Christine McMillan Presented at NDEO & ISMETA Conference

Associate Professor (Lecturer) Christine McMillan presented an embodied movement session on "Scapulohumeral Rhythm and Enhancing Port de Bras" in July 2024 as part of the National Dance Educators Organization (NDEO) & The International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA) Conference "Somatic Movement in Dance Education:  Enhancing Health and Creativity for Teachers & Students" at the Agnis Varis Center for the Performing Arts in New York City, NY.

Session Description:
Within dance and yoga there is sometimes more information given about what the legs and torso are doing with the arms added on as a “decoration.”  Additionally, a common correction dancers are given is to “keep your shoulders down,” however this can lead to excess tension and/or inhibit healthy shoulder joint movement.  Scapulo-humeral rhythm is a naturally occurring movement relationship between the scapula and humerus that when detrained can leave the shoulder joint less supported and/or lead to impingement.  Utilizing experiential anatomy, participants will explore individually and/or in partners how their scapulae move in relationship to arm movement.  Individuals will be able to sense this movement on themselves and observe and/or feel it on each other.   Through both the kinesthetic sensations and visual observations, the intent is to increase awareness in one’s own body in finding more easeful and expressive port de bras as it is applied within the context of a beginning/intermediate ballet barre and a center adagio combination. This awareness also has the potential to increase back-body awareness and upper-body coordination to facilitate more of a whole-body integration.  Applications to contemporary dance and somatic practices such as yoga will also be considered.  Through this experience participants may become more aware of their own movement habits and be offered the opportunity to make choices related to arm and shoulder joint movement for themselves.