What to Expect in a Continuum Class or Workshop
In a Continuum class, space is created for exploration with the offering of an idea, an image, or a theme. A sequence of simple movements, breaths and sounds serves as a catalyst for the exploration of the theme, image or idea; this is called a “dive”. Individuals explore the dive material at their own pace, in their own timing and in any position that is most comfortable and safe for their body.
Movers can expect to work in multiple relationships to gravity: lying, side-lying, sitting and standing. The pace of a class can be quiet, slow, and meditative, with more internal micro-movements, or faster and more lively with larger wave-like movements and aerobic activity using a variety of exercise props and equipment.
It requires discipline to do this practice on one’s own. Co-creating a group field in a class is nourishing and amplifies the mover’s responsiveness. Class and workshop sizes can range from three to a few dozen movers. Attending weekly classes or multi-day workshops provide a context for discoveries that can only emerge over time and is strongly encouraged.
Ideally, the practice of Continuum becomes part of our everyday lives by formally “diving” for some period of time each day, and informally integrating the deeper principles of conscious embodiment into our favorite forms of exercise, activities and habits. With time, this conscious awareness incorporates itself into our very perception of the world around us.
If you are new or have been away from your practice of Continuum, do not let those be barriers to attending a class or workshop. A beginner’s mind is the ideal space to approach a dive at home or a class experience. You do not need to study or prepare in any special way before coming to class–just wear comfortable clothing you feel most at ease in, bring a notebook to write or draw in, a water bottle, your curiosity, and an open mind–then you’ll have everything you need to dive into exploration and discovery.
Photo by David Gilbert.
