In April, we were honored to have Neal Hallinan, CSCS, LMT, PRT present at our Interdisciplinary Integration Symposium, and one of his presentations was titled “Inhibiting Inhibitions: Rediscovering Your Innate Alternating Rhythms Through Dance“. We had a great time learning how to find ‘the beat’, and overcome inhibitions that might hold us back from getting in touch with the natural rhythms of the body through dance. Much of what you do with your patients or clients’ PRI program can also be integrated through dance, and there is no one close to this Institute that has experienced this more than Neal! His extensive background with Latin dance, combined with his personal and professional experience with PRI has enhanced his knowledge and understanding of both worlds, and how to integrate dance and PRI together. His presentation, and brief dance instruction was so much fun and enlightening, and enjoyed by those in attendance at the symposium, that we have invited Neal to partner with us and present a free online 3 week dance instructional series for PRINation this summer.
All are invited, including PRI providers (regardless of whether you attended the symposium in April), patients, clients, family members, etc. If you know someone who you think would enjoy this (or someone who NEEDS to get outside of their comfort zone and experience this), please invite them. Remember, there is nothing better for your patients, clients or athletes than to experience something new, something they are not familiar with, and something they are not comfortable with. The brain needs this type of activity. No dance experience is necessary, as Neal is excellent at working with beginners. So, whether you love to dance, or not so much, we invite you to join us for this wonderful opportunity to get in touch with the natural alternating rhythms of your body through dance!
Week 1: Beat and Feet (Tuesday, June 15th)
In the first session, we will begin by listening to music and hearing why some songs are good for rhythmic alternation while others are not. The majority of the class will focus on learning fundamental patterns of dance footwork that can be utilized to enhance PRI program outcomes.
Week 2: Arms (Tuesday, June 22nd)
Learning feet and beat are the easiest part of dancing. Upper body movement, particularly arm and hand movements, are the hardest. This hour will be devoted to adding arm styling to the footwork you learned in the first class. You’ll definitely want to know the footwork from Week 1 before taking this class.
Week 3: Styling (Tuesday, June 29th)
People may feel “stiff” and “awkward” while dancing because they never learned how to move their body in a fluid manner. While dancing and forward locomotion aren’t exactly the same thing, forward locomotion mechanics are directly applicable to body styling that makes dancing look smooth and effortless. Latin Motion, a unique movement of the hips and ribcage found in Salsa and usable in many other forms of dance, will be demonstrated and taught, as will the mechanics of turning and spinning.
