Countertechnique
Developed by Anouk van Dijk, Countertechnique provides tools for body and mind to deal with the demanding dance practice of the 21st century. It is a movement system to help the dancer think with the dancing body, focusing on the process of incorporating information into action. Within a clear structure of exercises, the class thoroughly prepares the body for rehearsal and performance, enabling dancers to move bigger, more fluidly and more spatially, while becoming stronger and more flexible. By continuously and sequentially directing parts of the body away from each other in space, directing and counter-directing allows the moving dancer to work with an ever-changing dynamic balance. This dynamic balance reduces the pressure on the overall body structure and can be changed at any given moment. Dancers are encouraged to be proactive in discovering connections and solutions, to be less concerned with judging themselves and to work in a healthy way with regard to body and mind. Throughout the process, dancers increasingly become their own teachers, which allows them to practice and progress even at times when a teacher is not available!
