BALANCED ARCH
What is The Gyrokinesis Method? – A BACKGROUND
“I want music in my body and poetry in my body, and I want to be skilful without struggle; it has to come without struggle” – Juliu Horvath, GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® founder.
More than 30 years ago Juliu Horvath sustained a series of injuries that summarily ended his dance career. As part of his convalescence he began taking yoga classes, then in 1977 he retreated to St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands for extensive exploration and research into yoga and the body.
During this period he developed a training system he initially referred to as ‘yoga for dancers’, which over time evolved into the The Gyrokinesis Method.
Just one of the many distinctive components of the Gyrokinesis system is the integration of eastern healing techniques, which are seamlessly assimilated into the exercise regime[1].
Far from being static or rigid, the Gyrokinesis method continues to evolve and Juliu’s initial motivation[2] has broadened to encompass his love of dance – in particular the sublime surrender of the holistically integrated body/mind/spirit to movement – with the impetus being pure emotion. This is one reason dancers (and non-dancers) the world over are awakening to the benefits of Gyrokinesis exercise, whether it be as a conduit to dance, maintaining dance fitness, or simply to enjoy an holistic exercise system other than Yoga or Tai Chi.
As Juliu’s work has developed he has observed that once technique is acquired, and then combined with innate musicality, there is a space to create artistry – just as in dance.
Knowing the benefits of this connection, and how it can elude those without formal dance training, he set out to facilitate a similar experience for non-dancers. Juliu also believes too much explanation of how this transformation may occur could in fact ‘inhibit or masque one’s own exploration, discovery and essential connection’……..
Following experimentation with various methods, including visualisation, analogies, breathing techniques and rhythm, he came to understand that not all people are innately musical – that some are unable to ‘hear’ their inner music or rhythm – and it was this realisation that inspired Juliu to create music specifically for Gyrokinesis exercises. Through the use of music he hopes to initiate an experience once solely reserved for dancers and elite athletes – the sublime twilight between the technical/physical aspect and the spirit/soul – and….. yes, he has used the word ‘trance’ in this sense. So here we have a continuation of the theme of Trance, which will be explored during the Tanzraum Summer Dance workshops in Belley later this year.
… “the emotions will finally overpower the calculating mind…listen to the emotions listen to the music – it will guide you there – and then it is going to be life giving, it is nourishment”…
As dancers we already possess that special and innate relationship with music/rhythm – we already have an advantage…allez!
©Juliet Le Page 2013
[1] Stimulate the neural, metabolic and circulatory systems
[2] to create an holistic exercise system for health and well being
The Gyrokinesis Method® Offers:
Improved –
- core strength
- Initiation from core
- power/stability
- alignment
- range and freedom of spinal movement
- fluidity
- connection to earth
- integration of the esoteric/exoteric body
- clarity of form and intent
- awareness of nuanced balance (control and abandon)
- opens the heart space
- flexibility and strength
- agility/response
- co-ordination and proprioception
- dynamism
- joy and freedom of movement!
- musicality, lyricism
*GYROTONIC®, GYROTONIC® & Logo, GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® and GYROKINESIS® are registered trademarks of Gyrotonic Sales Corp and are used with their permission.
