Here is a work-in-progress writing with the intent of giving a bit of context and perspective of what I'm doing here that I've been reading in my movement classes:

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I teach an approach, an education process,

a PRACTICE to developing human movement 

that i’m calling Seattle Movement Project

this draws inspiration from many fields and teachers

there is a list of acknowledgements on my website to honor those

who have shaped/are shaping this work

 

I’m curious how to build a culture of movement

based on inclusivity, accessibility, consent, and cooperation

I’m curious how we can embody both deep respect for this work AND lighthearted playfulness

 

These classes provide a glimpse into a much larger body of work- I want to express gratitude to the countless ancestors that contributed to the collective wisdom in these fields:  martial arts (especially capoeira), dance, somatics, (non-Western) yoga, circus arts, gymnastics, strength and conditioning, and more

 

Most of us have never had an actual coherent physical education

the intent of Western colonialism/capitalism is to disconnect us from nature,

from each other, from our physicality

the western default of physical education is designed to distance us

from how to live in, and live as, this amazing miracle we call a body

 

On the individual level, 

some outcomes of this practice may include - more enjoyment, a great sense of aliveness, feeling stronger, more confident, more mobile/flexible, more adaptable, healthier and happier, learning new things and increasing our movement IQ.  Some things we work on include developing strength, hand balancing, expression, spine intelligence, increased ability and vocabulary moving close to and on/off the floor, softness, elasticity, body awareness and the somatic layer, injury rehab/prehab, recovery techniques, and nervous system restorative and regulation practices

 

This is an opportunity to increase our overall awareness, our ability to focus, deepen our relationship with our bodies and each other.  

 

On the social level, 

All of our ancient ancestors gathered around movement:

hunting, gathering, dancing, making music, ritual, fighting/martial arts, striving towards better living conditions

 

What’s more human than to gather around movement?

There’s something deep in our souls that wants to move together, learn together,

grow together…. through practice and play. 

A pillar of this practice is learning how to move well with other humans, how to be a better partner.

 

My hope is that this practice, this work

improves the quality of your life, allowing you to FEEL better

and when we feel even a little bit better

that allows us more space to be more kind and generous

so we can better contribute towards collective healing and liberation for all beings

so we can live well and die well

 

This is the view, the perspective I’m working from. 

It's a work in progress and I'm very open to feedback. 

This is what i’m most passionate about bringing to the world.  

It’s an honor that you chose to spend your time here. 

Thank you for joining.  

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-David

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I'm slowly starting to use Instagram again after a long break...you can follow me here

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A few more things about me: 

 

In addition to teaching in Seattle, I’ve taught workshops at the International Association of Functional Neurology and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, UCSF Medical School, and Bastyr University.  I have studied extensively with Movement Culture, am a Functional Range Conditioning certified Mobility Specialist, and engaged in continuing education in neuroscience, anatomy, trauma healing, and somatic-based movement.  I love freeform/ecstatic dance, singing and playing music, being in nature any chance I get, playing with poetry, and spending time with my local Seattle community.