weather permits.
*Registration in advance is essential
To register your attendance please contact monica: imprevistodanza@gmail.com
Suggested fees  according to financial circumstances from £​25 to £ ​45 

BODY - MIND ECOLOGY / SOMATIC MOVEMENT weekend APRIL '24

6th and 7th April 11.30 - 3.30pm

                                            a weekend to grasp the embodiment of the ecological intelligence of the moving, perceiving body

@ The Salisbury Centre (GARDEN/STUDIO)
2 Salisbury Rd, EH16 5AB.


This weekend will be dedicated to exploring the embodiment of ecological intelligence within the moving, perceiving body. Our focus will be on ecological Homeostasis, which is defined as a self-regulating process through which a living organism can maintain internal stability while adapting to changing external conditions.  We will observe and facilitate this process within our body systems and the environment through movement and improvisation in the outdoor setting of the Salisbury garden, as weather permits. 


*Registration in advance is essential 

Suggested fee for both days £​65 ​- £​85 

(Please contact me if you experience financial difficulties) 

Registration one week before the event is essential with a deposit of £20. 

Priority will be given to people wishing to attend both days.


If you like to hear more about it don't hesitate to contact me

To register your attendance please contact monica: imprevistodanza@gmail.com . 


Homeostasis is not a static and unchanging process; rather, it is dynamic and can adjust internal conditions as needed to survive external challenges.

During these workshops, we will explore Somatic Movement (Body-Mind Centering* approach) to cultivate ecological embodiment and deepen our connection with ecosystems. By using movement, touch, voice, and mind, we will sense and perceive our embodied selves. We will nurture our connection with ourselves, tap into our creative potential, and express it. We will allow movement and voice to unfold spontaneously, respond to our surroundings, and be shared with others.  Somatic refers to the human ability to perceive through sensations that occur within our bodies. 

With Soma (from Greek: body), we embrace the living qualities of the body: breathing, movement, sensing, and perceiving body. In somatic exploration, the moving body is an instrument of knowledge.

Somatic Education is a field of exploration of movements, gestures and breath, starting from a sensory-motor and perceiving base.Body-Mind Centering (BMCSM) is one of these methods: its experiential approach is based on the study of movement, touch, vocal expression and conscious attention. BMC has its roots in dance, physiotherapy and in various meditation practices. Developed by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen (1958), BMC involves an integrated anatomical study with physiological and psychophysical principles. It uses specific methodologies to investigate body systems and developmental movements.(bodymindcentering.com)

monica's short bio

monica (RSME, IDME, PDA, PhD) is a mother of 9 years old daughter, movement and environmental advocate, dance artist, educator and performance maker. With extensive experience in artistic-environmental projects in the community she performs and creates work both in the UK and internationally. monica continually deepens her knowledge of the body, voice, rhythm, and ecology, and she is interested in developing multidisciplinary and inclusive approaches in performing arts and education. She has extensive experiences in choreographic research, movement mentoring for performance making. With a background in Environmental Science, PhD in Plant biomechanics and a Professional Award in Applied Arts, monica is qualified in Infant Developmental Movement Educator (IDME) and Somatic Movement Educator (SME) with Embody-Move (embody-move.co.uk), licensed by The School for Body-Mind Centering (www.bodymindcentering.com). She is a professional member of the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association, ISMETA https://ismeta.org/.

SomatiC MovemenT indoors/outdoor sessions

RISING IN THE BODY


Thursdays 11.00 - 12.30
@ the Salisbury Centre Edinburgh
2 Salisbury Road EH16 5AB Edinburgh
GARDEN/Art Room

In these classes we explore somatic movement within Nature. We move, vocalise, visualise and experience our anatomical structure and body systems. We develop embodiment together with our own knowledge and awareness of the moving body.
Please wear comfortable clothes and a few layers to adjust yourself to the possible changes of the weather, bring water. Feel free to bring a notebook with you if you like to make notes or draw during the session.


*booking in advance is essential  (max of 10 participants)  e-mail Monica: imprevistodanza@gmail.com


This is a donation based event (Nobody will be turned away for lack of funding, yet donations allow us to run affordable events for everyone, and to support both the facilitator and the Salisbury Centre)

To donate:

  • Either bring cash on the evening
  • Or pay by card  via  card machine at the Centre. Somatic Movement” as REFERENCE) 

The Salisbury Centre

Embodied Practice and Socio-Ecological Justice

Embodied Practice and Socio-Ecological Justice

How can we respond to the presently unavoidable need for action in support of social and ecological justice?

Together we will experience embodied practice as a dynamic way to connect with our ability of resilience, self-reflection, self-discovery, and manifest our visions, longings and desires for a more sustainable and functional society. 

Embodied practice brings attention to the integration and articulation of our body-mind (bodily sensations and perceptions, our thoughts, emotions, psycho and our spirit) which by its nature is connected to the collective body-mind, part of the whole, human, and other then human reality (wildlife, natural vegetation, landscapes, skies, space and beyond). 

Somatic exploration involves working with visualization, movement, improvisation, touch, breath, and sound, witnessing oneself and the processes of others. Together we will develop a process for embodied discovery and knowledge. Vital is the awareness of our embodied knowledge for oneself and vital is the ability to share it with each other. 


This is a donation based event
uggested donation £15.  

40% donations will be offered to the Salisbury Centre. 

To register your attendance please contact monica: imprevistodanza@gmail.comburgh  
*booking in advance is essential 

Somatic Education

Somatic Education is a field of exploration of movements, gestures and breath, starting from a sensory-motor and perceiving base.

