The French Connection

The group moved slowly,flapping their arms like birds. Some had closed their eyes,some were staring at the ceiling,while some looked as if they were in a trance. At French dancer Michel Casanovas’ workshop in the Capital’s Natya Ballet Centre located near Gol Market,participants are busy learning the Feldenkrais Method — a holistic body-centred system of performance.

Developed by Israeli scientist Moshe Feldenkrais,the method directs the attention to self-awareness by fluid body movements leading to correct posture. The six-day workshop,which began earlier this week,mostly comprises the younger lot learning awareness through movement. He says that by using the Feldenkrais Method,he focuses on improving functionality,quality and spontaneity of body movements.

“Through this workshop,I want to help people make contact with themselves,” said Casanovas,adding that most people carry themselves in a stiff or restricted manner. Techniques such as making the participants walk or move in a slow motion help them to become more aware about their own bodies.”

Pushpanjali,one of the participants in the workshop,said,

“In our everyday lives,we feel so fragmented due to the pressures around us. After joining this workshop,I feel oneness within myself.”

Casanovas added that since Indians are culturally vibrant and spiritualistic,they have an advantage over others. “But nowadays,I do not see this attribute in everyone here. Especially in metros,the spiritual aspect is becoming more and more rare,” he signed off.