THE ARTIST'S BODY / Daily

Mon 8:30 am to 9:30 am in the MA CoDE studio, EL50.

Instructor: Britta Schönbrunn

This yoga morning class focuses on the BREATH by learning and practicing various breathing techniques to start the day with a clear and steady mind. Increasing the awareness of the connection between breath flow and movements supports the body to be and process through different yoga postures - Asanas: we wake up the spine, release tension, increase flexibility and stability. The practice encourages to relax and deepen into the asanas with joy, while listening and following ones own body wisdom! No yoga experience necessary

Tues 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the dance department.

Instructor: Kristina Veit

This 60min beginning of the day class is about connecting the body and mind through awareness of the breath. Yoga is also translated from Sanskrit as union. Something can be united when all parts are perceived. This expansion of perception requires great concentration and practice. In the various traditions of yoga, all levels of the human being, physical, mental and spiritual have a high value and the image of the body as a temple is equally common and healing. Through relaxation techniques, breathing (pranayama) and physical exercises (asanas), targeted strengthening and activation of individual muscle groups, exercises that stimulate circulation, open and mobilize the joints, and above all, practice without pressure to perform, an environment is created in which everyone can make changes at their own pace.

This class is open to everyone. It will be taught in English and German as needed. Please bring comfortable clothing.

Tue 8.30 am to 9.30 am in the dance department

Instructor: Marc Prätsch

Taiji-Pratze is a holistic fitness training. The workout consists of elements of boxing, Taijiquan and Qigong. In different punch combinations on the paw we train the power transmission from the centre of the body, explosiveness and coordination. In the center of the movement work is the practice of the "Taiji body". The training consists of a cardio warmup, the pratze combinations and a Qigong meditation as a cool down.

Please bring something to drink a towel and sport shoes.

Tuesdays, 8:30–9:30 a.m. in the MA CoDE Studio/EL50

Instructor: Karin Dietrich

We live in turbulent times. Studies, work, the state of the world, and other uncertainties in life often present us with major challenges. Meditation can be a way to bring more mindfulness and resilience into our everyday lives, perhaps not to solve these problems, but to learn to deal with them well and to support ourselves and others in the process.

How does meditation work, how do you do it? Actually, it's more about doing nothing, about letting things be. The course is therefore an invitation to let be together, to be at peace, beyond right and wrong. In this sense, meditation is not a form of “wellness” or “time out,” but rather “time in” – for yourself and the here and now. In this way, meditation can become a practice and a support for dealing with whatever surrounds us.

This class is open to everyone. It will be taught in English and German as needed. The framework in which we practice sitting and walking meditation together in silence will be developed with the group and adapted to their needs. Those who already have meditation experience and their own sitting cushions or benches are welcome to bring them. However, there are also some around.

Tues 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. in the dance department.

Instructor: Colin Ames

The Alexander Technique is a system of reorganizing thought and movement based on the experience and observations of Australian actor F. M. Alexander. 

While attempting to solve the vocal problems that were interfering with his career, Alexander realized he was creating a pattern of tension that interfered with the harmonious relationship between his head, neck and back. In this course we will explore this relationship, and through awareness and hands-on guidance gradually unlearn these patterns of tension to allow for more calm and poise in our performance and daily lives.

Tues 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. in the dance department.

Instructor: Laura Ahumada Garcia

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. Unlike in other martial arts, the participants are in constant motion due to the basic movement of Ginga.

Together in a circle, we will begin by warming up the body including, stretching and cardio exercises, followed by incorporating playfully basic elements of capoeira such as: Ginga which means in Portuguese “swing”, kicks like Marteloand Benção, as well as escapes like Esquiva. Often we will be working with partners to refine those skills. The class will culminate in a Roda, where participants form a circle to watch and engage in an improvisational exchange of movements we have worked on during the class. The session will end with a cool-down and community reflection.

No previous experience is required.

Tues 8:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. in the dance department.

Instructor: Colin Ames

The Alexander Technique is a system of reorganizing thought and movement based on the experience and observations of Australian actor F. M. Alexander. 

While attempting to solve the vocal problems that were interfering with his career, Alexander realized he was creating a pattern of tension that interfered with the harmonious relationship between his head, neck and back. In this course we will explore this relationship, and through awareness and hands-on guidance gradually unlearn these patterns of tension to allow for more calm and poise in our performance and daily lives.

Wed 8:30 am to 9:30 am in the MA CoDE studio, EL50.

Instructor: Michelle DiMeo

Pilates with Katelyn provides a series of movement exercises designed to develop and use proper alignment, stabilization and mobilization in movement. Muscles are toned and balanced, joint spaces find stability and strength and places of tightness and tension in the body move toward ease. The exercises are offered in sitting, laying and standing yet can be modified for each individual. Comfortable clothes and a mat are recommended. This course is directed towards individuals with little to none experience with movement-based courses and moves at a slower pace.

Wed 8:30 am to 9:30 am in the Opera Studio.

Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Martina Peter-Bolaender

+++ The course starts on October 26th, 2022 +++

Tai Chi is a meditation in movement: Slowly flowing movements performed with awareness promote presence, being there in the moment!
Through the connection of mindful flow of movement, breathing and mental images, a great alertness, lightness and clarity is created. The close body-mind relationship has an effect on health aspects, promotes inner relaxation and calmness and contributes significantly to stress management and stage presence. The playful, martial-artistic side comes into play especially with Tai Chi stick and Tai Chi sword.

Wed 7:15pm to 8:15pm in the dance department.

Instructor: Britta Schönbrunn

Thurs 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the dance department.

Instructor: Kristina Veit

This 60min, beginning of the day class is about connecting the body and mind through the awareness of the breath. Yoga is also translated from Sanskrit as union. Something can be united when all parts are perceived. This expansion of perception requires great concentration and practice. In the various traditions of yoga, all levels of the human being, physical, mental and spiritual have a high value and the image of the body as a temple is equally common and healing. Through relaxation techniques, breathing (pranayama) and physical exercises (asanas), targeted strengthening and activation of individual muscle groups, exercises that stimulate circulation, open and mobilize the joints, and above all, practice without pressure to perform, an environment is created in which everyone can make changes at their own pace.

This class is open to everyone. It will be taught in English and German as needed. Please bring comfortable clothing.

Thurs 7.15 to 8.15 p.m. in the dance department.

Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Martina Peter-Bolaender

+++ The course starts on October 23rd +++

Qigong means practicing, nurturing and cultivating chi (life energy). Through specific movement exercises, breath control and mental imagery, body, mind and spirit are harmonized and blockages are dissolved. Qigong serves the tension regulation, dynamic straightening, elasticity of the fascia and the permeability of the muscle and joint chains. Qigong and meditation enhance individual physical and mental disposition for artistic practice
Students learn different forms of breathing and movement and expand not only their movement repertoire, but also their knowledge and skills to use Qigong and meditation in a supportive way in their daily practice and in preparation for exams and stage performances.

Friday 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the dance department

Instructor: Michelle DiMeo

Pilates with Michelle provides a series of movement exercises designed to develop and use proper alignment, stabilization and mobilization in movement. Muscles are toned and balanced, joint spaces find stability and strength and places of tightness and tension in the body move toward ease. The exercises are offered in sitting, laying and standing yet can be modified for each individual. Comfortable clothes and a mat are recommended. This course is directed towards individuals with experience with movement-based courses and moves at a faster pace.