Introduction to Biotensegrity & Mechanics of Fascia - Diana Cruz

Join us this Sunday for two beautiful classes taught by Diana Cruz (Cruz Artemisa). 10-11 am: "Prepare the Body for Tango" - Introduction to Biotensegrity, Mechanics of Fascia. Appropriate for dancers and pilates/yoga students at all levels. Please have a yoga block and strap, if possible, and/or a pilates ring and softball. Alternatives will be offered if you don't have any of these props! 11:30 am-12:30 pm: "Tango Technique for Individuals" - Articulation and Continuum in the Tango Giro $10 each class or use your class card Sliding scale and virtual volunteering welcome Payment options at: www.philadelphiatangoschool.com WHAT IS BIOTENSEGRITY? Biotensegrity is a conceptual approach emerging in the Bodywork and Movement arts and therapies. Based on the “Tensegrity Models” structural principals, Biotensegrity takes the concepts of “tensional integrity” or “floating compression” and applies them to the dynamic mechanics of living organisms. Biotensegrity offers a conceptual tool to aid the traditional bodywork methods and practices (yoga, pilates, girokinesis, etc) in the ongoing search for recognizing the wholeness of the human body. It puts emphasis in the understanding of Fascia, the fabric of the body that embroiders tissues, muscles, bones, nerves, brain, glands, organs. Is a way of thinking biomechanics that adds depths to your regular practice and techniques of choice; a conceptual expansive frame that opens new ideas and ways of exercising, using the concepts of “tension” and “compression” to create Space, Balance, Strength, Stability, Flexibility in the multidimensional fine system of our bodies. This will be an Introduction to Biotensegrity-based exercises. I will be offering modifications for adding or subtracting levels of challenge to each of the exercises. We will be using tools to better understand this concept during the class. Yoga Straps and Yoga Blocks are ideal; Pilates Rings are a great plus. If none of this tools are available, regular waist belts will work! BIO: Ms. Cruz is a dancer, performer, teacher, choreographer and —most importantly— an ongoing student of Movement methods and expressions. Originally from Paraguay, currently based in Argentina, she danced for various ballet, contemporary and modern dance companies in Paraguay, Argentina and the United States. She is a certified Comprehensive Pilates Instructor by BASI (Body Arts and Science International). Her discovery of Argentine Tango has given her yet another turn in her endless exploration journey of new ways of moving and expressing. She joined Tango dancer Nick Jones in an artistic partnership that forms NaturalTango, a Tango Dance and Music ensamble —Ms. Cruz is a singer for Orquesta Típica NaturalTango directed by bandoneón player Nick Jones— that toured and continue touring around the United States, Europe, Asia and South América. Diana is a dancer, artistic collaborator and board member with Parasol Arts, a non-profit organization for promoting Tango arts, based in Denver, CO. She has also directed and produced several theatre dance productions under NaturalTango and Cruzartango (her solo project). Ms. Cruz incorporates her multidisciplinary techniques (Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Modern Dance, Latin American Folk dances, Tango Dance, Pilates, Yoga, Singing, Voice Training) into one cohesive dance. She uses these techniques to create powerful, musical, unique performances. Her continuing learning and understanding of biomechanics gives her an astute approach as a movement teacher. She holds a degree in Psychology, a study that has enhanced her comprehension of the human mind and body dynamics. Ms. Cruz has created her own line of Tango dance shoes for women, under Cruzartango.