IADMS New York 2002   [back to the Category]

Get Stronger By Stretching   [read the french version]

Author :   Noa Spector-Flock

Get Stronger By Stretching

Noa Spector-Flock
St. Petersburg, Florida, USA


Description:
Working with an elastic band presents both artistic and therapeutic possibilities. Artistically, it breaks the traditional barriers and methods of teaching, allowing people with all body types to develop inner knowledge of self-alignment. As educators begin to use the band as a tool, it becomes possible to eliminate the restrictions that have forced dancers into a form of dance based on body shape. By freeing the artists to express their own visions without limitation, the horizon of dance, is extended.

The workshop will address the use of the band, emphasizing eccentric contraction, with the elastic ban serving as a tool for strengthening/lengthening the muscles. This in return will help teach the harmonious integration of specific muscles with the joints and muscles with which they normally function (synergists). Eccentric contraction occurs when the muscle fibers become extended and as the muscle becomes longer. The participant will learn how to lengthen the muscles while building tension in the muscle fibers. Care will be taken through the steps taught to assure that the tissues are properly loaded to avoid injury. The use of the Thera-Band® as an aid to enhanced resistance while moving will be explored. Thera-Band® is a widely used tool that increases resistance. A program will be presented by the planner, which prepares the body for physical activity. Dance language will be uses as a base for this program. The method has been applied in classes and in work therapy with dancers as well as others.

Goals:
The goal is to offer a method, which prepares the body for physical activity.

The intention is to help increase
+ Awareness
+ Flexibility
+ Strength and
+ The use of three planes of movements.