University of Central Lancashire:

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
USA/New York: MA Dance & Somatic Well-Being: Connections to the Living Body

An Approved Somatic Movement Training Program of: The International Somatic Movement Education Therapy Association (ISMETA)

MA programme in New York at:

Moving Body Resources
112 West 27th Street, 4th floor
New York, NY 10001

 

 "The Dance & Somatic Well-Being programme is one of the most comprehensive dance programs I have ever seen. The program is truly on the cutting creative edge of dance and movement programs" 

Mary Abrams President ISMETA Board of Directors
(International Somatic Movement Education & Therapy Association New York)

Director of ISMETA Approved Programme and Course leader for MA Programme: Amanda Williamson. Please feel free to contact Amanda Williamson directly for an informal discussion about the Masters programme, course information and professional development. Amanda is available from 10am -4pm UK time.

University of Central Lancashire
School of Creative & Performing Arts

Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Preston PRI 2HE UK
Phone: 0044 (0)1772 201201 ext 5349

Email: acwilliamson@uclan.ac.uk

MA Dance & Somatic Wellbeing: Connections to the Living Body is a unique programme offering a professional training in Dance & Somatic Movement Education. The programme explores improvisational movement forms underpinned by somatic awareness (somatically-supported and inner-directed movement). Focusing on community facilitation, this programme offers the opportunity to study individual and group improvisational methodologies, kinesthetic awareness and applied somatics philosophy to dance and movement studies. The course explores self-regulation and movement investigated through the qualities inherent within free-movement modalities, such as self-authority in movement, consciousness and embodied action, freedom and liberation. The widely celebrated principles of freedom and liberation through movement are the focus of study, such as liberating the body through free-movement, spontaneity in movement, intuitive movement, inner-directed movement, and connection to others through improvisation. Sessions are taught in the spirit of self-discovery and non-judgmental movement modalities. MA Dance & Somatic Wellbeing is an Approved Somatic Movement Training Program of: The International Somatic Movement Education Therapy Association (ISMETA). MA graduates are qualified to register as a Somatic Movement Educator (Williamson 2010).

Course Length: part time 2 years
Year of Entry: 2010
Start Month: October 2010

Course Content
Study in the first year focuses on different elements of international practice such as fluidity and movement, consciousness of the skeletal musculature, movement and metaphor and non-judgmental movement modalities. The concept of bodily support is studied in relation to community and in individual practice. Philosophy pertaining to somatics and movement studies are introduced in the first year and developed further in the second year. The second year focuses on research methodologies, and synthesizing knowledge through experiential learning. Cross curricular learning is encouraged throughout and facilitation skills are studied in relation to individual, client-based sessions.

The course covers the following within modular study:

• Presence, Kinesthesia & Meta-Kinesis
• Dance, Connection and Support
• Dance and Fluid Transitioning
• Dance and the Skeletal Muscular System
• Dance & Relaxation
• Soma and Phenomenology
• Re-formations of the Sacred
• Somatic Movement Education and Co-creation with Clients
• Somatic Research
• Philosophy and research methodologies

Year 1
Modules:
DA4001 Presence, Kinesthesia & Meta-Kinesis

DA4002 Dance, Connection and Support

DA4003 Dance and Fluid Transitioning

DA4004 Dance and the Skeletal Muscular System

DA4006 Soma and Phenomenology

Year 2
Modules:
DA4005 Dance & Relaxation

DA4007 Re-formations of the Sacred
DA4008 Somatic Movement Education and Co-creation with Clients

DA4009 Somatic Research

Links with Professional Bodies:

MA Dance & Somatic Well-Being: Connections to the Living Body
An Approved Somatic Movement Training Program of: The International Somatic Movement Education Therapy Association (ISMETA). MA graduates are qualified to a register as a Somatic Movement Educator.

Assessment:
Assessment takes place through a wide variety of modes and may include teaching facilitation, essays and other written assessments, class presentations and a research project. The course is predominantly practice based - all learning is facilitated through experiential models and supported by contextual study.

Learning Environment:
The programme is delivered by lectures, seminars, tutorials and studio work. Given this is a body-based course much most classes take place in the studio where creative ideas are explored through movement and dance. We provide a lively learning environment and encourage students to participate actively in all aspects of the course delivery. Assessment includes teaching examinations, essays and other written assessments, class presentations and a research project. Theory is largely delivered through practical exploration in the studio. Theoretical and contextual work is further supported though lectures, seminars and tutorials.

Careers:
Validated by UCLan as a Masters of Arts level course of study and by the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA), this programme is both academic and a professional training ground for teachers and professionals of all kinds to enhance their personal and inter-personal work skills.

How to Apply
Applications from people from a wide range of vocational backgrounds and subject specialists are welcome. The course encourages inter-disciplinary learning and is designed to support people who lead busy lives. Most modular work takes place during the weekends and over intensive retreat block periods. Modular study for completion of the Masters can take place over 1, 2 or 3 years. The discipline is an inclusive inter-age modality. Email: pscollinson@uclan.ac.uk for September 2010 applications and further information.

The Dance & Somatic Well-being programme is suited to mature graduates who are interested in the health, communal, and transformative aspects of dance. We are looking for students from various disciplinary backgrounds; such as: Dance Studies, Counselling, Alternative Therapies, and Teaching. Students from other vocational and academic backgrounds are welcome to apply. Normally students would be expected to have achieved a good lower second class bachelor degree in a related area of practical study. In exceptional circumstances and after audition/ interview, a place may be offered if it is considered that a candidate can evidence sufficient experiential learning. As this course is at postgraduate level, the interview panel must be convinced that the successful candidates are capable of engaging appropriately both physically and intellectually. Upon application, students will be required to attend an interview and somatic workshop. Offers are made subject to successful interview/ workshop. We are looking for adventurous mature people who want to further their careers and develop dance as a transformational tool in contemporary contexts. All students applying for a place on this course will need to undergo an enhanced CRB check. International applicants are required to have achieved an IELTS of 6.5 or above. If you are interested in applying for this course, our comprehensive How to apply pages will guide you through the process. Here at UCLan, our aim is to encourage you to develop your potential and we offer a flexible approach to admissions, which reflects our commitment to all those who would benefit from our courses.

Amanda Williamson is the course leader and founder of MA Dance &
Somatic Well-being: Connections to the Living Body (UK)  and co-founder
of the New York Sister Masters programme with Mary Abrams.  Amanda
currently writes on the integration of the sensory imaginal in somatic
movement modalities and re-visioning processes of social and personal
change.  All the staff are creative leading educationalists within the
field. Mary Abrams is President of The International Somatic Movement
Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA).