The Philosophy of Movement
The quest of the book is to discover the Nature of Movement in relation to the process of self-actualization.
Twentieth century educational pioneers such as F.M. Alexander, Dalcroze, Steiner and Laban succeeded in bringing a new and advanced perspective to the importance of movement and to the movement patterning of the individual. Some of Dalcroze’s quotations encapsulate the sentiments; ‘Move with the Movement’, ‘Live your own rhythm’ and ‘Let the rhythm live through you’.
Several dance forms are explored, some related to theatrical training, others to yoga, circle dance and body posture. It is clear the author has a wide experience of several forms, and explores what might be called an ‘inner meaning’ to forms which are often thought of as purely artistic or therapeutic. The last chapter has a special vitality, since the Sacred Dances of Gurdjieff are brought fairly and squarely into view. This brings a new dimension to the philosophy dance, one which places great emphasis on personal evolution.
What is the nature of movement?
Movement and dance are a neglected aspect of philosophy, but here the author explores movement from the perspective of meaning and value.
Twentieth century teachers such as Alexander, Dalcroze, Laban, Steiner and Gurdjieff have explored the philosophy of movement through different avenues. These range from the aesthetic and the healing arts to the spiritual, which effectively elevates movements into the philosophical domain. In this book, Jan Ellan Bows takes us on a journey of exploration, often with direct experience of the forms in question.
Movements carry subtle influences, especially when accompanied by music. Schools, both ancient and modern have used music and movement to promote healing through establishing harmonic balance (Pythagoras), and have ‘the ability to transmit an unknown, non verbal language’ (Gurdjieff).
This book is available from Amazon.co.uk