Magis work falls into
different modes over the course of an average year. As we welcome new company members, we start with
our “back to basics” mode. It helps build
a common vocabulary and offers a chance for the more seasoned performer to go
deeper into some of the fundamental understandings.
From Margi:
“Last evening's session
was the introduction to the Alexander work that is the base line for the
movement and voice work coming soon.
I would invite the company
to remember and practice the "lie down" or constructive rest
position, to ask their bodies what it is like "not to push" forward,
to let their backs rest and expand. And to be curious about how we balance, pour
weight and receive support from the core of our bodies: the spine! Finally: Who
has your back?”
Margi also handed out a diagram
of the spine, reminding us that the energy we work with flows down the front of
the spine, the smooth weight bearing portion of it, rather than on the boney
spurs on the back.
The physical training
focused on the first of out basic dynamics: opening up energy flows.
We introduced the concepts
of Gravity, Momentum, and Suspension.
Much of what happens in a body that is balancing happens because of how
we harness gravity and put it into momentum, conscious of the suspension points
where energy shifts direction, flow and character.
We examined:
the blue wave- the energy
that comes up from the earth through the body and out the head
the red wave- the energy
that comes from the cosmos down through the head and pours through the body to
the feet
the big X- accumulating
energy in a squat. Containing it in a tuck, and Radiating through the shape of
the big X.
The energy flow through
each succession of actions ought to be thought of as one stream that flows from
one to the other.
This will form the foundation for the physical work as we add on.
