We are delighted to welcome Lillian Ransijn as our Winter Artist in Residence. The Winter and Spring AIR cycles draw from within our staff and student community to support artists offering something exceptional at the intersection of genre, style, and discipline. (The summer AIR cycle is open to the public and the applications open around March.) We have seen Lilli perform at 'WORKINONIT' in the summer of 2018, as well as in Lily Kind's work at 'WORKINONIT: Deluxe' this past summer of 2019. Lilli is found getting her sweat on in many classes at UMA, especially Ron Wood's Movement Flow and  Vince's House and Waacking classes. We are also grateful to the Lilli as a work/study who has been with UMA for two years. It is with a LOT of love that we offer her space to dig into it this winter. She will present a works in progress showing in January of 2020. 

Vince and Alex star in Episode 2 of Weirdos for Wellness has arrived. 

Episode 2 “Getting Into Your Meat” introduces self-myofascial release techniques for pain management and improved performance. Fascia is a connective tissue that envelopes muscles and organs in order to distribute forces on the body properly. It's like an envelope that holds you all together so you don’t collapse into a giant meat bag. Sometimes the fascia and muscles develop what are known as “trigger points,” or “knots” that create sustained contractions in the tissues that do not release on their own. These knots can cause pain, stiffness/tightness, and muscle weakness. This can be caused by overuse of the muscles, sitting or standing in one position for too long, sudden contractions, etc. the list goes on. 
But do not fret! You can resolve your pain and manage future issues by getting into that meat anytime, anywhere! The techniques in the video provide you with examples of how to release these knots through direct pressure and foam rolling. Research suggests working on particular muscles/facial areas or knots for at least two minutes to create lasting change. Set that timer and get to work!

Weirdos for wellness is a video series designed to fix all the problems in the world, starting with your own ouchies and boo boos. In addition to teaching yoga at UMA, Alex is an acupuncturist and body worker harassing intersecting Eastern and Western modalities to help athletes, physical performers, and everyday folks heal and prevent injury. ​

Sources: 

1. Travell and Simons. Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: Trigger Point Manual (1999).
2. Ida Rolf. Rolfing. (1977)
3. Helen Langevin. Connective Tissue and Inflammation (2016).

DONT MISS IT!
Saturday October 19, 2019
5-7pm

Rashaad Pearson, one of the most renown popping style dancers in the world, will be teaching a workshop at Urban Movement Arts on Saturday, October 19th 5-7pm. Popping is a style that features undulation, animation, contractions, speed change and lots of body control. Specificity and clarity are the name of the game.  Rashaad is respected around the world for his musicality, funkiness, precision and soul. He is a great technician and historian of popping and hip hop in general. Folks in Philly often ask for a poppin' OG. Here is your chance Philly! Let's show up for Rashaad!

Cost
$20 online advance purchase
$25 at the door 

https://youtu.be/5TqrHKd5W-o