Feldenkrais
The Feldenkrais method is an internationally known psychosomatical approach in which movement is used as a tool in the process of learning. The method uses neuroplasticity– the ability of the brain to learn and to change and adapt itself according to new conditions. Feldenkrais has several cardinal principles: it develops awareness– the quality of kinesthetic sensing of movement, sensing proportions of the body, and emotional awareness. Feldenkrais is deeply inspired by martial arts, especially by Judo. As in martial arts, in Feldenkrais, the body and mind are integrated as students return to movements implicated in childhood motor development, finding new qualities reflected in these common movements
of daily life and thereby learn to move with the least amount of effort, increasing functionality and effectiveness. When the nervous system is offered a new and more effective strategy for a particular movement, the nervous system integrates it and starts to use it in common situations, optimizing movement patterns, enriching movement repertoire, and avoiding useless effort in patterns of thinking, sensing, feeling and acting.
Feldenkrais can help musicians to improve technical skills, to develop spontaneity and expressive ability. It can help to reduce psychic stress during performances. Feldenkrais can also be very effective in preventing professional ailments in musicians.
Feldenkrais is a non-directive approach in which the teacher acts as a guide, offering possibilities to the student rather than issuing corrections.
Feldenkrais exists in two versions: individual lessons (Functional Integration - FI) and group lessons (Awareness Through Movement - ATM). In FI the client is physically moved by the Feldenkrais teacher who offers new options. In ATM group sessions, the new possibilities, strategies and trajectories are suggested by the teacher verbally.
Barbora Hajná is an internationally certified Feldenkrais teacher. She studied the Feldenkrais method in Institutes in Vienna and Munich. She received her degree in Physiotherapy from the Charles University in Prague. She works especially with people with neurological diseases and special needs. She also frequently works with musicians and dancers with professional ailments. In addition, Barbora is a pianist. She graduated from the studio of the excellent Latvian pianist Irina Kondratěnko at the Conservatory of Jaroslav Ježek in Prague. Since 2010, she has also taught piano to young children and to adults. She is a member of the Czech association for musical physiology and medicine for musicians.