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physical culture in flow
acroyogaIf yoga is where it all began, then AcroYoga is where the spaceship left the launchpad. AcroYoga is the ultimate translation of yogic principals into partnerships. An elegant blend of Acrobatics, Yoga, and Thai Massage, this practice is all about building bonds of trust, playfulness, and communication between base, flyer, and an occasional spotter. Once a vocabulary of moves is learned, a space is opened for complete improvisational jamming.
poi spinningIf the circle of the hoop represents the feminine, the orbiting balls of the poi represent... well, you get the picture. Poi is true poetry in motion. Originally a tool of the Maori tribes of New Zealand, they were used both to visually articulate stories, and to train young warriors in the fundamental flows of swordplay. These days, they are (alongside staff, hoop, and meteor) one of the primary tools of the fire dance and performance community. But all you need to get started is a pair of socks and two tennis balls! Just place the balls in the socks, grasp the socks by the ends, and start spinning. As with the hoop, once you get the basics down, the trick path is endless, so just turn up the music, and rock it. Once you've got some skillz, find you some responsible friends, and go ahead and light a fire!
contact improvAs the name implies, this is a fully improvisational form, aligned closely with Ecstatic Dance. Observing a fusion contact improv / acroyoga performance at the center camp of Burning Man in 2005 completely awakened me as to the possibilities of partner play with two healthy players. In 2008 I got to participate in my first actual contact improv playtime. In 2009 I formalized the practice by performing in both Atlanta and Oakland with trained partners. Contact improv is about listening with your body. It is the most open of all these practice forms.
hoopdanceHoopdance was one of the first practices to open me to the simple and ecstatic joys of movement. Most adults I know of consider hula hoops to be the exclusive domain of children; and indeed, the $5 plastic toy hoops purchased at your local toy store are just that. But there is another class of hoop, larger in diameter and heavier, lovingly handmade by dedicated craftspeople all over the world, which re-opens this practice to playful humans of any age. The basic movement is simple: thrusting your hips rhythmically just as you do in your favorite activity. And once an adult regains the confidence in their ability to keep the hoop revolving, then the world opens up to the endless possibilities of tricks and true movement with the flow.
bouldering / free climbingOne of the best methods of solo practising these skills of strength, balance, and flexibility, which also adds elements of fun, adrenaline, puzzle solving and immediacy, is bouldering, or free climbing. This is the art of climbing challenging vertical surfaces free from the crutches of rope or harness, using only your bare hands and feet to move upwards. Typically it is done on bouldering 'projects' which are less than 30 feet high, thus conveniently avoiding a fatality with a fall. Alternatively it can be practiced at one of the numerous rock climbing gyms located throughout the country.
gymnasticsGymnastics is a bonus piece which adds significant components of strength, control, and balance to all your other practices. In reality, serious gymnasts, like professional circus artists, can consider many of these other skills mere hobbies. A well-rounded gymnast is the apogee of physical health.
martial artsMartial Arts is a quasi-violent form of dance. Two practitioners trained in the same form can escalate to a highly choreographed form of play, using forceful impact in place of subtle touch. In forms such as Tai Chi and Aikido, where solo and harm-free forms are practiced, the lines are very blurred. Either way, martial arts engender physical flow, awareness of chi, and fluidity of movement within dynamic ever-changing environments. Highly recommended for the advanced movement arts practitioner.
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vinyasa yoga
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GREG ROBERTS |
WORK + PLAY + BLOG + BIO + CONTACT |
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copyright © 1969-2011 greg roberts. all rights reserved. reproduction for commercial use is strictly prohibited without prior written consent. now stop squinting at your monitor, get outside and play!
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