Body-Mind Centering (BMCSM) is one of these methods: its experiential approach is based on the study of movement, touch, vocal expression and conscious attention. BMC has its roots in dance, physiotherapy and in various meditation practices. Developed by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen (1942), BMC involves an integrated anatomical study with physiological and psychophysical principles. It uses specific methodologies to investigate body systems and developmental movements.(bodymindcentering.com)

Somatic Movement online classes

Contact With-in Somatic Movement (BMC) online session

A creative journey in which we can discover your own ability of resilience in connection to yourself, the others and your environment.

These sessions will have to be organised according participants demand, please contact me if you are interested. Email imprevistodanza@gmail.com

Available  time:

Evening sessions

Thursdays 6.30pm -7.30pm

and 

Morning sessions

Fridays 10am -11am

In these online Somatic Movement sessions we explore Body-Mind Centering principles in our own space, the body, at home and still connecting with Nature and the wider space surrounding us. We work with touch, eyes closed, vocalising, visualising and experiencing our anatomical structure and body systems. You will develop a deep sense of embodiment together with your own individual and unique knowledge and awareness of the moving body. This will support and inspire both your everyday life situations and the wider adventures of your life.
We work in bare feet, wear comfortable clothes and have water with you. Have also a notebook and some coloring materials which we will be using for reflective writing and drawing during the session.

This is a donation based event
suggested donation for 6 classes £30, drop-in £7

Somatic Education

Somatic Education is a field of exploration of movements, gestures and breath, starting from a sensory-motor and perceiving base.

Body-Mind Centering (BMCSM) is one of these methods: its experiential approach is based on the study of movement, touch, vocal expression and conscious attention. BMC has its roots in dance, physiotherapy and in various meditation practices. Developed by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen (1942), BMC involves an integrated anatomical study with physiological and psychophysical principles. It uses specific methodologies to investigate body systems and developmental movements.(bodymindcentering.com)

    CI&IC Classes and Ensemble Performance

    Ensemble Performance - Live music and Dance
    with the participants of the classes
    directed by Monica De Ioanni
    8th December 2016
    at South Side community Centre, Edinburgh.
    This performance is an ensemble work that we develop during the classes.

    More info contact Monica at imprevistodanza.com

    Photography by Roberto Ricciuti

    Monica studied Contact Improvisation and Dance Improvisation with Nancy Stark Smith, Kirstie Simson, Andrew Harwood, Martin Keogh, Merav Israel. " and I have learned from all the wonderful people I met in my dances". Monica certified in Somatic Movement Education within the The School for BODY-MIND CENTERING. As a Registered Professional Member of the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA), Monica meets their high Standards of Practice and upholds their Code of Ethics. For more information visit www.ISMETA.org.

    Retreat

    NATURA (ΦΥΣΗ) DANCELAB MOVEMENT RETREAT

    Summer dance Lab in Nature.

      Expanding our senses, cultivating the attention, the observation and the search in Nature.  

    Location and Dates to be arranged.

    Find out more
    Weekend Residential Workshop

    Surroundig Moves

    Dance improvisation, Instant Composition, Space Responsive Workshop.
    Moving with the surrounding from within. How the environment effects my movements how I can intervene on a landscape  through my movement. Location and Dates to be arranged.

    Find out more
    Retreat

    Singing Bodies

    Voice Movement Retreat Singing Bodies

    Here, time and space will be devoted to explore the connection between movement and voice, dance and singing. It is about combining the practice of somatic movement and dance with finding ways to express our voice and soul. Location and Dates to be arranged.

    Find out more

    Embodiment practice course 2020

    Somatic Movement, Collective Learning and Play

    with Monica De Ioanni

    Wednesdays

    January 22

    January 29 

    February 5 

    February 19 

    February 26 

    March 4 

    March 11 

    March 18 

    March 25 

    6.30pm -8.30pm 

    @ The Salisbury Centre 2 Salisbury Road, EH16 5AB Edinburgh, United Kingdom Both events are on a don

    This is a donation basis event suggested donation full course £130 

    booking essential at imprevistodanza@gmail.com

    Each session of the course will be dedicated to a specific aspect of embodiment and a body system.

         Soma (from Greek: body) is the living body, the breathing, moving, sensitive and perceived body. The moving body becomes an instrument of unfolding knowledge and awareness. 

    In this course we explore Body-Mind Centering principles. We work hands- on, eyes closed, vocalising, visualising and experiencing our anatomical structure and body systems. 

    You will develop a deep sense of embodiment together with your own individual and unique knowledge and awareness of the moving body. This will support and inspire both your everyday life situations and the wider adventures of your life. 

    Somatic movement experience allows trust in the discovery of the self, along with self expression in space and with others. 

    There will be space for self-reflection and time for sharing though movement and also vocally or drawing. 

    We work in bare feet. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring water. Feel free to bring a notebook with you if you like to make notes during the session. 

    If you have any questions about the course please don’t hesitate to contact me: imprevistodanza@gma

    Monica De Ioanni (RSME, IDME, PDA, PhD) a dance and arts community Educator for the past 15 years, works in the UK and internationally. With a Ph.D in Environmental Science, Professional Development Awards (PDAs) in Arts Education in Practice and extensive training in Dance and Physical Theatre, Monica has both a multidisciplinary and a personal perspective of movement, arts and education. She continually deepens her knowledge of the body, movement and voice, and has wide- ranging experience in environmental and wellbeing-related projects in the community. Monica qualified in Somatic Movement Education with Embody-Move (embody-move.co.uk) licensed by The School for Body-Mind Centering. Monica is Registered Professional Member of the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA). 


    "Body-Mind Centering (BMCSM) is an integrated and embodied approach to movement, the body and consciousness. Developed by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, it is an experiential study based on the embodiment and application of anatomical, physiological, psychophysical and developmental principles." 

    (bodymindcentering.com). 

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