Authentic Movement arose as a conjunction between Jung's concept of active imagination and modern dance movement improvisation. Developed by a number of practitioners (Whitehouse, Chodorow, Adler), the method is used for creative and integrative movement exploration in the contexts of dance movement therapy, meditation and contemporary dance movement improvisation and, as offered here, as a journey of discovery. Movers improvise and explore spontaneous gestures and movements with their eyes closed, following inner impulses in the present moment. Some times called a movement meditation, Authentic Movement cultivates a contemplative frame of mind, clarity of perception and responsive movement and stillness of body and mind. The particular relationship between mover and witness, in moving and being seen by another, creates a non-judgemental and powerful framework within which this work takes place. Authentic Movement is practiced individually or in a group with an experienced teacher/witness. When more experienced movers are taught to become witnesses themselves, they continue working with this method in peer groups and diads.
Authentic Movement trains a particular way of 'letting-go' into the movement and the body's impulses, but it also emphasises the importance of a conscious recollection and memory of movement, and an attitude which allows rather than judges and 'tries'. We speak about 'mover consciousness' and 'witness consciousness' and 'the 'collective body'. At each stage of learning, emphasis is placed on the further development and refinement of these qualities of knowing.
Movement in this form is generated without any direction from outside or the teacher, but movers are taught to develop an awareness for their own movement impulses which guide them on a journey that is wholly exploratory and unique. Often 'being seen by another' signifies an important stage in the development of the mover/witness relationship, where gradually trust instead of 'self-consciousness', as an inhibiting factor, develops. Practicing Authentic Movement can help dancers and performers be more true to themselves and able to share more 'authentic' parts of themselves in actual public performances. This is also true for people 'performing' in the work place, as therapist or professionals, whereever the need to conform to a particular role has become habitual and prohibitive of real presence. It is 'being present' and 'real' which lies at the centre of the Authentic Movement experience and teaching.
Movers shut their eyes and are free to move in whatever way they feel like, liberated from the pressures to 'perform' in a particular way, many movers find this method applicable to their own embodiment and individuation. This is useful to people who seek integration and peacefulness between body and mind, knowing that this separation only exists in language, not in reality. Deeply personal changes and transitions can be prepared for in this way. The teacher, "witness" 'holds the space' and observes in order to reflect back to the mover. Schooled in movement observation the teacher/witness is able to help the recollection of 'being and moving' and affirms the movers rightful place within an appreciative and rich sensual experience of reality.
Sourced from authenticmovement.org / © 2004,5 Eila Goldhahn
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