Intro to Space Harmony with Idrienne Steiman, M.A., C.M.A.

Join us at the IMAC studio for this wonderful opportunity to study with Idrienne! In this workshop, we will explore how the body is supported dynamically by the space around us by using the principles developed by Rudolf Laban. Laban was one of the pioneers of “Expressionist” modern dance in Europe and was known for organizing “movement choirs” to create community. His creation of the dance notation system, Labanotation, is still one of the primary dance notation systems. Laban developed his theory of space harmony from his creation of spatial sequences that he called “movement scales” that progressed from simple lines of movement to more complex spatial forms. He compared his “movement scales” to the practice of musical scales because both have an ordered sequence. He believed that if we move along these scales in an organic manner, we will sense a harmonious relationship with the environment. Together, we will explore the relationship of the body to a dynamic use of space by creating pathways for expressing movement qualities.

Idrienne Steiman, M.A. is a Certified Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analyst and Master Pilates Instructor. Her early dance training was at the Joffrey Ballet School and The Juilliard School. She received her B.S. in dance from Skidmore College and an M.A. in dance from UCLA. She applied the Laban material in her Stage Movement for the Actor course at USC’s Drama Division. In 1989, Idrienne was hired as Assistant Professor for the Butler University Dance Department, where she taught numerous classes for dance majors, including Laban, Pilates and improvisation. Subsequently, she opened the first Pilates studio in Indy and served as the teacher training Certifying Studio for the Physicalmind Institute. She has had the opportunity to teach Pilates in Italy and Laban in Israel. She enjoys introducing the Laban concepts at the IU High School summer program. Idrienne is a board member of Indianapolis Movement Arts Collective.