Eric Franklin's classic reference is back in a new full-color edition, complete with new material and exercises for instructors to use with their dancers, other performing artists, athletes, and classes.
In Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery, Third Edition, Franklin-an internationally renowned teacher, dancer, and choreographer who has been sharing his imagery techniques for more than 35 years-teaches the use of imagery to increase self-awareness, improve body image, and apply anatomical and biomechanical principles for more efficient movement.
This expanded new edition includes
more than 600 anatomical imagery exercises to improve posture and body alignment, release excess tension, and prevent injuries;
over 500 full-color illustrations to help readers visualize the exercises and use them in various contexts;
four audio files containing guided imagery exercises led by Franklin and set to music; and
updated chapters throughout the book, including new material and exercises to address fasciae and connective tissue.
"The pictures and the words in your mind influence the feelings in your body, which in turn feed your thoughts and mental pictures," Franklin says. "To create powerful and dynamic alignment, you need to fertilize your mind and body with constructive information and weed out destructive thoughts."
This book will help readers do just that as they discover their natural flexibility and increase their power to move. Franklin expertly guides readers through foundational concepts of posture, dynamic alignment, and imagery; explores different types of imagery and guidelines for using them; and delves into biomechanical and anatomical principles, including the body's center and gravity, the laws of motion and force systems, and joint and muscle function. He then provides exercises for anatomical imagery, covering every area of the body from head to toe. The book closes with two critical chapters on defining dynamic alignment and on integrating dynamic alignment exercises into workouts and programs.
Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery, Third Edition, will help readers experience the biomechanical and anatomical principles that are crucial to athletes, dancers, other performing artists, and yoga and Pilates practitioners. The techniques and exercises presented in the book will guide readers in improving their posture-and will positively affect their thoughts and attitudes about themselves and others and help them feel better, both mentally and physically.
Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes both the book and exam.
Introduction. How I Came to Use Imagery
Reinforcing What You Want
Purpose and Will
Using Imagery for Alignment
Using the Audio Files
Part I. Posture and Dynamic Alignment
Chapter 1. Roots of Imagery for Alignment
A Brief Look at Imagery Throughout History
Alignment in History and Art
Imagery and Ideas of Ideal Posture
Somatic Disciplines
Summary
Chapter 2. Postural Models and Dynamic Alignment
Postural Habits
Dynamically Aligning
Summary
Chapter 3. Foundations of Mental Imagery
Brain, Consciousness, and Imagery
Nervous System
The World in the Brain: Neuroplasticity and Imagery
Developmental Patterns
Developing Mind: The Role of Imagery
Summary
Chapter 4. The Art of Change Through Imagery
Four Steps in the Art of Change
A Closer Look at the Four Steps for Change
Summary
Chapter 5. Imagery's Five Ws: What, Who, When, Where, and Why
What?
Who?
When?
Where?
Why?
Summary
Chapter 6. General Guidelines for How to Use Imagery
Factors That Influence Successful Imagery
Modulating and Adapting Images and Metaphors
Sequencing the Imagery
Problems and Opportunities When Cuing Imagery
Resting Positions for Imagery Practice
Summary
Part II. Biomechanical and Anatomical Principles and Exercises
Chapter 7. Befriending Gravity and Finding Your Center
Gravity
Forces
Anatomical Terminology for Location and Direction
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, Bone, Muscle, and Fascia
Joint Types
Bones
Muscles
Connective Tissue and Fascia
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
The Fascia of the Thigh and Leg
Summary
Chapter 11. Knee, Lower Leg, and Foot
Get to Know Your Knee
Fascia of the Lower Limb
Tibia, Fibula, and Ankle
Foot
Interaction of Fasciae, Muscles, and Ligaments of the Leg and Foot
Summary
Chapter 12. Spine and Body Wall
Vertebrae
Intervertebral Discs
The Spine's Curved Design
Sacrum and Pelvis
Spinal Ligaments
Musculature of the Abdomen and Back
Abdominal Wall
Abdominal Muscles and the Concept of Core Stability
Summary
Chapter 13. Shoulders, Arms, and Hands
Suspension of the Shoulder Girdle
Glenohumeral Joint
Humeroscapular Rhythm
Elbow
Wrist and Hand
Summary
Chapter 14. Head and Neck
Atlas and Axis
Fasciae of the Neck
Skull
Fasciae of the Head and Face
Suboccipitals
Mandible
Hyoid and Tongue
Eyes
Nose and Mouth
Summary
Chapter 15. Rib Cage, Breath, and Organs
Rib Cage
Breath
Support and Breathing for Abdominal Organs
Heart
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
