Kinetic Awareness

Kinetic Awareness is a system of bodywork which was originated by the American choreographer Elaine Summers in the second half of the 20th century, starting in the 1950's. The practice is developed through close individual observation of proprioceptive processes, e.g. how the process of breathing is happening at the very moment of paying attention to it. This practice of heightening self-awareness is also compared to more objective information about anatomy. The goal is to develop one's full individual potential for healthy movement.

Characteristics
The beginning phases of the work are marked by the use of slow, gentle, and sometimes minimal movements to discover and enhance proprioceptive and kinesthetic awareness. Body parts and areas of the body are explored first on their own, then later two or more together. A commonly used instruction is to "let the body part move on its own, in all the ways that it will go without pain."

Hollow rubber balls of different sizes are applied to aid focusing on the body, stimulating self-directed massage, and relaxing held tensions.

Physical pain and discomfort are treated as important warning signals of the proprioceptive system that harm is done to the self, and generally avoided consequently. Instead the accent lies on discovering and emphasizing those movements that are accompanied by a sensation of pleasure and well-being.

Tension is seen as a potential gift and ally of the individual mover, who is guided along her or his exploration of the choices s/he wants to make about how to use it. In this process, held or 'frozen' tensions (i.e. muscles and -groups that are -often subconsciously- kept in continuous contraction) can be uncovered and released. This view derives from the theories of muscle armor as developed by Wilhelm Reich.

In later phases of the work, higher levels of speed and tension are explored.

The final fifth phase examines performance and the relation to others in movement.

The pace and course of study is decided by the practitioner, with additional guidance from their teacher. Most sessions are happening one-to-one, but group classes are also offered. Interaction of the practice of awareness with movement in daily life and other movement disciplines is encouraged as an integral part of the individual development.

Relation with other bodywork practices
Kinetic Awareness is closely related to Sensory Awareness and Feldenkrais which both have been developed from the work of Elsa Gindler. Summers studied Sensory Awareness by Charlotte Selver and Physical Reeducation with Carola Speads, both former students of Gindler.