Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery-3rd Edition

Eric Franklin’s classic reference is back in a new full-color edition, complete with new material and exercises for instructors to use with their dancers, other performing artists, athletes, and classes.

In Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery, Third Edition, Franklin—an internationally renowned teacher, dancer, and choreographer who has been sharing his imagery techniques for more than 35 years—teaches the use of imagery to increase self-awareness, improve body image, and apply anatomical and biomechanical principles for more efficient movement.

This expanded new edition includes

• more than 600 anatomical imagery exercises to improve posture and body alignment, release excess tension, and prevent injuries;
• over 500 full-color illustrations to help readers visualize the exercises and use them in various contexts;
• four audio files containing guided imagery exercises led by Franklin and set to music; and
• updated chapters throughout the book, including new material and exercises to address fasciae and connective tissue.

“The pictures and the words in your mind influence the feelings in your body, which in turn feed your thoughts and mental pictures,” Franklin says. “To create powerful and dynamic alignment, you need to fertilize your mind and body with constructive information and weed out destructive thoughts.”

This book will help readers do just that as they discover their natural flexibility and increase their power to move. Franklin expertly guides readers through foundational concepts of posture, dynamic alignment, and imagery; explores different types of imagery and guidelines for using them; and delves into biomechanical and anatomical principles, including the body’s center and gravity, the laws of motion and force systems, and joint and muscle function. He then provides exercises for anatomical imagery, covering every area of the body from head to toe. The book closes with two critical chapters on defining dynamic alignment and on integrating dynamic alignment exercises into workouts and programs.

Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery, Third Edition, will help readers experience the biomechanical and anatomical principles that are crucial to athletes, dancers, other performing artists, and yoga and Pilates practitioners. The techniques and exercises presented in the book will guide readers in improving their posture—and will positively affect their thoughts and attitudes about themselves and others and help them feel better, both mentally and physically.

Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes both the book and exam.

Audience

Resource for instructors of dance, yoga, and Pilates; bodywork professionals; athletic trainers; physical therapists; and athletes. Text for introductory dance and movement classes and a reference for upper-level dance students, dance educators, and somatic education instructors.

Introduction. How I Came to Use Imagery
Reinforcing What You Want
Purpose and Will
Using Imagery for Alignment
Using the Audio Files

Part I. Posture and Dynamic Alignment
Chapter 1. Roots of Imagery for Alignment
A Brief Look at Imagery Throughout History
Alignment in History and Art
Imagery and Ideas of Ideal Posture
Somatic Disciplines
Summary

Chapter 2. Postural Models and Dynamic Alignment
Postural Habits
Dynamically Aligning
Summary

Chapter 3. Foundations of Mental Imagery
Brain, Consciousness, and Imagery
Nervous System
The World in the Brain: Neuroplasticity and Imagery
Developmental Patterns
Developing Mind: The Role of Imagery
Summary

Chapter 4. The Art of Change Through Imagery
Four Steps in the Art of Change
A Closer Look at the Four Steps for Change
Summary

Chapter 5. Imagery’s Five Ws: What, Who, When, Where, and Why
What?
Who?
When?
Where?
Why?
Summary

Chapter 6. General Guidelines for How to Use Imagery
Factors That Influence Successful Imagery
Modulating and Adapting Images and Metaphors
Sequencing the Imagery
Problems and Opportunities When Cuing Imagery
Resting Positions for Imagery Practice
Summary

Part II. Biomechanical and Anatomical Principles and Exercises
Chapter 7. Befriending Gravity and Finding Your Center
Gravity
Forces
Anatomical Terminology for Location and Direction
Summary

Chapter 8. Laws of Motion and Force Systems
Newton’s Laws of Motion
Force Systems
Lever Systems
Energy Conservation
Ability of Materials to Resist Force
Dynamic Stability
Summary

Chapter 9. Joint, Bone, Muscle, and Fascia
Joint Types
Bones
Muscles
Connective Tissue and Fascia
Summary

Part III. Exercises for Anatomical Imagery
Chapter 10. Pelvis, Hip Joint, and Company
Pelvic Arches
Balancing the Pelvis
Motion of the Pelvic Halves
Counterrotation and Three-Dimensional Alignment
Pelvic Powerhouse
Hip Joint and Femur
Iliopsoas and Piriformis
The Fascia of the Thigh and Leg
Summary

Chapter 11. Knee, Lower Leg, and Foot
Get to Know Your Knee
Fascia of the Lower Limb
Tibia, Fibula, and Ankle
Foot
Interaction of Fasciae, Muscles, and Ligaments of the Leg and Foot
Summary

