Spring Awakening
March 2017

Spring into Summer
May 2017
with Sumarah Meditation

Embodied Landscapes
September 2017

Autumn on the Beach
October 2017

Movement Ritual Explorations
November 2017

The Art of Being in Motion with Helen Poynor and Shelagh O'Neill
March 2018

Other events and workshops elsewhere

The Walk of Life is an innovative approach to non-stylised movement and creative expression. Established on the beautiful Jurassic Coast in West Dorset/East Devon in 1991 it integrates moving in the studio with moving in response to inspiring natural environments on the coast and in the hills and woodlands nearby.

Simple movement scores arising from the structure of the body are offered as springboards into motion. These serve to heighten awareness and to awaken vitality. Personal explorations are transformed and become the ground for artistic expression.

This approach fosters an embodied sense of self and of presence both in daily life and in performance. In a process which unfolds over time each participant is supported to follow the evolution of their movement practice whatever their level of experience. Participants include experienced movers, emerging practitioners and interested newcomers.

These workshops offer the opportunity to re-connect with the joy, strength, ease and simplicity that our moving being offers us. Grounding ourselves through an embodied encounter with the land which refreshes both body and spirit we rediscover our 'place in the family of things' (Mary Oliver) . As we move in response to rock and water, tree, earth and sky, different experiences and movement qualities are evoked. Working in a receptive and respectful relationship to the environment deepens our awareness of the natural world and our sense of stewardship and of belonging. The Walk of Life is recognised by the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and was affiliated to its Arts Programme for many years.

The 2017 programme opens with Spring Awakening, a 3 day workshop in March, followed by Spring into Summer incorporating Sumarah Meditation in May. In September immerse yourself in Embodied Landscapes this year's 4 day intensive. Autumn on the Beach follows in October. November provides an opportunity to experience Anna Halprin's Movement Ritual. Other events include a screening of In Memoriam in January and a workshop in February at Independent Dance London. In July Walk of Life travels to Nova Scotia for a 3 day workshop. In March 2018 Feldenkrais practitioner Shelagh O'Neill joins Helen again to offer a 2 1/2 day workshop.

This approach to the body in motion has been applied in the arts and performance, education, self-development, movement therapy and daily life. It has proved valuable to people from all walks of life.