Authentic Movement Practice with Mario Blanco

Welcome to a series of Authentic Movement Practice at SatNam Yoga this fall. About the practice: Authentic Movement is a movement and witnessing practice that invites us to turn our attention inward, listen to the impulses of the body, and develop awareness of our inner experience. The practice has roots in dance, psychology and contemplative practice. It emerged from the work of Mary Starks Whitehouse and was further developed by her students, among them Janet Adler, who brought a strong emphasis to the relationship between mover and witness, and to the cultivation of the inner witness. In the practice, the mover directs their attention inward, allowing sensations, impulses and images to arise. These may or may not be expressed through movement. While this is happening, another person—the witness—observes from the edge of the space. The witness practices attentive, non-judgmental presence while also noticing their own inner responses and learning to distinguish them from what is being expressed by the mover. Afterwards, there is space for integration and sharing. Authentic Movement can be approached as a creative, artistic and contemplative practice, as well as a way of exploring and integrating different aspects of ourselves. These workshops are an introduction to the practice. No previous experience is necessary. Each session will include: • Introduction to Authentic Movement • Moving and witnessing • Integration and sharing • Questions and group reflection If there is enough interest, we would like to establish an ongoing Authentic Movement practice group. Feel free to get in touch if this interests you, even if you cannot join this introductory workshop. Facilitation: Mario Blanco has been practicing Authentic Movement and sharing it as part of his dance and movement practice since 2015. He was first introduced to the practice by Cristina Turdo in the context of an ongoing Contact Improvisation practice. His background is in movement, freediving and the organization of international dance and movement events. He is the founder of Silent Contact Retreat, an international gathering centered around Contact Improvisation, Authentic Movement and silence, which he has been organizing since 2018 and which has taken place in Norway since 2024. Kloke Kropper organizes gatherings and events centered around dance practice, movement and well-being.