The Walk of Life is an innovative approach to non-stylised movement which understands movement as a physical and creative process. Movement scores are used as a springboard into motion awakening vitality and heightening awareness, transforming personal explorations into creative expression. Moving in response to inspiring natural environments is an integral part of this work.

Based on the structure of the body this approach fosters an embodied sense of presence. 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). Moving in response to rock and water, tree, earth and sky each element elicits different movement qualities.

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.

Based on the beautiful World Heritage Coast of West Dorset and East Devon the Walk of Life was established by Helen Poynor in 1991. This year’s programme includes a women's intensive in spring as well as seasonal weekend workshops throughout the year. It also features an introduction to Anna Halprin’s Movement Ritual and a weekend combining Sumarah meditation with movement practice. The popular workshops with Feldenkrais practitioner Shelagh O’Neill continue including a 3 day workshop in Cornwall. A winter intensive investigating the inter-relationship between non-stylised movement and Feldenkrais more deeply is planned for early 2009. The training element of the programme is expanding. Building on the pilot training in 2007 a new training programme in environmental and non-stylised movement will start in September. The highly successful Dancers on Site practitioner training in site specific performance, now in its 7th year, takes place in early July.