Itcush into Dance with Ashley Johnson
Itcush into Dance with Ashley Johnson
Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Dates: May 13, 22, 20, 22, 27, 29
Times: 9:15 AM - 10:30 AM
Cost: $20 a class
Class Description:
This movement class takes the student through a series of floor, chair and standing patterns based on the system of dynamic alignment, the Itcush Method.
Through gentle guided practice we aim to embody the somatic principles of internal sensing to find a mobile center and activate the inherent rippling motion of the spine. Each class involves dynamic improvisational tasks, a focus on nervous system regulation and creating a structure that is supple, mobile and strong. Previous experience in dance and/or equivalent somatic movement form is recommended. No equipment needed.
Instructor Bio:
Ashley Johnson is a dance artist and Registered Somatic Movement Educator trained in group facilitation and hands on bodywork as a teacher of the Mitzvah Technique/Itcush Method and Continuum Movement.
Upon completing a diploma in Dance from Grant MacEwan College and a BA in Dance from University of Calgary Ashley spent ten years apprenticing with movement pioneers from around North America. She trained extensively with her primary mentors Amelia Itcush and Emilie Conrad until their passing.
Ashley has taught a somatic approach to injury rehabilitation and movement coaching across western Canada and diversified her approach while living in Northern Saskatchewan. She spent the last 15 years working as a teaching artist in public schools, health centers, libraries, galleries and other public institutions. She currently teaches as part of New Dance Horizons Dance Core program and Somaspheres.
She believes moving is a way of knowing and learning to live in our bodies is a social revolution that begins with reframing strength, mobility and posture. Ashley undertook extensive training with high performance kinesiologist Shauna Sky and mentored under arts educators and martial artists to understand a moving body that is complex, beautiful and ever changing. See her work at www.constantlyseekingsoftness.ca
