Authentic Movement is a gentle, intuitive movement practice that invites deep listening to the body from the inside out. It guides us to the thirst-quenching and rejuvenating waters of our inner and outer landscapes.

With roots in Carl Jung’s work in active imagination, Authentic Movement was developed in the 1950s by pioneering dance/movement therapist Mary Starks Whitehouse. It has also been known as intuitive movement or movement-in-depth.

This contemplative and improvisational practice involves two integral roles: the mover and the witness. The mover closes their eyes and turns attention inward, allowing movement to arise organically from sensations, emotions, images, and inner impulses. Movement may be subtle or expressive, and stillness is equally welcome.

The witness sits in attentive presence, observing without judgement. Rather than analyzing or interpreting, the witness tracks their own inner responses, images, and sensations that arise in relationship to what is being seen.

After moving and witnessing, time is devoted to verbal sharing and simple creative reflection such as drawing, painting, collage, or writing. These practices help integrate the experience and give form to what has been sensed or discovered.

No prior movement or dance experience is necessary. The emphasis is on inner listening and lived experience, not on technique or performance.

Please dress in comfortable clothes and bring a pen, a journal, your imagination, and an open mind.