Let's Move!

ILAN LEV METHOD™

A different kind of movement class

Ilan Lev Method™ (ILM) is a playful, exploratory approach to movement. Rather than learning a particular posture or trying to perform movements “correctly,” you are invited to explore different — and often surprising — possibilities for movement.

We work standing and lying on the floor, weight shifting and the relationships between different parts of the body.

HOW IS THE CLASS TAUGHT?

This is an important part of what makes ILM different.

When we are standing, I am moving so you can see the general idea. But the emphasis isn't on watching me and trying to copy the movement.

Your attention is directed inward — toward what you are sensing and discovering in your own movement.

Much of the class also takes place lying on the floor. Here, there is very little to watch at all. I guide you verbally, step by step, through a sequence of movement explorations, gradually building one idea upon another.

There is no need to continually look at an instructor, compare yourself with others or wonder whether your movement looks “right.”

The experience is primarily internal rather than external.

WHAT IS THE IDEA BEHIND IT?

Our movement can become habitual through injury, pain, stress, repetitive activities and simply the ways we've learned to use ourselves.

ILM approaches this with curiosity rather than correction.

Instead of trying to correct the body, we give it more information and more possibilities.

Through varied and non-habitual movement, you explore different ways of organizing yourself. You discover greater ease, different coordination, new movement possibilities and simply a surprising new experience of your body.

WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE?

Relaxed, curious and non-competitive. Movements may be small or large, slow or lively, familiar or completely unexpected.

There is no ideal shape to achieve and no need to keep up with anyone else. You don't need to be flexible, athletic or experienced with movement classes.

ILM is difficult to explain. It is much easier to experience.

Come as you are. Wear comfortable clothing and bring your curiosity.

GYROKINESIS® METHOD

A flowing, whole-body movement class

GYROKINESIS® is a rhythmic movement practice that explores the body in three dimensions. Rather than holding stretches or performing isolated exercises, movements flow continuously from one into another.

The spine arches, curls, spirals and circles while the pelvis, shoulders, arms and legs become part of the movement. Breath and rhythm are woven throughout.

HOW IS THE CLASS TAUGHT?

GYROKINESIS® is a guided movement practice.

I demonstrate and verbally guide the movements, especially as a new sequence is introduced. You can watch to understand the general direction and rhythm, but the goal isn't to perfectly copy my shape.

The movement is something to experience from the inside, not simply copy from the outside.

As a sequence becomes more familiar, there is less need to watch. Your attention can move toward sensation, breath, rhythm and the connections you begin to feel throughout your body.

Movements gradually link together, creating a continuous flow from one movement into the next.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CLASS?

We often begin seated on stools, exploring movements of the spine and pelvis through arching, curling, spiralling and circular patterns.

From there, movement expands through the arms, shoulders, hips and legs. We progress to floor work and include standing and balancing sequences.

Some movements are quiet and subtle; others become larger, more rhythmic and energetic.

Unlike stretching into a position and holding it, GYROKINESIS® emphasizes continuity — one movement becoming the beginning of the next.

WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE?

Flowing, rhythmic and whole-body.

You may experience greater freedom through the spine and joints, increased awareness and coordination, or simply discover ways of moving that feel different from your everyday patterns.

There is no need to be flexible or experienced with movement classes. You work within the possibilities of your own body.

GYROKINESIS® is difficult to fully describe because its distinctive quality comes from experiencing the flow of movement, breath and rhythm together.

And sometimes, quite simply, it just feels good to move.