Last week, a three-hour workshop dedicated to somatic techniques and the Laban-Bartenieff approach invited participants to explore movement as a tool for self-awareness. Led by Brigitte Lachance, the session provided a safe and supportive space to feel, understand, and experience the body in movement.
The workshop began with a warm-up inspired by the principles of Laban and Bartenieff. By paying attention to muscles, bones, and the connections between different parts of the body, participants gradually developed a deeper awareness of their sensations. This approach encouraged a gentle entry into an exploration that was both physical and reflective.
Throughout the session, the theoretical foundations of the Laban-Bartenieff approach were introduced, including the main neuromuscular developmental patterns present in the human body. The respiratory, core distal, head-tail, upper-lower, homolateral, and contralateral patterns were explored both theoretically and through practical exercises. A video by Hana Kamea Kemble further enriched the discussion by highlighting the role of these patterns in movement, regulation, and self-awareness.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the workshop was the importance given to discussion and personal reflection. Through different moments of sharing, participants were able to observe their sensations, recognize certain bodily patterns, and put words to their experiences. The questions proposed encouraged personal insights while fostering authentic and supportive exchanges within the group.
An important idea emerged from the workshop: trauma is held within the body, and dance therapy can offer a path toward healing. By bringing participants into the present moment, the exercises demonstrated how breathing, bodily presence, and spatial organization can support a sense of safety and stability. These simple gestures take on a deeper meaning when practiced with attention and intention.
The workshop also encouraged reflection on the contribution of these approaches within healthcare professions. By developing a deeper understanding of the body and movement, these practices can enrich clinical support and provide new intervention tools centered on bodily experience.
In the final part of the session, participants were introduced to a short routine they could continue practicin at home. This practical tool was intended to help integrate the learning into daily life and encourage a more attentive and compassionate relationship with the body.
Ultimately, this workshop was much more than a theoretical training session. It offered a meaningful space for presence, connection, and self-awareness, reminding participants of the importance of inhabiting the body with greater consciousness and kindness.