Chapter 12. Spine and Body Wall
Vertebrae
Intervertebral Discs
The Spine’s Curved Design
Sacrum and Pelvis
Spinal Ligaments
Musculature of the Abdomen and Back
Abdominal Wall
Abdominal Muscles and the Concept of Core Stability
Summary

Chapter 13. Shoulders, Arms, and Hands
Suspension of the Shoulder Girdle
Glenohumeral Joint
Humeroscapular Rhythm
Elbow
Wrist and Hand
Summary

Chapter 14. Head and Neck
Atlas and Axis
Fasciae of the Neck
Skull
Fasciae of the Head and Face
Suboccipitals
Mandible
Hyoid and Tongue
Eyes
Nose and Mouth
Summary

Chapter 15. Rib Cage, Breath, and Organs
Rib Cage
Breath
Support and Breathing for Abdominal Organs
Heart
Skin as an Organ
Summary

Part IV. Returning to Holistic Alignment
Chapter 16. Definitions of Dynamic Alignment
Plumb Line
Median Alignment
Defining Ideal Alignment
Dynamic Versus Static Alignment
Dynamic and Static Stability
Pulling Up and Ideal Alignment
Summary

Chapter 17. Integrating Dynamic Alignment Exercises
Alignment in Supine Positions
Alignment in Sitting Positions
Standing and Walking Alignment
Releasing Excess Tension
Continuing Imagery Exercises

Eric Franklin is director and founder of the Institute for Franklin Method in Wetzikon, Switzerland. He has more than 35 years of experience as a dancer and choreographer, and he has shared imagery techniques in his teaching since 1986.

After earning his bachelor of science degree at the University of Zurich and his bachelor of fine arts degree at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, Eric Franklin worked for many years as a dancer and choreographer. He developed his groundbreaking Franklin Method based on this training and his teaching experiences, and he has gone on to teach it at numerous universities and schools around the world, including the Juilliard School in New York, Rutgers University, the University of Vienna, the Royal Ballet School and the Laban Dance Center in London, the Zurich Neurological Institute, New York University, the Royal Danish Ballet, the Ballet School of the Zurich Opera, and the American Dance Festival.

Franklin has presented at numerous scientific conferences, including the Interdisciplinary World Congress on Low Back and Pelvic Pain; the International Fascia Research Congress; the British Fascia Symposium; and the conferences of the Pilates Method Alliance, International Association for Dance Medicine & Science, and the National Dance Education Organization. He is the author of numerous books, such as Conditioning for Dance; Dance Imagery for Technique and Performance; Inner Focus Outer Strength; Pelvic Power; Relax Your Neck, Liberate Your Shoulders; Breathing for Peak Performance; and Fascia Release and Balance.

Created in 1994, the Franklin Method combines dynamic science-based imagery, touch, anatomical embodiment, and educational skills to create lasting positive change in the body and mind as well as improvements in posture, movement, and focus. The Franklin Method uses the Dynamic Neurocognitive Imagery (DNI)™ method for movement and postural control retraining. Eric Franklin’s books and workshops are available in many languages, as are his teacher certifications.

“The Franklin Method training as outlined in this book is the most intelligent approach to learning about the workings of the body that I have ever attended. It is not just information but the experience of our design as we learn that is transforming.”
—Tom McCook, Fitness Instructor, Founder and Director, Center of Balance

"In Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery, Eric Franklin offers an easy-to-read, practical, and educational resource, which I wholly recommend."
—Dr. Emma Redding, Head of Dance Science, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, President, International Association for Dance Medicine & Science

"Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery is a must-have resource. Eric Franklin creates a truly powerful tool for improving movement and function."
—Marie-Jose Blom, PMA Gold-Certified Master Pilates Teacher, Founder and Owner, Long Beach Dance Conditioning, Founder and Owner, Angel City Body Kinetics, Founder and Partner, SmartSpine Works

“The Franklin Method has had a profound influence on my personal and professional life. Eric Franklin’s evolution of imagery and its application contain the knowledge and power to create a quantum leap in our understanding of human movement and our own potential.“
—Jan Dunn, M.S., Past President, International Association for Dance Medicine & Science
 

Alignment in History and Art
Imagery Exercises for the Arches of the Feet
Imagery Exercises for the Rib Cage in Breathing
     Listen to Dynamic Alignment  Listen to Focusing on Space  Listen to Pacticing Sensory Imagery  Listen to The inner flashlight mp3