Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery

Eric Franklin is director and founder of the Institute for Franklin Method in Wetzikon, Switzerland. He has more than 35 years of experience as a dancer and choreographer, and he has shared imagery techniques in his teaching since 1986. After earning his bachelor of science degree at the University of Zurich and his bachelor of fine arts degree at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, Eric Franklin worked for many years as a dancer and choreographer. He developed his groundbreaking Franklin Method based on this training and his teaching experiences, and he has gone on to teach it at numerous universities and schools around the world, including the Juilliard School in New York, Rutgers University, the University of Vienna, the Royal Ballet School and the Laban Dance Center in London, the Zurich Neurological Institute, New York University, the Royal Danish Ballet, the Ballet School of the Zurich Opera, and the American Dance Festival. Franklin has presented at numerous scientific conferences, including the Interdisciplinary World Congress on Low Back and Pelvic Pain; the International Fascia Research Congress; the British Fascia Symposium; and the conferences of the Pilates Method Alliance, International Association for Dance Medicine & Science, and the National Dance Education Organization. He is the author of numerous books, such as Conditioning for Dance; Dance Imagery for Technique and Performance; Inner Focus Outer Strength; Pelvic Power; Relax Your Neck, Liberate Your Shoulders; Breathing for Peak Performance; and Fascia Release and Balance. Created in 1994, the Franklin Method combines dynamic science-based imagery, touch, anatomical embodiment, and educational skills to create lasting positive change in the body and mind as well as improvements in posture, movement, and focus. The Franklin Method uses the Dynamic Neurocognitive Imagery (DNI) (TM) method for movement and postural control retraining. Eric Franklin's books and workshops are available in many languages, as are his teacher certifications.

Introduction. How I Came to Use Imagery Reinforcing What You Want Purpose and Will Using Imagery for Alignment Using the Audio Files Part I. Posture and Dynamic Alignment Chapter 1. Roots of Imagery for Alignment A Brief Look at Imagery Throughout History Alignment in History and Art Imagery and Ideas of Ideal Posture Somatic Disciplines Summary Chapter 2. Postural Models and Dynamic Alignment Postural Habits Dynamically Aligning Summary Chapter 3. Foundations of Mental Imagery Brain, Consciousness, and Imagery Nervous System The World in the Brain: Neuroplasticity and Imagery Developmental Patterns Developing Mind: The Role of Imagery Summary Chapter 4. The Art of Change Through Imagery Four Steps in the Art of Change A Closer Look at the Four Steps for Change Summary Chapter 5. Imagery's Five Ws: What, Who, When, Where, and Why What? Who? When? Where? Why? Summary Chapter 6. General Guidelines for How to Use Imagery Factors That Influence Successful Imagery Modulating and Adapting Images and Metaphors Sequencing the Imagery Problems and Opportunities When Cuing Imagery Resting Positions for Imagery Practice Summary Part II. Biomechanical and Anatomical Principles and Exercises Chapter 7. Befriending Gravity and Finding Your Center Gravity Forces Anatomical Terminology for Location and Direction Summary Chapter 8. Laws of Motion and Force Systems Newton's Laws of Motion Force Systems Lever Systems Energy Conservation Ability of Materials to Resist Force Dynamic Stability Summary Chapter 9. Joint, Bone, Muscle, and Fascia Joint Types Bones Muscles Connective Tissue and Fascia Summary Part III. Exercises for Anatomical Imagery Chapter 10. Pelvis, Hip Joint, and Company Pelvic Arches Balancing the Pelvis Motion of the Pelvic Halves Counterrotation and Three-Dimensional Alignment Pelvic Powerhouse Hip Joint and Femur Iliopsoas and Piriformis The Fascia of the Thigh and Leg Summary Chapter 11. Knee, Lower Leg, and Foot Get to Know Your Knee Fascia of the Lower Limb Tibia, Fibula, and Ankle Foot Interaction of Fasciae, Muscles, and Ligaments of the Leg and Foot Summary Chapter 12. Spine and Body Wall Vertebrae Intervertebral Discs The Spine's Curved Design Sacrum and Pelvis Spinal Ligaments Musculature of the Abdomen and Back Abdominal Wall Abdominal Muscles and the Concept of Core Stability Summary Chapter 13. Shoulders, Arms, and Hands Suspension of the Shoulder Girdle Glenohumeral Joint Humeroscapular Rhythm Elbow Wrist and Hand Summary Chapter 14. Head and Neck Atlas and Axis Fasciae of the Neck Skull Fasciae of the Head and Face Suboccipitals Mandible Hyoid and Tongue Eyes Nose and Mouth Summary Chapter 15. Rib Cage, Breath, and Organs Rib Cage Breath Support and Breathing for Abdominal Organs Heart Skin as an Organ Summary Part IV. Returning to Holistic Alignment Chapter 16. Definitions of Dynamic Alignment Plumb Line Median Alignment Defining Ideal Alignment Dynamic Versus Static Alignment Dynamic and Static Stability Pulling Up and Ideal Alignment Summary Chapter 17. Integrating Dynamic Alignment Exercises Alignment in Supine Positions Alignment in Sitting Positions Standing and Walking Alignment Releasing Excess Tension Continuing Imagery Exercises

"The Franklin Method training as outlined in this book is the most intelligent approach to learning about the workings of the body that I have ever attended. It is not just information but the experience of our design as we learn that is transforming." -Tom McCook, Fitness Instructor, Founder and Director, Center of Balance "In Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery, Eric Franklin offers an easy-to-read, practical, and educational resource, which I wholly recommend." -Dr. Emma Redding, Head of Dance Science, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, President, International Association for Dance Medicine & Science "Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery is a must-have resource. Eric Franklin creates a truly powerful tool for improving movement and function." -Marie-Jose Blom, PMA Gold-Certified Master Pilates Teacher, Founder and Owner, Long Beach Dance Conditioning, Founder and Owner, Angel City Body Kinetics, Founder and Partner, SmartSpine Works "The Franklin Method has had a profound influence on my personal and professional life. Eric Franklin's evolution of imagery and its application contain the knowledge and power to create a quantum leap in our understanding of human movement and our own potential." -Jan Dunn, M.S., Past President, International Association for Dance Medicine & Science