Authentic Movement

Through Authentic Movement, a mover, with their eyes closed, follows their impulses and explorations along with a compassionate and non-judgmental witness holding a safe container for the mover’s exploration. The movements may be in response to internal impulses, stories, musings, etc. within the mover. The witness holds the space for the mover in a non-judgmental and compassionate manner with attention and presence.

This is not about performance, or making beautiful or meaningful movements, but an opportunity to safely explore the inner depths of oneself through self-guided movement with a compassionate non-judgmental witness. “Authentic Movement is a meditative, intuitive, improvisational movement practice involving a mover and a witness. It is a practice of listening, attunement; slowing, and opening to a deeper sensing of the body and psyche. It was developed by dancer and psychotherapist Mary Starks Whitehouse, who, following her work with Carl Jung, became curious about moving without intention, or the practice of "waiting to be moved." The Discipline of Authentic Movement was further developed by Janet Adler, who, over the past fifty years has refined and deepened the witnessing aspect of the practice. “ (from paulajosajones.org)

“Authentic Movement is a completely self-directed form in which individuals discover a movement pathway that offers a bridge between the conscious and the unconscious. Authentic Movement explores the relationship between a mover and a witness, being seen and seeing. With eyes closed, the mover listens inwardly and finds a movement arising from a hidden prompting, a cellular impulse. Gradually the invisible becomes visible… and explicit form is given to the content of direct experience witness brings a receptive quality of clear attention to the mover…The mover and witness together can achieve a level of perception of self and other that evokes deep respect and empathy.” (from www.authenticmovementinstitue.com)

Our guide Enroue Halfkenny studied Dance and Movement Improvisation as an undergraduate and has continued to dance since then. Enroue is also a clinical social worker and priest in a traditional West African religion. Authentic Movement can be powerful, healing, playful, and mystical. It takes some courage, but it's the courage to meet with your expressive, deep self. This is an invitation to explore this together. As a black person, I have found it to be a powerful experience in not only getting to know deeper aspects of myself but in giving these aspects shape and place in a world that can be hostile and silencing. It's a great chance to follow the body and deep self instead of telling it what to do.

The cost for each class is $15 per person or $10 with a scholarship. If this is still a barrier to you participating please let us know and we can make arrangements for you to attend. Typically these types of classes and opportunities are more readily available to people with more disposable income, who have the financial means to explore non-traditional forms of movement, expression and healing or who are privileged due to race or ethnicity(or both). To make this practice more accessible to a more economically and racially diverse community, West Rock Wellness and Enroue Halfkenny are offering scholarships for those who identify as BIPOC or who may not be able to afford to pay the full amount of the class for whatever reason. 

Previous dance or movement experience is NOT required. The class will be limited to 16 people. Please wear comfortable clothes to move in. We will also be barefooted. We ask that you are on time. The class will be closed to any new participants 15 min after it begins.