Introduction: How I Came to Use Imagery
Reinforcing What You Want • Purpose and Will • Using Imagery for Alignment
Part I: Posture and Dynamic Alignment
Chapter 1. The Roots of Imagery for Alignment
Heinrich Kosnick and Mabel Todd • Lulu Sweigard and Ideokinesis • Barbara Clark • Joan Skinner • Somatic Disciplines
Chapter 2. Postural Models and Dynamic Alignment
What Our Posture Reveals • Postural Habits • In Search of Ideal Posture
Chapter 3. Body-Mind Interactions
The Brain and Consciousness • The Nervous System • The Brain • The Body’s Navigators: The Senses • The Developing Mind: The Role of Imagery
Chapter 4. Individual Patterns of Habitual Movement
Wrong Habits That Feel Right • Changing With the Help of Imagery • Motivation and Change • The Body Image in Alignment
Chapter 5. Imagery Categorization
Sensory Imagery • Direct and Indirect Imagery • Abstract and Concrete Imagery • Inner and Outer Imagery
Chapter 6. General Guidelines Before Imaging
Concentration • Positions for Anatomical Imagery Work • Using Imagery When in Motion • Inhibition • Mental Practice With Imagery (MPI) • Image Narrative, Image Bundles • Training Your Ability to Image • Imagery Checklist: Am I Ready to Image?
Part II: Biomechanical and Anatomical Principles and Exercises
Chapter 7. Location and Direction in the Body
The Central Axis • Body Geography • Joint Movements
Chapter 8. Force, Gravity, and Mass
Force Vectors • Matter and Mass
Chapter 9. The Laws of Motion and Force Systems
Newton’s First Law of Motion: The Law of Inertia • Newton’s Second Law of Motion: The Law of Acceleration • Newton’s Third Law of Motion: The Law of Reaction • Force Systems • Lever Systems • Energy Conservation • The Ability of Materials to Resist Force
Chapter 10. Joint and Muscle Function
Joint Types • Bones • Connective Tissue and Fascia • Muscle
Part III: Anatomical Imagery Exercises
Chapter 11. The Pelvis, Hip Joint, and Company
The Pelvic Arches • Pelvic Imbalances • The Pelvic Powerhouse • The Pelvic Floor • The Sitz Bones • The Hip Joint • The Iliopsoas
Chapter 12. The Knee and Lower Leg
The Knee • The Tibia, Fibula, and Ankle • The Foot
Chapter 13. The Spine
The Functioning Spine • Pelvis and Spine • The Vertebrae • Intervertebral Disks • Rib Cage and Spine • The Sacrum • The Coccyx • Organ Support • Musculature of the Abdomen and Back
Chapter 14. The Shoulders, Arms, and Hands
Suspension of the Shoulder Girdle • The Glenohumeral Joint • The Scapulohumeral Rhythm • The Elbow • The Wrist and Hand
Chapter 15. The Head and Neck
Atlas and Axis • The Skull • The Mandible • The Hyoid and Tongue • The Eyes • The Nose and Mouth
Chapter 16. The Lungs, Diaphragm, and Skin: Breathing
The Lungs • Effortless Breath • The Diaphragm • Inhalation • Exhalation • The Skin
Part IV: Returning to Holistic Alignment
Chapter 17. Alignment Revisited
The Biomechanics of Alignment • Processing Dynamic Alignment
Chapter 18. Other Exercises to Create Dynamic Alignment
Alignment in Supine Positions • Alignment in Sitting Positions • Standing and Walking Alignment • Releasing Excess Tension • Other Dancers and Your Alignment • Continuing Imaging
Index
Literature