---

Authentic Movement

This is the way you slip through into your inner most home…

Close your eyes and surrender.  ~Rumi

Authentic Movement is an embodied practice rooted in Dance/Movement Therapy and Jungian Psychology.  Simple in outer form, it is a profound inner-directed practice where a mover is invited to close her eyes and to move from an inner impulse while in the presence of a non-judgmental and compassionate outer witness.  Together, movers and witnesses create a safe space in which there is the opportunity to venture into the realm of embodied being, where the seeds for change, healing and creativity may be discovered and nurtured.  No dance or movement experience is needed.  All are welcome.

Cindy has studied and practiced the form of Authentic Movement for over 15 years.  With the completion of her three year training at the Authentic Movement Institute in Berkeley with Neala Haze, MA, ADTR; Tina Stromstead, PhD, ADTR; Joan Chodorow, PhD, ADTR; and Janet Adler, PhD, ADTR; in 2002, Cindy deepened her personal practice and teaching through private studies with Janet Adler, PhD, ADTR.  She has offered introductory Authentic Movement workshops at JFK University in Campbell, The Center for Spiritual Enlightenment in San Jose, Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz, Sonoma State University, The Circle Center in Fairfax, and at The Dance Palace in Point Reyes Station. Cindy has woven her insights from the practice of Authentic Movement into her teachings and throughout her life.

Please contact Cindy for more information about Authentic Movement individual sessions, small group sessions, and introductory workshops.

Restorative Yoga

I will let my body flow like water over the gentle cushions. ~Sappho

Meditation must begin with the body. ~B.K.S. Iyengar

Restorative yoga is a style of yoga that cultivates "active relaxation" through supported, restful poses using bolsters, blankets, and other props.  In restorative yoga, carefully sequenced postures balance the Prana or masculine energy in the body with the Apana or feminine energy in the body.  Through the relaxation response, the body releases tension and stress as the mind quiets, inviting  a return to a natural state of calm, centered presence.  The practice of restorative yoga weaves together gentle, supported poses with breath, body awareness, and mindfulness meditation as an offering for deep peace, rest, relaxation, and renewal. 

In general, a regular restorative yoga practice is beneficial for overall health and well-being.  Restorative yoga is also beneficial during times of stress and tension when there is a sense of imbalance, weakness, or fatigue.  Additionally, restorative yoga may be supportive during times of major transition (travel, moving, job changes, death of loved one, marriage, divorce, during holidays) and may offer support for those with illness or injury.

Private restorative yoga sessions may focus on specific concerns such as greater body awareness, stress management, high blood pressure, back pain, neck pain, headaches, insomnia, difficulties breathing, jet lag, menstrual support, endometriosis, pregnancy, menopause, chronic fatigue, cancer, and stress-related illnesses.

Cindy is currently teaching Restorative Yoga Fridays at 6 p.m. in Point Reyes Station at Yoga Toes Studio.  Please contact Cindy for more information about Restorative Yoga individual sessions.

Stretch, Strengthen & Relax Classes

This simple, yet innovative class offers a gentle and intelligent way to tone, lengthen, and strengthen your body.  With the support of the StretchMaster, an adjustable resistance band,  movements based on principles of yoga and Pilates improve strength, flexibility, embodied presence, and overall well-being.  Each class or session ends with a simple guided visualization for letting go of tension and stress through breath and body awareness. 

Cindy has taught this class for adults of all ages (18-82 years old) and fitness levels.   She has enjoyed teaching these meditative stretch classes at the Mt. Tam Racquet Club in Larkspur, the San Geronimo Cultural Center in San Geronimo, and at Kaiser Permanente in Petaluma.  

Please contact Cindy for more information about Stretch, Strengthen, & Relax  private small group or individual sessions.

Body, Earth & Ritual

An embodied journey from the seed of a personal, collective and/or global intention toward the creation of an integrative ritual or performance art piece.  Personal and group explorations include movement, art, writing, connection to inner and outer nature, ritual making and self-reflection.

Cindy initially taught Transformative Movement: Body, Earth and Ritual as a 15-week, semester-long course in the undergraduate psychology department at Sonoma State University in 2003.  In 2008, she completed her graduate thesis project which explored each of the five thematic course sections (Body & Movement, Body & Art, Body & Word, Body & Earth, and Body & Ritual) as curriculum development for this course.

Please contact Cindy to inquire about workshops, classes, or a series of private small group or individual sessions explored as a journey through the five transformative vessels Body & Movement, Body & Art, Body & Word, Body & Earth, and Body & Ritual.

Dance for Joy (children's movement)

A creative movement dance class for awesome kids with special needs or learning differences. Within an inclusive, safe, accepting, and compassionate environment, children may experience the basic elements of dance and movement through whole body warm-ups and stretching, structured movement explorations or “scores,” simple dance steps and movement sequences, as well as breathing exercises and relaxation.  Music, imagery, poetry, props, and various art materials may also be used, when appropriate, to encourage and enhance socialization, self-expression, self-confidence and the feeling of joy connected to the moving body. Come dance with me! 

These process-based dance and movement classes for children with special needs (learning differences) may support and further improve:

• general health and well-being
• balance and body coordination
• posture
• range of motion and muscle strength
• gross motor skills
• sense of self-esteem and independence
• social skills (mirroring, taking turns, listening, following directions)
• multi-sensory learning and processing
• multiple intelligences
• relaxation and self-regulation (calm/stimulate)
• body awareness
• memory and concentration
• body, mind, and spirit integration
• emotional, cognitive, social and physical integration
• self-expression and communication skills
• confidence and a feeling of self-worth
• proprioception (ability to be aware of where your body is in space)
• connection between the left and right hemispheres of the brain
• expressive and receptive pathways in the brain

Cindy has a background as an educational specialist.  She has worked with children through the public school district who could not be mainstreamed due to physical, emotional, and/or cognitive issues (1990).  She has been a teacher for children with learning differences (dyslexia, ADHD) at Chartwell School on the Monterey Penninsula (late 1990's), and had a private practice in Santa Cruz as an educational specialist (2000).  She has also studied and taught children's movement classes throughout the years (creative movement, dance games, pre-ballet, teen jazz, expressive movement) in Mission Viejo, Carmel, Pacific Grove, Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Marin County.  Also, her more recent graduate studies in Dance/Movement therapy (2002-2006) are reflected in her teaching style.

This class was initially offered through Roco Dance in Marin County.  Please contact Cindy to inquire about private small group or individual sessions.

Life Art Skills (senior workshops)

These senior workshops focus on the improvisation of movement and art as it is connected to our lives in the present moment.  For these classes, Cindy has joined Billy Cauley Jr., a master percussionist and Halprin Life/Art Process facilitator.  Together they bring the spirit of compassion and care, along with curiosity and play into their group explorations through movement, music, stories, imagery, poetry, and nature. 

These classes have been offered as a part of the assisted living program at Aldersly retirement home in Marin County.

Please contact Cindy to inquire about private individual or small group sessions or workshops.