In examining ideokinesis and its application to the teaching and practice of dancing, Drid Williams introduces readers to the work of Dr. Lulu Sweigard (1895-1974), a pioneer of ideokinetic principles. Drawing on her experiences during private instructional sessions with Sweigard over a two-year span, Williams discusses methods using imagery for improving body posture and alignment for ease of movement. Central to Williams's own teaching methods is the application of Sweigard's principles and general anatomical instruction, including how she used visual imagery to help prevent bodily injuries and increasing body awareness relative to movement. Williams also emphasizes the differences between kinesthetic (internal) and mirror (external) imagery and shares reactions from professional dancers who were taught using ideokinesis. Williams's account of teaching and practicing ideokinesis is supplemented with essays by Sweigard, William James, and Jean-Georges Noverre on dancing, posture, and habits. Teaching Dancing with Ideokinetic Principles offers an important historical perspective and valuable insights from years of teaching experience into how ideokinesis can shape a larger philosophy of the dance.

A personal and professional account of teaching and learning to dance according to ideokinetic principles

About the Author
Based in Minnesota, Drid Williams is the senior editor of the Journal for the Anthropological Study of Human Movement and the author of Anthropology and the Dance: Ten Lectures, Anthropology and Human Movement: The Study of Dances and Anthropology and Human Movement: Searching for Origins.

Reviews
"A groundbreaking work that examines the relationship between ideokinesis and the teaching and practice of dance. The fascinating insight into Sweigard's teaching methods provides important guidance to dance educators and practitioners."--Elizabeth Dempster, coeditor of Ideokinesis and Dancemaking: Writings on Dance
"Highly recommended."--Choice

"A testimony to the remarkable power of mind-body integration in which focused attention to skeletal clarity leads to motor control and movement efficiency."--Journal of Dance Education

"Williams' book is refreshingly opinioned. Her 'tell it as she knows it' and 'tell it as she sees it' approach to writing makes the book not only accessible to a wide range of readers, but an entertaining and engaging read."--Research in Dance Education



Book Information
ISBN 9780252077999
Author Drid Williams
Format Paperback
Page Count 144
Imprint University of Illinois Press
Publisher University of Illinois Press
Weight(grams) 254g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 10mm