Informed by experiential anatomy and the improvisational values of the mover-witness framework (sometimes also referred to as 'Authentic Movement'), these sessions begin with open structures for moving which gradually overlap with gentle prompts for generating movement material. In the latter part of the session, we will explore the process of returning to (self-selected) movement material as an invitation to grow and deepen the relationship with it. The overall intention is to cultivate sensitivity to the emergence and quality of movement alongside an imaginative and atmospheric pleasure in solo-dancing. Time for reflection is embedded within the sessions and individualised responses are welcome throughout.

It's fine to leave the sessions early if you need to (there will be a convenient departure point around 11.15am).

My approach to facilitating experiential anatomy has been profoundly influenced by Body-Mind Centering informed practitioners - such as Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, Linda Hartley, Andrea Olsen, Caryn McHose as well as others such as Miranda Tufnell, Satya Dunning, Natalie Garrett Brown and Fabiano Culora - who work with the anatomical materiality of the body as a poetic and imaginative resource. The idea is that the anatomical information or prompts offer ways of noticing and playing creatively with movement possibilities. In this way we are learning about our own ‘anatomy’ or tissues through the subjective, movement-based response to such prompts.

For this series, experiential anatomy topics will be related to different 'channels' of sensation, including the following:

Mon 6 Jan: Sensing orientation

Tues 7 Jan: Sensing proprioception

Thurs 9 Jan: The sensory organ of the skin and touch

Fri 10 Jan: The senses of smelling/tasting/seeing/hearing

Sat 11 Jan: Container/contents, light allusion to the organ body and sensing interoception

*Please note that these sessions are designed for movers with prior experience with somatically-informed dance improvisation practices. They can be attended as a series or on a drop-in basis. For block bookings - and/or to avoid eventbrite booking hassle - contact Amy directly on: info@amyvoris.com

Amy Voris is a dance-maker and facilitator based in Manchester, UK. Her practice is process-oriented and collaborative, driven by the desire to develop enduring relationships with people, places and movement material. The outcome of the work is contingent on hunches and interactions that occur during the process and varies widely. Examples of current projects include a site-responsive project (enter & inhabit), a collaboration with a jewellery maker (flockOmania) and an artist-led curatorial project for experimental performance practices (accumulations). She has completed training in Integrative Bodywork and Movement Therapy with Linda Hartley which informs her approach to dance-making and facilitating.

experiential anatomy into movement - supporting solo movement practice