Helen Walkley is a Certified Laban Movement Analyst , a registered Somatic Movement Educator (www.ismeta.org) and a contemporary dance artist who has taught, created and performed for the past 30 years in United States, Germany, the Netherlands and Canada.

She is known for her forthright clarity, her refinement and depth in detail, and her humour.

In 1996 Helen completed a MFA in Interdisciplinary Studies at SFU and has since been based in Vancouver. She is currently creating a larger solo work, How is Sleep Beautiful? which will be completed and premièred as an Artist in Residence at the Dance Centre in Fall 2010. http://labanbc.wordpress.com/

“From conception through infancy and on to walking, we progress through organized movements, or patterns of skill and organization, in overlapping waves…From flexing to extending, pushing to reaching, the pieces of development gradually integrate to become purposeful, pleasurable and communicative movement through space.” BMC Association Inc. “

Movement Patterning with Helen Walkley, at Yoga on 7th


movement rides on the flow of breath

The Bartenieff Movement Fundamentals and the Developmental Movement Patterns provide the conceptual framework for this investigation, through which we will evoke strength and grace, a true connection to core.

Via the five fundamental actions of yield, push, reach, grasp and pull you will arrive at a dynamic alignment supported by breath, initiation and the sequencing of movement. A lively interplay exists between the conscious and unconscious as patterns emerge and are recognized. The mind and the body integrate.

Whether you engage in martial arts, athletics, yoga, Pilates, the performing arts, therapeutic/bodywork practices, are recovering from injury, or simply wish to deepen your presence within your body, this class will speak to you. The approach is accessible, the process is transformative.

The tools will include:

hands-on re patterning
guided exploration of principles of moving in your body/voice
the practice of specific forms

5 Fridays / 2:30 – 5:00pm / Oct. 22 – Nov. 26 (for returning students to this series)

no class November 5


5 Sundays / 2:15– 5:15 pm / Oct. 24 – Nov. 28

no class Nov. 7

Cost: $375.00 for first time students, $250 for returning students
To hold your space, a $175 non-refundable deposit is due by Oct. 4. The balance is due the first class.

Class size limit: 8


* This course meets the pre-requisite requirements for entrance to the Laban training.

Helen is also available for private sessions. Her one-on-one sessions are personally designed to address clients’ particular needs. This may include a creative process with a performing artist, the rehabilitation of an injury, or a refinement in integration and connectivity of body/mind within a myriad of somatic practices.

For information and registration call Helen at 604-877-7712, or email her at hwalkley@sfu.ca