The Walk of Life is an innovative approach to non-stylised movement and
creative expression. Established on the beautiful Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site 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 was affiliated to the Jurassic Coast Arts Programme for many years.
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.
In these changing times it is a pleasure to offer a new Walk of Life programme for 2022 opening with Spring Tides, a weekend workshop on the coast in Charmouth at the beginning of April. This is followed by three seasonal workshops in spring, summer and autumn: Earth Songs in mid May, a 3 day Summer School in July, and Autumn Seas and Trees at the end of October. Each of these workshops combines movement practice in the studio with moving on site. Between them the workshops encompass a range of environments, including wild tidal landscapes, earth sites and ancient woodland. The year closes with an opportunity to immerse yourself in Anna Halprin's Movement Ritual in the studio in November..
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