Eric Franklin notes

Eric Franklin
Notes from Institut fur Franklin-Methode

Dancer, movement educator, university lecturer, successful author and founder of the Franklin-Method Institute in Switzerland

“According to Indian Ayurvedic medicine, if you want to know what thoughts you have had in your life so far, you should look at your body.”

Training:
B.S. from University of Zurich
BFA from NYU Tisch Dance
(studied with Andre Bernard at Tisch)
Movement Imagery and Conditioning

Books:
Dynamic Alignment through Imagery (1996)
Dance Imagery for Technique and Performance (1996)
Relax your Neck - Liberate your Shoulders (2002)
Pelvic Power (2003)
Inner Focus, Outer Strength (2006).

Dates:
1986 Started teaching 
 

1998 Introduced first dance conditioning methodology to mainland China

Teaching Engagements:
Universities and arts educational schools throughout the world including New York University Tisch School of the Arts, the Royal Ballet School and the Laban Center in London. Recently Eric Franklin has taught at the Juilliard School in New York and the Royal Danish Ballet. 


The Franklin Method

The Franklin Method teaches the practical elements of body design, emphasizing imagery for maximum efficiency. It is at the forefront of practical neuro-plasticity by harnessing the transforming power of the mind. To activate the body/mind function, the method uses Dynamic Imagery, Experiential Anatomy and Reconditioning Movement.

Dynamic Imagery is a multi sensory and kinesthetic way of using the brain to affect movement and function.
Experiential Anatomy gives you direct physical awareness of your body's function and design.
Reconditioning Movement integrates dynamic imagery with experiential anatomy to produce optimum function.

Notes from Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery:

Dynamic alignment needs to withstand the influence of our surroundings.

He found that some people unconsciously shied away from using imagery accurately because of the power. They were tremendously attached to their physical and emotional tension. Some people who declared their intent to improve their posture were not ready to do so on an emotional level.

Changing alignment in a dynamic way, not just altering your external shape, changes your relationship with the whole world and the people in it.

The Roots of Imagery for Alignment:
Heinrich Kosnick and Mabel Todd
Lulu Sweigard and Ideokinesis
Barbara Clark
Joan Skinner
Somatic Disciplines
Alexander Technique, Autogenic training, Functional relaxation, Feldenkrais, Body-Mind Centering