Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery, Second Edition, expands on the classic text and reference written by Eric Franklin, an internationally renowned teacher, dancer, and choreographer who has been sharing his imagery techniques for 25 years.
In this new edition, Franklin shows you how to use imagery, touch, and movement exercises to improve your coordination and alignment. These exercises will also help you relieve tension, enhance the health of your spine and back, and prevent back injury.
This expanded new edition includes
• more than 600 imagery exercises along with nearly 500 illustrations to help you visualize the exercises and use them in various contexts;
• audio files for dynamic imagery exercises set to music and posted online to the book's product page; and
• updated chapters throughout the book, including new material on integrated dynamic alignment exercises and dynamic alignment and imagery.
This book will help you discover your natural flexibility and quickly increase your power to move. You'll learn elements of body design. You'll explore how to use imagery to improve your confidence, and you'll discover imagery conditioning programs that will lead you toward better alignment, safer movement, increased fitness, and greater joy. Further, you'll examine how to apply this understanding to your discipline or training to improve your performance.
Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery, Second Edition, will help you experience the biomechanical and anatomical principles that are crucial to dancers, other performing artists, yoga and Pilates teachers and practitioners, and athletes. The techniques and exercises presented in the book will guide you in improving your posture-and they will positively affect your thoughts and attitude about yourself and others and help you feel and move better both mentally and physically.
Part I: Posture and Dynamic Alignment
Chapter 1: Roots of Imagery for Alignment
In Search of Ideal Posture
Somatic Disciplines
Summary
Chapter 2: Postural Models and Dynamic Alignment
What Your Posture Reveals
Postural Habits
Rich Sources for Dynamic Alignment
Summary
Chapter 3: Foundations of Mental Imagery
Brain as the Basis for Imagery
Brain and Consciousness
Nervous System
Neuroplasticity and Imagery
Developing Mind: The Role of Imagery
Summary
Chapter 4: Change Through Imagery
Four Steps for Change
Body Image as Basic Feedback
Developmental Patterns and Mental Imagery
Wrong Habits That Feel Right
Retaining Your Progress
Motivation and Change
Summary
Chapter 5: Benefits and Types of Imagery
Benefits: What Imagery Can Do for You
Types of Imagery
Styles of Imagery Delivery
Self-Talk: The Internal Monologue
Summary
Chapter 6: General Guidelines Before Using Imagery
Factors That Influence Successful Imagery
Guidelines for Using Imagery
Training Your Ability to Use Imagery
Concentration and Attention
Stages of Learning
Positions for Anatomical Imagery Work
Using Imagery When in Motion
Image Narrative, Image Bundles, and Relational Imagery
Summary
Part II: Biomechanical and Anatomical Principles and Exercises
Chapter 7: Finding Your Center and Befriending Gravity
Planes for Direction and Location
Central Axis
Body Geography
Joint Movements
Force
Matter and Mass
Summary
Chapter 8: Laws of Motion and Force Systems
Newton's Laws of Motion
Force Systems
Lever Systems
Energy Conservation
Ability of Materials to Resist Force
Dynamic Stability
Summary
Chapter 9: Joint and Muscle Function
Joint Types
Bones
Connective Tissue and Fascia
Muscles
Summary
Part III: Exercises for Anatomical Imagery
Chapter 10: Pelvis, Hip Joint, and Company
Pelvic Arches
Balancing the Pelvis
Motion of the Pelvic Halves
Counterrotation and Three-Dimensional Alignment
Pelvic Powerhouse
Hip Joint and Femur
Iliopsoas and Piriformis
Summary
Chapter 11: Knee, Lower Leg, and Foot
Knee
Tibia, Fibula, and Ankle
Foot
Summary
Chapter 12: Spine and Body Wall
Functioning Spine
Pelvis
Vertebrae
Facet Joints
Discs, Spine, and Psychology of Pain
Spinal Ligaments
Musculature of the Abdomen and Back
Abdominal Wall and Fascia
Abdominal Muscles and the Concept of Core Stability
Summary
Chapter 13: Shoulders, Arms, and Hands
Suspension of the Shoulder Girdle
Glenohumeral Joint
Scapulohumeral Rhythm
Elbow
Wrist and Hand
Summary
Chapter 14: Head and Neck
Atlas and Axis
Skull
Suboccipitals
Mandible
Hyoid and Tongue
Eyes
Nose and Mouth
Summary
Chapter 15: Rib Cage, Breath, and Organs
Rib Cage
Breath
Support for Abdominal Organs
Skin as an Organ
Summary
Part IV: Returning to Holistic Alignment
Chapter 16: Definitions of Dynamic Alignment
Plumb Line
Median Alignment
Defining Ideal Alignment
Dynamic Versus Static Alignment
Dynamic and Static Stability
Pulling Up and Ideal Alignment
Summary
Chapter 17: Integrating Dynamic Alignment Exercises
Alignment in Supine Positions
Alignment in Sitting Positions
Standing and Walking Alignment
Releasing Excess Tension
Continuing Imagery Exercises
