June, 2023
Last year was so rich, I took some time off to process, rest, and regroup. Perimenopausial hormonal changes drastically affected my sleep, physicality, and mood, so I was looking for remedies to counteract my symptoms. I wanted to get stronger, and support my body through the next few decades of dancing. I received a grant from the New England Foundation for the Arts Public Art Learning Fund to support my training in the GYROTONIC® Method to become a Certified Instructor. After a week of Pre-Training and 12 days of intensive Foundations training, I am officially certified to teach GYROTONIC® classes as an apprentice Trainer!
I love this system of movement - I feel transformed physically and energetically. This work has increased my strength, range of motion, balance of effort, flexibility, and increased my inner power. The circular flow in working with the equipment is unlike any other methodology. It inspires and invites play! I find the movement and breathing patterns lend themselves especially well to process my grief, trauma, and unease.
I feel so fortunate to have had 1:1 time studying with Deborah Saparoff in her gorgeous sun filled GYROTONIC® studio, Movement Center of Medfield, MA. Deborah really took the time to check in with my body’s physical imbalances and my temperamental needs, checking my alignment and patiently answering all my questions. We dove deep into our movement histories together, sharing how mothering has affected our dance and fitness capacities. Though this work, I am finding deep connections in reclaiming my body after C-section and traumatic birth.
Martha Mason, certified GYROTONIC® Master Trainer, was my first instructor over five years ago. I was hooked after the first session! After multiple private sessions with Martha, she encouraged me to become an instructor before I even recognized I had an interest! At Upward Spiral in Central Square, Cambridge, I trained intensively with Martha with two other apprentices in her Foundations course. Martha’s focus, clarity, and inspiring language were just what I needed to learn how to teach the primary series of movements to others. We learned floor work, and seven different series of exercises on the GYROTONIC® Tower, and specific hands - on and verbal cues for each exercise. I was surprised by how much information I learned, and how much confidence I gained! I already trust in my new abilities to share the practice through my words, actions, and touch.
This summer, I will be opening my home studio, offering private sessions with the NEW Ultima® XS Tower. Please contact me to set up an appointment!
Thank you to everyone who supported me through this process - family, classmates, friends, teachers, and grantors!
My certification coursework and GYROTONIC® Ultima® XS Tower purchases were made possible with support from the New England Foundation for the Arts Public Art Learning Fund, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Sector Recovery Grant for Individuals.
GYROTONIC® and Ultima® are registered trademarks of Gyrotonic Sales Corp and are used with their permission.
In other news, I have been mentoring, advising on grant panels, and consulting with arts organizations - all dance work behind the scenes. I’m so proud to be a part of our dance landscape. Stay tuned for news about new dance projects under development for 2024!