Stand on your Own Two Feet

Hi Feldenkrais Students:
Learn how to Stand on your Own Two Feet, with less effort and more pleasure on Sunday, July 11 from 12 noon – 3:30 p.m.

Over the years of teaching the Feldenkrais Method, I have come across hundreds of different physical interpretations of what the command, “STAND UP STRAIGHT!”, looks like. People have heard this statement from well meaning folks such as teachers, parents, coaches, nuns…..the list goes on and on. Unfortunately no one ever taught us how to “stand up straight”. This is why I want to teach this workshop. I want you all to discover that a desirable way of standing is not straight and doesn’t require hard work! Standing can feel effortless when one allows all of the natural curves of the spine and shoulder girdle to hang like a dress on a hanger. This way of standing helps us to balance easily while walking upright on two feet.

I have met many people that have tried with great determination and will to stand straight. Some of the strategies they used to do this were to hold the shoulders back, contract the abdomen, tuck the pelvis and squeeze the buttock. Some of the results they found from doing this unnecessary work that altered the natural curves in their spine led them to experience fear of falling; difficulty with balancing; labored walking; stiff muscles; back pain and joint injuries.

During this workshop you will probably become perplexed when you find a more desirable way to stand because it will become easier and more comfortable to stand on your own two feet! To sign up for the workshop call the Alonzo King’s LINES Dance Center at 415.863.3040 x221 or sign up online at: www.linesballet.org/dancecenter . The dance center is located at 26 Seventh Street at Market Street in San Francisco, CA.

Happy 4th of July!
Donna