Hello my favorite movers, As I gather and organize all of the oh-so-inspiring information from my travels in Southeast Asia and South America, I thought it would be a good time to say, “Be right back!” while I take a break from being glued to the computer screen. We would like to ensure the next upcoming …
The Importance of Breathing & the GYROTONIC® Method by Lucia Vergnano (GUEST POST)
Lucia Vergnano is a Dancer with Aterballetto Dance Company, a Mother, and a GYROTONIC® Trainer based in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Vergnano now contributes to an blog called Mamma, Mi Racconti (Italian for Mom, Tell Me). In this post, Vergnano shares her thoughts on breathing, the importance of oxygen, and how the GYROTONIC® Method helped her further understand this necessity. BREATHING AGAIN by Lucia Vergnano [Translated by …
The Movement Blog Turns 2 Years Old!
Happy Birthday to The Movement Blog 🎈 Our blog baby is officially 2 years old! In the beginning of April in 2015, I wrote my first post on what this blog would be about and some basic points on the GYROTONIC® Method. Come April 15th, The Movement Blog received over 4,000 + visits in one day …
5 Reasons Dancers Should Take the GYROKINESIS® Method
I’ve only been teaching the GYROKINESIS® Method for the past year, however I’ve been using this method in conjunction with my dance training for nearly 10 years now. Here are my top 5 reasons why you should take the Gyrokinesis Method too. The Gyrokinesis Method has been one of the only methods (along with the Gyrotonic Method) to truly address my tightness and weaknesses, which …
A Mini Dance & Fitness Guide: the Pacific Northwest
Being in the States for Christmas and New Years for the first time in a while meant being able to visit family, friends, teachers and studios I know and love along the Pacific Northwest. After a very relaxing time in Los Angeles, it was time for an adventure to discover something new. This meant travelling (and dancing) for at …
Health & Fitness Goals: How the Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis Methods Can Support You in the New Year
As we move on towards another new year, here we go again with our resolutions and goals. According to sites like Statistic Brain and The Guardian, people’s top ten resolutions included: losing weight, staying fit and healthy, and wanting to learn something new. In fact, 38%-47% of people set fitness and self-improvement related resolutions for the new year. The good news is …
Movement Playlist #7: Barre Fitness
A few months ago, I’ve started covering Barre Fitness classes for City Academy and Triyoga, Camden, which caters towards those interested in ballet, cardio and overall movement and alignment as an upbeat fitness class. These classes also include yoga and pilates mat exercises.
This particular method has challenged me to keep my music upbeat, simple, clear, yet really enjoyable. In this playlist, you’ll get a sample of what I’d usually play when I’m teaching these classes, which is quite different from my slower driven mixes meant for improvisation, for example.
What is Barre Fitness?
Barre Fitness may also be called ‘barre fit’, ‘barre workout’, ‘barre core’, or ‘ballet barre’. This method is derivative and based off the Lotte-Berk Method and The Bar Method. It wonderfully targets muscle groups while focusing on lengthening the muscles, just like ballet. Classes sizes are usually with up to 6-7 people at a time, so it’s gives you a ‘group personal training’ feel.
It is, of course, also great with different fitness levels and body types. No experience or ballet shoes required! Check out the schedule at Triyoga or at City Academy and try it for yourself.
What are my Barre Fitness classes like?
It’s a mixture of Yoga and Dance moves combined with specific strengthening and stretching exercises. These exercises include the use of props, such as weights, and floor work. My goal is always to allow students to pay attention to their alignment during to gain the most out of each exercise.
The class focuses on always working and using the entire body but in ways that are achievable yet challenging. Key emphasis: back of leg (i.e. hamstring, gluteus) and core connection. At the end, you’ll feel more energised, properly aligned, and ready for the rest of your day.
Kindall usually covers the 1:15PM Barre Fitness class, Saturdays at Triyoga, Camden. Stay tuned for updates on the blog’s Facebook page.
If you liked that one, check out my Warm Up and Cool Down Playlist.
Enjoy!
xo
Mini Dance Review: Skånes Dansteater Malmo, Sweden
The Movement Blog’s ‘mini’ dance review aims to give you a ‘short and sweet’ low-down of current performances from around the world. Company: Skånes Dansteater Show: To See the World While the Light Lasts Choreographer: Ben Wright (and dancers) When: November 4th-6th, 2016 Where: Malmo Opera, Sweden Skånes Dansteater, based in Malmo, Sweden, represents dancers from all over the world. This is my second …
WISE WORDS by Norbert De La Cruz III: New York/L.A. Based Dancer, Choreographer & All Around Artist
I present to you a series called WISE WORDS, which will feature short interviews from influential, up and coming and young artists, dancers, and teachers alike. Let’s step into the minds of these professionals to not only find inspiration but to get to know them and relate. First up, New York/L.A. based dancer and choreographer, …
Best New Blogs in Dance, Health, and Fitness in 2016
Above: Mara Cimatoribus, founder and blogger of SHE-SMILES In no particular order – these new blog platforms are equally amazing, inspiring and necessary for dance, fitness, health, and wellbeing enthusiasts alike. One thing these blogs have in common is that all of the founders/creators/directors/bloggers took the initiative to use their experience and knowledge to create a fun, …