Ernie Adams, GCFP
In 1976, I was a young modern dancer seeking to become part of the performing arts scene in San Francisco. I was searching for ways to give me a competitive edge and open up my dance ability. I explored Rolfing, Yoga, Chiropractic, studied anatomy, and danced as much as I could. I felt stronger and healthier, yet my fundamental dance ability had not improved. One day my anatomy teacher told me about a “gentle” approach, called Feldenkrais that might help me develop my potential as a dancer. I was skeptical, but willing to try.
The lessons were deliciously slow and required little effort. I felt for the first time how hard I had been pushing myself and realized I could not improve solely through more will power. It began to dawn on me that I had become locked into using my body in certain habitual patterns that were limiting and sabotaging my ability. The Feldenkrais® lessons created a space where I could feel and explore ways of relating to my body that I had not considered before. They expanded the kinesthetic senses of my body. I began to recognize I had choices, and could change the way I used my body. It was exciting and empowering.
During the next few months my dancing “magically” became more expressive, more graceful, and more fun. Within a year I was performing and touring nationally with the highly acclaimed improvisational dance company, Mangrove. It was the beginning of a long and rewarding dance career. I became a Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner® in 1993.