Theatre and Dance

Theory and Practice of Movement and Physical Conditioning

Theory and Practice of Movement and Physical Conditioning
TD 252T #24615
Visit the Movement and Physical Conditioning Lab

Professor

Andrea Beckham, Senior Lecturer in Dance and Movement, Department of Theatre and Dance

Synopsis

This course introduces and refines movement exercises related to the work of Joseph Pilates, both the equipment evolved from his original designs and the floorwork evolved from his classic "mat exercises". Additionally, the instructor applies movement principles and exercises from other related practices like Polestar (Pilates-evolved work utilizing Feldenkrais principles), Yoga, Bartenieff Fundamentals, free weight strength training, and physical therapy techniques. Basic anatomy information will be given to support the mind/body connection you will be developing. The eight basic principles which underpin the work of Pilates will be addressed, as well as attention to movement re-education and re-patterning where necessary. Those eight principles are Relaxation, Concentration, Coordination, Alignment, Breathing, Flowing Movements, Centering, and Stamina. Related supplemental readings will be an important part of the course material provided.

Work in the Movement and Physical Conditioning Laboratory combines several approaches, including:

  • Floor exercises executed with or without a mat, and may utilize additional apparatus like physio-balls, therabands, foam rollers, or flex-rings to enhance neutral alignment, develop flexibility, enhance breath support, and provide individualization of the exercises.
  • Equipment exercises utilizing the Current Concepts Reformer, the Trapeze Table, the Chair, the Half-Barrel/Ladder and related equipment based on original designs by Joseph Pilates. Original exercises are often modified and new exercises are developed as needed. Verbal cueing and coaching instruction will be taught to enhance the safe use of this equipment.
  • Related apparatus including the wobble board, rotator discs, and other physical therapy based apparatus, which facilitate neuromuscular coordination and enhance mobility and/or strength in specific areas.
  • Free weights are available for specific muscle group strengthening and for endurance work for the arms and chest.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
Students who successfully complete the course will demonstrate:

  • An increase in movement and breath awareness.
  • Improved flexibility, strength, and coordination.
  • The ability to set up and adjust the equipment in the Lab as needed to safely perform assigned exercises.
  • An improvement in physical performance and understanding of the exercises.
  • An improved ability to apply the movement principles learned in class to work outside the classroom.

"I feel honored to be able to educate and inspire a range of students from graduate candidates to first-semester freshmen. The vitally important work of creating present, aware, connected humans who have a consciousness of efficient skeletal alignment, breath support for movement, and various other key components of accessible mind/body knowledge, is work that I feel to be intertwined with every area of study in our department. My current questions for myself, my students, my friends include: Have you taken one good, deep breath today? Can you execute your necessary work without damaging yourself? Can you inhabit each moment a bit more fully, with a bit more awareness, perhaps a bit more compassion?"

-Professor Andrea Beckham

"Andrea's class was one of the most useful classes I've taken at the University of Texas. Not only did I learn strengthening and centering exercises that help me in my dancing, but I also learned ways to take care of my body in every aspect of my daily life for years to come."

-Meghan Loisel, Senior, History and Government

"Pilates is a great method to train and condition your body from the inside out. Andrea engages you in exercises that develop your core and neglected muscles groups such as hamstrings and lats. Her teaching also promotes a mind-body connection that strengthens your mental awareness of your body throughout the day."

-Corey Jones, M.F.A. in Acting

Other courses taught by Andrea Beckham

TD252T: Advanced level and (TD481G) Graduate level courses in Theory and Practice of Movement
and Physical Conditioning TD352T: Experiential Anatomy
TD112: Somatics and Conditioning (now required in the new B.F.A. curriculum)
and the beginning portion of the Movement for the Actor course
TD353T: focuses on Mindful Movement and explores neuromusular re-education and increased mind/body connectivity for enhanced physicality and performance training for the undergraduate actor.
TD312 and TD322E: Intermediate and Advanced Contemporary Dance
TD312F: Ballet Technique