Class Description:
Klein/Mahler Alignment, Stretch & Placement Class (open level)
In this class we work on aligning the bones by accessing the muscles most responsible for the transfer of forces through the body - the psoas, the hamstrings, the external rotators, and the pelvic floor. We do not work to "exercise" these muscle but rather to "wake them up"; to use them for support for and realignment of the bones. We work, and teach, for the body to be elastic, responsive, open to choices, and expressive. Movement, and the treatment of each individual student's body, mind and spirit with kindness, respect and generosity is our ultimate goal.

Note: You do not need to be a dancer to take this class & it is open to anyone interested in learning to be more open, efficient, connected, and freely expressive.


Instructors' Bio:
Rachel Thorne Germond has presented her work in New York City at such venues as the Joyce Soho, Movement Research at Judson Church, WAX, Chashama, The Merce Cunningham Studio, Dixon Place, amongst others and in Chicago since 2000, primarily at Links Hall, but also in performances with the Girlie Q Variety Hour, the Chicago Kings, and in festivals such as the Feast of Fools, Full Circle Festival, the Spareroom, the Around the Coyote Festival, Looptopia!, and Estrogen Festival. Ms. Germond is a graduate of Cornell University (1986) where she began dancing while obtaining degrees in Fine Arts and Comparative Literature. She achieved an MFA in dance and choreography (2000) at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana where she was a Fellow.

Her training includes intensive study of Klein/Mahler technique with both Susan Klein and Barbara Mahler & a teacher training mentorship with Barbara Mahler from 2003-2008.

She has also studied with such notable teachers as Mary Anthony, Anna Sokolow, Pedro Alejandro, Tere O'Connor, and Nancy Topf. In 2003, 2005, and 2006 she was the recipient of the city of Chicago's CAAP grant, and since 2004 she has been an artist-in- residence through C.A.P.E. at Roberto Clemente High School and Kinzie Elementary School . In 2004 she formed her Chicago-based pick up company, RTG Dance.

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