Irmgard Bartenieff was a significant pioneer in the development of somatic, movement re-patterning approaches to dance training which began in Europe in the early 1900s, and began reaching a zenith in New York City in the 1970s. Professionals who studied with Bartenieff included many who would impact contemporary dance approaches internationally, including Susan Klein and Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen. 

Bartenieff combined the early European somatic approaches of breath and gentle touch, Laban’s holistic approaches to movement in relation to Space and gravity, and the bio-mechanical principles of her physical therapy background, to develop a practice of fundamental movement training geared for efficiency, expressivity, and movement longevity. This work is now referred to as Bartenieff Fundamentals (BF), as a practice of movement re-patterning that includes bringing the sensate mover into the experience of moving. The explicit Concepts of BF are essential elements of working in Release Styles and Techniques. 

This workshop will move through Bartenieff Fundamentals Concepts such as Initiation and Sequencing, Developmental Patterning, Sensing and Releasing Weight, in explorations of moment-by-moment sensory awareness which underlie the quality of presence. 

Crossing Borders is organised by Independent Dance in partnership with the graduate school, London School of Contemporary Dance, Dance4, Siobhan Davies Studios, and Dance Umbrella