Contact Improvisation: An Introduction to a Vitalizing Dance Form by Cheryl Pallant

Author:Cheryl Pallant [Pallant, Cheryl]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Published: 2017-02-16T05:00:00+00:00

MOVING ENERGY

Touch helps generate new synaptic links and relieve worn ones, simultaneously supporting change on energetic levels. These energetic levels, referred to as prana in Sanskrit, ki in Japanese, chi in Chinese, are a system of subtle energies that course throughout the body and the universe. Westerners typically accept Newton’s mechanistic, matter-based model of the body, a series of interlocking parts that function (or falter) and can be replaced. However, more and more health-care professionals embrace Einstein’s understanding of all matter as energy. Dr. Richard Gerber refers to the molecular arrangement of the physical body as a complex network of interwoven energy fields. He explains, “The energetic network, which represent the physical/cellular framework, is organized and nourished by ‘subtle’ energetic systems which coordinate the life-force with the body.”5 One way to impact the life-force is through touch. Touch is a direct conduit to energy, and how we move it determines how it moves us.

When connective tissue, the collagen fabric extending throughout our body, gets manipulated, it stimulates a shift in the body’s invisible energetic fields. Science researcher Robert Ochsman refers to connective tissue as piezoelectric, meaning that it generates electric fields when compressed or stretched. Movement of any part of the body—muscle, bone, skin, blood vessel, and so forth—generates dynamic electrical fields that spread through the surrounding tissues. Habituated movements stiffen and dry out the gel-like substance of connective tissue which thrives on a continuous flow of information to keep it active and vital. When this flow is reduced as a result of a change in the daily routine or from physical or emotion injury, Ochsman states, “the mechanical properties of the tissue are affected, awareness may decrease, and pain may arise. Repeated use of the same muscles and nerves dries and stiffens the body, making receptivity and responsiveness increasingly difficult.”6 Such stiffness is common among the elderly, many of whom accept inflexibility as an inevitable consequence of aging. It is also apparent in younger people who rarely exercise and maintain a sedentary lifestyle. Recognizing the mind-body connection, psychologist Ashley Montagu sees a direct link between an active lifestyle and a flexible mind. He refers to inflexible attitudes, which are not age-dependant, as “psychosclerosis,” basically “the hardening of the mind” or the inability to learn anything new.7

One way the body enlivens and renews itself is through touching, applying pressure, and moving—the very actions that take place during CI. The direct somatic interaction reminds the body of itself and its myriad abilities, the stimulation also moistening and revitalizing the connective tissue. Introducing a range of movement not only hydrates tissue, it also helps release trapped toxins and metabolites. With the physical release comes an energized calm which yields increased awareness and access to a greater range of behavior and motion. Significantly, where the body goes, so too goes the mind. Increasingly, scientists and health-care professionals find this connection hard to ignore.8

Consequently, moving the body moves the mind and vice versa. Stepping outside usual habits and bounds to connect with the physical

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