Source
- AY Volume 7
- Reel 21, Track 4, Lesson 1
- Duration: 40 minutes
Synopsis
- A delightful rolling lesson.
- Rolling is creating through extension and flexion
- AY 313 develops fluid rolling movements by progressing from elbow-to-knee connections in side-lying to full circular rolling patterns. The lesson builds coordination between gathering and extending the body while rolling, culminating in continuous rolling movements that alternate between collected and extended positions.
- Effortless rolling occurs through differentiating extension-flexion on the sides; that is, starting with full flexion of arms and legs on back, differentially extending the right arm and leg (to com to side) allowing the head to roll back, then extending the left arm & leg to roll onto belly, arms, head and legs effortlessly raised. Then returning, again differentiating the two sides, smoothly An alternative to having the arms and legs folded in from involves the arms and legs extended, starting one side dragging on the floor towards the other.
Lesson Outline
- Sections 1-2: Begin in side-lying on the right side, touching both elbows to their corresponding knees while watching the breath in the nostrils. Repeat on the left side and continue the movement, adding variations of straightening and returning to the bent position. Pay attention to whether the head needs to be held in the air.
- Section 3: Move to supine position with knees lifted and spread from the floor. Touch right elbow to right knee and left elbow to left knee. Add variations of extending arms and legs to the sides and up before folding back. Maintain easy, comfortable breathing without effort.
- Sections 4-7: Remaining supine, lengthen the right arm and leg while the left side stays bent, allowing the body to roll slightly right. Return to the bent position and repeat on the left side. Alternate sides, noting which side feels easier. Allow the head to roll backward as each side lengthens.
- Sections 8-11: Progress to rolling alternately right and left while lengthening arms and legs, protruding the stomach forward. Move as one unit during exhalation. Continue onto the stomach with all limbs in the air, then return to back. Develop this into a full circular rolling pattern from back to left, stomach, right, and back to supine.
- Sections 12-13: Return to side-lying, bend to touch elbows to knees, then roll while dragging all four limbs along the floor. Finally, perform full circle rolls with arms and legs spread in air when on stomach, allowing the movement to become quicker naturally.
Focus of the teaching
- Dr. Feldenkrais emphasizes the integration of movement as a whole rather than separate parts. He notes that certain movements are biomechanically linked, stating “It is impossible for the leg to be in front of the body. It comes exactly as the head goes – backward” and “It is impossible to spread the arms and legs without taking the head backward.”
Related ATMs
- Tag Baby’s First Year
- Tag Rolling
- Tag Elbow-to-knee
- Tag Baby-roll
Resources
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