Core Dynamics Pilates and the Modern Dance Technique Class: Integrating bodywork to facilitate efficient movement

Karpanty, Kimberly, MA, MFA, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, United States 

Core Dynamics Pilates is an internationally recognized certification program in the method of Joseph Pilates. Founded by master teacher Michele Larsson of Santa Fe, NM, Core Dynamics is grounded in the work of Eve Gentry, a modern dancer and teacher of movement until her death at 84. Eve Gentry worked with Hanya Holm and Rudolph von Laban and had her own dance company in New York City.  She was a student of Joseph Pilates for over 20 years. Toward the end of her life she began working with people in post-injury and illness situations. She developed ways for people with limited possibilities to move pain free, gaining strength and flexibility. These techniques can be applied to anyone who wants to move with ease, and are relevant to the individual dance student with unique movement challenges. 

The workshop begins with a brief introduction; participants may wear unrestrictive clothing to take part in a half-hour movement session. The class is an anatomically sound warm-up created by integrating modern dance floor work and Core Dynamics preparatory principles. The choreographed exercises strengthen and stabilize the core, allowing mobility and range of movement in the spine and limbs. Unlike more ballistic practices, the Gentry approach emphasizes the use of breath and flow throughout; participants will reach a standing position with the body integrated and ready to move through space without tension or rigidity. Afterwards, the class will assemble to share experiences with the work and the integrity and practicality of its application. 

The presenter has been a student of Pilates for over 15 years and a certified Core Dynamics teacher since 2001.  She has taught movement to many populations and adapted her private Pilates practice to the specific needs of dancers.  She is also an Associate Professor of Dance at a university in the US.