Kinesiology 249-1 Stress Management Techniques through
Movement
Section 2172 or 2904
Instructor: Laurienne Singer
singerl2@lacitycollege.edu
323-953-4000 x2865
Students identify their stressors and receive tools and
techniques for managing them through movement, dance
therapy, dance meditation, authentic movement studies,
breathing exercises, yoga, physical therapy, and varied
relaxation exercises. Multicultural stories, rhythms, music and
dance forms are utilized to enhance and support the individual
in the group experience.
The objective of this class is to get in touch with our own stress
as it affects our body and mind. To witness and become
conscious of our own stressors and to explore through many of
the techniques listed above how we can move through some of
the obstacles that restrict our ability to be present and enjoy
our life. By exploring age-old ways of relieving stress as
practiced by other cultures such as Middle Eastern, African
and Indian practices, we will explore through movement
creative ways to manage and move through some of these
obstacles. We will look at how nutrition affects our stress level.
We will play with our own life Mandala, as created by Carl
Jung, seeking to make some cognitive sense out of our own life
history, present and future. Most of all we will learn ways to
honor and nourish ourselves, by getting in touch with our own
breath, finding our own rhythms, honoring the perfection and
imperfections that make us who we are today.
Attendance and class participation is essential. The sessions
presented are accumulative. If you are not present, you will not
have the experience. It is important that you commit yourself
to listening to your own body and opening your mind to
actively participate in your own healing process and
development of more body awareness and conscious
motivation.
Assessment of your participation will be based on:
1) Presence, your ability to commit yourself to be on time
stay until the end and participate to the best of your
ability in the activities presented for the session.
2) Effort and attitude does count. Respectful behavior
towards classmates, instructor and yourself is important.
3) Arriving in clean attire, ready to participate.
4) Integrating the knowledge presented
5) Finding ways to make it work for you
The midterm is an assignment that demands active
participation in developing listening and presentation skills.
The symbol of the Mandala is used as a tool to help each
individual get more in touch with his or her own dreams,
visions, ambitions and desires. Presenting one’s personal
Mandala and sharing it with the class IS THE MIDTERM.
Listening to each other’s stories is part of the event. It
generally takes 2 or 3 classes to complete. Sharing what lessons
you have learned, perhaps what you value in this life at this
time gives you the role of helping and educating fellow
classmates. Gives each of us an opportunity to grow.
The practical final is a dance; often it will be a presentation in
movement of a part of your own mandala, or your deepest
belief system or philosophy. It has often been a way to move
through a difficult period. Depending on the size of the class, it
can be a group or partner presentation. It does not demand
technical dancing, but rather authentic movement prepared, as
you speak so you move. The students choose and provide the
music (CD/IPod) for the presentation to fellow classmates for
their final.
At the end of the semester, you will be expected to write a
paper discussing at least two techniques or experiences that
were presented that you have been able to use to help alleviate
the stress in your life and how you have utilized the knowledge.
An additional six techniques that you have learned and will
apply are also required. The paper must be typed and in good
English.
Students are expected to keep a journal of their experience at
the end of each session. Each student is responsible for turning
in a synopsis of the journal, focusing on what new discoveries
and understandings were found.
Just to review what is required:
Arrive on time, stay until dismissed, and participate fully in
the activity.
1. Each student is required to make and present his or her
personal mandala.
2. Keep a journal and turn in a synopsis of your experience
3.Perform a moving expression of what resonates most for you.
4.Turn in a paper discussing 8 techniques you have learned in
the class and which two most resonated with you.
Wear comfortable clothes that you can dance and move in, no
Levis or tight belts. No loose shorts or dresses except for a
particular costume for your performance. Come to the class
clean and ready to move. Depending on the room remove shoes
and socks. Turn off all cell phones, and other electrical devices
unless you have an emergency, than speak to the instructor
before leaving the cell phone on.
Roll is taken 10 minutes after the class is scheduled to start.
Plan to stay until the end. If you are late, it is your
responsibility to inform the instructor at the end of the class of
your presence. Failures to do so means you were marked
absent if you arrived after the roll was called. Three tardies
constitute one absence. Three absences mean you are failing. If
you must be absent speak to the instructor regarding makeups. Through the semester there are often opportunities to
make up a class. Since I teach another section of this class, up
until the 12th week you can attend that class to make-up an
absence. Try not to be absent, but please don’t come to school
if you have a fever or infection. It is not good to exercise when
you have these symptoms. You also may be contagious and
jeopardizing your classmates health and well-being. Stay home
if you are really ill. And get well. That is smart stress
management!
I hope you find this class rejuvenating, inspiring and relaxing.
My intention is that you leave this class with a new knowledge
of specific techniques and tools you can use in your daily life to
reduce and manage your own stresses in a more compassionate
manner. Perhaps you will acquire the love of moving as a
means to health and well-being and experience the truth of
your breath as living proof of your own beingness. May this be
a really mind opening, meaningful experience for you.
Namaste.