authentic movement

about the course

There is a particular quality of attention that we can cultivate that is not the gaze that analyses, interprets, or tries to fix, but the one that simply sees. Authentic Movement is a practice of cultivating exactly that: a spacious, non-judgemental presence for your own inner life, and for the experience of those you move with, teach, or support. WHAT IS AUTHENTIC MOVEMENT? Authentic Movement is a contemplative somatic discipline rooted in the dance movement therapy tradition and the Jungian concept of active imagination. Developed by Mary Starks Whitehouse and evolved by Janet Adler, it works through the simple but profound structure of mover and witness — and the inner witness each of us carries within ourselves. Its practice encompasses movement, stillness, sensation, image, emotion, and the language we use to speak from experience rather than about it. WHAT WILL YOU EXPLORE? – The fundamentals of Authentic Movement practice and its roots in DMT and Jungian analysis – The roles of the mover, the outer witness, and your own inner witness – Non-judgemental seeing, speaking, and listening as a discipline – The connections between body, mind, emotion, and the imaginal field – How to apply Authentic Movement principles in your own practice and with the people you work with WHAT DOES A SESSION LOOK LIKE? Expect to move in contemplative ways, speak and listen with care, and write and draw intuitively. This is quiet, generative, inward work, held within a structure dedicated to safety. You will be invited rather than directed; the emphasis throughout is on your own felt experience. IS THIS WEEKEND FOR YOU? This weekend is open to all curious movers — you do not need to be a movement teacher or practitioner to attend. It is especially relevant for: – Somatic movement educators and coaches – Yoga and dance teachers – Counsellors, psychotherapists, and somatic therapists – Anyone drawn to embodied, contemplative practice. PREPARATION Participants are asked to complete approximately 2–3 hours of pre-course reading, provided in advance via our Google Classroom. PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION This weekend is part of Barefoot Body’s associate programme with ISMETA and can count towards the Barefoot Body's SME (Somatic Movement Educator) programme for those who later choose to pursue the full qualification and towards registered status of Associate Somatic Movement . DATES: 19-20 September, 10-5pm VENUE: Cambridge FEES: £195 if booked before 31 July, then £240