Body Intelligence Summit 2016

Somatic Movement Education Body Intelligence Peaceful Play

With Dr. Martha Eddy, RSMT
Hosted by Dr. Katie Hendricks

"Peaceful Play" no easy feat in and of itself, is just the tip of the iceberg of what the Center for Kinesthetic Education (CKE) shares in New York City Public and Independent Schools. With somatic education at its base, specifically Dynamic Embodiment — which is steeped in Body-Mind Centering and Laban Movement Analysis, CKE consultants lead pre-K - 12 students and educators in diverse movement workshops that promote self regulation, neuro-motor development, creative expression, confirmation of classroom lessons, ecological awareness, and community building. There is more and since each child, classroom and school is different much is tailored to meet specific needs. The talk can share how these concepts and activities may apply to private practice as well.

In this session, we'll explore:
• An overview of Somatic Education as applied with youth
• An Introduction to Dynamic Embodiment and its place in the larger somatic context
• The role of conscious movement in violence prevention, anti-bullying and community building

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Dr. Martha Eddy, RSMT

Founding Director of Dynamic Embodiment® Somatic Movement Therapy Training, Applied Physiologist & Dance Educator

Dr. Martha Eddy, RSMT, an esteemed international speaker and somatic movement therapy expert, holds a Doctorate in Movement Science/Biobehavioral Studies from Columbia University, where she is an honorary professor. She is a Registered Master Somatic Movement Therapist and Educator (MSMT/E) and Registered Somatic Dance Educator (RSDE).

Recognized for her dedication to social justice, Martha is the Geraldine Ferraro Fellow of Social Justice and Movement at Marymount Manhattan College. With a decade on the faculty at the School for Body-Mind Centering® and collaborations with pioneers like Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen and Irmgard Bartenieff, she founded The Somatic Movement Therapy Training, later rebranded as Dynamic Embodiment® SMTT. 

Her impactful literary contributions on eco-somatics, movement, the brain, and healthy living include the books Mindful Movement and A Dynamic Embodiment® Approach to the Sun Salutation, which she co-authored with Shakti Andrea Smith.

Over three decades, she's passionately bridged somatics with social change, training Certified Teachers of BodyMind Dancing and Moving For Life Certified Instructors globally. She co-founded Moving On Center and Moving For Life DanceExercise for Health®, serving older adults and those affected by cancer or chronic illnesses.

Martha's media presence — she's been featured in The New York Times, and on National Public Radio and television networks — underscores her commitment to somatic healing. Her dance programs and free Moving For Life wellness initiatives have earned acclaim for transforming pain, tension, grief, and stress into joy, relief, ease, creativity, and beauty.

Beyond her prolific career, Martha has served on numerous boards, including The Yard Choreographic Residency, the National Dance Education Organization, the Congress on Research in Dance, and the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association. She held leadership roles as the president of the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies and has been voted a top speaker at numerous online forums.

Martha's enduring legacy in somatic movement, social justice, and holistic wellbeing extends globally to hospitals, community centers, libraries, arts organizations, corporations, and universities.

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