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

Spring Awakening
April 2018

Embodied Landscapes
Training workshop
May 2018

Wild Women
June 2018

Walk of Life Summer School
July 2018

Autumn Trees and Autumn Seas
October 2018
including Sumarah Meditation

Movement Ritual Explorations
February 2019

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 2018 programme opens with The Art of Being in Motion a continuation of the successful collaboration with Feldenkrais practitioner Shelagh O'Neill. Spring Awakening, a weekend workshop follows in April. Embodied Landscapes a 3 day intensive training workshop is offered in May and Wild Women another 3 day workshop in June. The Summer School takes place in mid July. Autumn Trees and Autumn Seas with Sumarah meditation, in October, is the final workshop of 2018. 2019 opens with an opportunity to experience Anna Halprin's Movement Ritual.

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.