BIOGRAPHY
Laura Rae Bernasconi has worked internationally teaching ballet, choreographing and dancing for the past 33 years. Some of the companies for whom she has taught are the Norwegian National Ballet, Netherlands Dance Theatre, Studio Wayne McGregor, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Scapino Ballet, Henny Jurriens Foundation, Bern Ballet, ODC/San Francisco, Australian Dance Theater and Carte Blanche, Norwegian National Company of Norway. She currently teaches for the Company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ballet Hispanico, the Joffrey Ballet School and Gallim Dance.
CLASS DESCRIPTION
Ballet Class Description:
Laura has a healthful approach to ballet class that is rejuvenating, healing, repairing and uplifting. The objective is that the dancer begins to feel better in body, mind and spirit, encouraging growth and change toward homeostasis or excellent health within dance. Laura encourages exploration of energetic patterns in the body and positive thoughts in the mind. The technique of Ballet Bernasconi stems from principles of the Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, the Ilan Lev Method, Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis, Haha Yoga, sports psychology and martial arts. Laura focuses on individual needs of each student with support, empathy, love and mudita, or vicarious joy.
Dance Wellness Class Description:
Dance Wellness is a class for all people, offering tips for a healthy, positive and progressive life as a dancer/human in body, mind and spirit. Specific dancers' needs in regards to injury prevention and healing, technique and artistry, body awareness and thought control will be addressed. After checking in with each student, Laura will design a wellness session for the day, drawing from practiced modalities such as Yoga, AcroYoga, Partner Yoga, Self Massage, Laughing Therapies, Inversions, Eye Bathing/Exercises, Applied Massage (Shi'atsu, Thai), Gyrokinesis (Spinal Movements), Kriyas (cleansing techniques), Bone Stacking, Alexander Technique, Deep Breathing, Feldenkrais, Affirmations, Tapping, Tai Chi, Deep Relaxation, Mindfulness, Qi Gong, Meditation, Articulation Exercises, Nutrition, Aromatherapy and Journaling.