Anthropology of Movement: A Complete Actor Centric Somatic Practice

Anthropology of Movement (AOM)

A Complete Actor Training

An Actor-Centric Somatic Practice

Sundays 2–4pm — Gibney Dance (Broadway)

$30 per gathering

AOM is not a drop-in class.

It is a laboratory for performers.

We gather to train.

We gather to speak.

We gather to build the creative communal body.

This is a rigorous, actor-centric practice drawing from martial arts, theatre, dance, and somatic disciplines. It develops presence, coordination, responsiveness, and the capacity to hold attention under pressure.

The work alternates weekly between two complementary sessions:

Movement Week — The Practice

Structured physical research.

We work with:

• exercises

• scores

• rhythm

• tools

• ensemble awareness

Grounded in evolutionary biology, human development, and performance traditions that have reshaped how we understand the body.

This is not choreography.

This is not fitness.

This is training.

Expect to:

• move with precision

• work in relation

• develop adaptability

• sharpen presence

Session ends with a brief integration circle.

Wear comfortable, muted clothing.

Bare feet or jazz / kung fu shoes welcome.

Come ready to participate.

Storytelling Week — Wabi-Sabi

A disciplined storytelling lab rooted in lived experience.

Each session is organized around a theme announced in advance.

Stories must be:

• Personal (from lived experience)

• Memorized to the best of your ability (off book)

• Under 10 minutes

No analysis.

No commentary.

Just witnessing.

The session begins and ends with movement to build shared rhythm and integrate experience physically.

8–12 storytellers per session.

First come, first confirmed.

If you intend to tell a story, message directly to reserve a slot.

Audience members are expected to hold the room with attention and respect.

Movement builds shared rhythm.

Story builds shared memory.

Together they form the communal body.

This work is informed by the traditions of Jacques Lecoq, Moshe Feldenkrais, and Systema, alongside martial arts and performance training.

Serious practitioners welcome.

With care,

Ben

(Photography by Gjon Mili and Jacques Lecoq archives)