Pure Technique
Overview
Shen Tao Pure Technique workshops offer detailed instruction in the exercise vocabulary which can be performed on Shen Tao training equipment. These seven, experiential workshops are taught from a bio-mechanical, alignment, technical perspective covering skeletal alignment, rhythm, musicality, breath, movement qualities, and much more.
Swivels Technique
The Swivels Technique Workshop provides experiential training of the complete vocabulary of exercises developed for the swivels.
This includes the vocabulary of exercises which can be performed while on the floor, while seated on a stool, and/or standing with the swivels mounted on their stands.
The course also covers the use, and application of
the accessory handles. An emphasis is placed on self-application, self-exploration, and creativity.
Cables Technique
The Cables Technique workshop covers the extensive vocabulary of exercises that can be performed using Shen Tao, weight and cable apparatus. This includes exercises performed on the floor, while seated, and/or while standing.
In addition to a biomechanical/alignment-based perspective this workshop explores techniques of theme and variation, rhythm, timing, movement qualities, and the creative process.
This course encourages an experiential approach to self-exploration, instruction in how to present this material in a one-to-one context, and guidelines for organizing these exercises into a choreographed group class format.
Barrel + Cables
The Pilates Barrel is an excellent tool for stretching, lengthening, and tractioning the human body. Shen Tao weight, and cable apparatus provide multiple angles and degrees of resistance. When used together they provide a rich vocabulary of opening, coordinating, strengthening, and tractioning exercises.
The Pilates Barrel+Cables workshop shares the
principals, guidelines, and techniques that have been discovered (so far) by combining these two apparatuses. An experiential approach to creative discovery is strongly encouraged.
Pilates Mat + Cables
This workshop explores how the strength, and coordination elements of Classical Pilates Mat exercises can be intensified by adding additional lines of resistance using Shen Tao weight, and cable systems. This vocabulary, performed with the additional resistance intensifies the muscular sensations of each exercise.
These sensations offer the opportunity
to discover deeper principles of the body common to both equipment and mat-based training. To perform the Classical vocabulary against these added force vectors is akin to visiting an old friend, in a new context.
This workshop covers applications for teaching group classes, strategies for one-on-one instruction, and guidelines for exploring this vocabulary in one’s personal practice.
Pilates Reformer + Cables
First, and foremost this workshop is an exploration of the creative process.
The Pilates Reformer + Cables Workshop explores a syllabus of creative variations to the Classical Pilates Reformer vocabulary.
By adding additional force vectors of resistance to Classical Pilates Reformer exercises one can discover many truths about one’s body, as well as a fresh
perspective of the Pilates system.
In addition to sharing the exercise vocabulary that has been developed (so far) this workshop presents techniques and strategies for creative exploration and the development of one’s own approach to creating new exercises.
Trampoline Yoga
Trampoline Yoga is a vocabulary of asanas, a series of transitions, a creative process, a laboratory, a group class, a personal practice, and a lot of fun!
To perform traditional Yoga on a trampoline is to introduce movement qualities such as swinging, swaying, rebounding, weight shifts, momentum, rhythm, and timing to the practice of Yoga. This practice rhythmically and playfully rebounds muscles,
tendons, and connective tissue to to the end of their range of motion.
The workshop also includes training in a vocabulary of standing exercises and jumps derived from Classical Ballet.
Like good jazz, instructors are encouraged to improvise the transitions between exercises to create a class sequence which is unique to their teaching style.
