Hi I’m Caroline

I’ve been teaching Feldenkrais for over 21 years since finishing my training in Amsterdam in 2002.

Background:

I trained in dance initially at the Laban Centre in South East London, a world away from my home town of Halifax in West Yorkshire. In 1990, somewhat disillusioned with dance after my training I went to seek adventure and a new perspective, volunteering at a children’s orphanage in Southern Indian for 3 months. It was here that I realised it was the connection with people and realising our potential, that was the key for me. There was a moment when I was visiting a centre for children with disabilities in Madras & the "Birdy Dance" came on the cassette player and the teacher announced to the room "Caroline’s going to teach us all to dance”. This really was a turning point for me. It’s about connection, play and movement.

Dance opportunities for young people with profound & multiple learning disabilities

On my return I worked both as a dance artist, performing with Nomads Dance Company & in improvisational projects but also teaching in a variety of educational and community settings. In 1996, I became a lecturer in Dance at the University of Derby where I taught on the undergraduate programme for six years. In 1997, I co-founded Wild Ducks with Mieke Chill, an organisation which provided movement and dance opportunities for young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities.

Finding alternative approaches to working with movement

Following my initial training in contemporary dance, I came across alternative approaches to working with movement and the body which really intrigued me and felt very satisfying; firstly the Alexander Technique and then Feldenkrais. It was after a series of individual Feldenkrais lessons with Scott Clark, having done Awareness Through Movement (group classes) as part of Scott's dance classes for a few years, that I became truly hooked and decided to do the professional training.

The revelation that doing less could deliver more

After my dance training, which focused mainly on copying the teacher, straining to get my leg higher and on the whole to be more like someone else, here I was at last given permission to be myself and notice my own habits and patterns and how this could be less of a struggle. This was such a revelation to me that in doing less & sensing more I could move with greater ease but also my general feeling of well being was noticeably improved. This really kept me going back for more and still does.

I completed the Amsterdam International Feldenkrais Training (AIFT) in October 2002 with educational directors Arlyn Zones and Larry Goldfarb. I now have a thriving practice in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire where I teach regular classes & workshops and give individual hands on sessions. I also teach online via Zoom.

Specialist sessions on Feldenkrais ®

Over the years I have been invited to teach specialist sessions: I have taught classes for the MS society in Oldham and delivered an introductory workshop for physiotherapists working with children in the NHS in Hartlepool and have delivered sessions to dancers in training at Laban, Northern School of Contemporary Dance & most recently in London for Independent Dance on their MA programme.

Feldenkrais Into Dance

I also collaborate with Dan Weaver on Feldenkrais Into Dance workshops held at Wainsgate Chapel. Find out more here.

I love dancing now more than ever and support Wainsgate Dances Open Practice sessions regularly. Click here to find out more.

Film collaboration with Sarah Mason

In 2022 I collaborated with Sarah Mason on a film, marking a new chapter for me in my creative process.

To find out more about Sarah Mason, click here.

You can view the film by clicking the button below

Moving Through Menopause

I am currently developing an online series of Feldenkrais lessons for women called Moving Through Menopause. This 6 week series has happened twice this year and will continue.

Professional accreditations

Since qualifying I have been a member of the Feldenkrais Guild UK, the professional organisation responsible for maintaining standards of practice, and I fully subscribe to their Code of Ethics and requirement of professional insurance. I regularly attend Advanced Trainings to support and further develop my practice. Since 2012 I have visited the London Training as an experienced practitioner to give hands on lessons.