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)™ 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 ImageryReinforcing What You WantPurpose and WillUsing Imagery for AlignmentUsing the Audio FilesPart I. Posture and Dynamic AlignmentChapter 1. Roots of Imagery for AlignmentA Brief Look at Imagery Throughout HistoryAlignment in History and ArtImagery and Ideas of Ideal PostureSomatic DisciplinesSummaryChapter 2. Postural Models and Dynamic AlignmentPostural HabitsDynamically AligningSummaryChapter 3. Foundations of Mental ImageryBrain, Consciousness, and ImageryNervous SystemThe World in the Brain: Neuroplasticity and ImageryDevelopmental PatternsDeveloping Mind: The Role of ImagerySummaryChapter 4. The Art of Change Through ImageryFour Steps in the Art of ChangeA Closer Look at the Four Steps for ChangeSummaryChapter 5. Imagery’s Five Ws: What, Who, When, Where, and WhyWhat?Who?When?Where?Why?SummaryChapter 6. General Guidelines for How to Use ImageryFactors That Influence Successful ImageryModulating and Adapting Images and MetaphorsSequencing the ImageryProblems and Opportunities When Cuing ImageryResting Positions for Imagery PracticeSummaryPart II. Biomechanical and Anatomical Principles and ExercisesChapter 7. Befriending Gravity and Finding Your CenterGravityForcesAnatomical Terminology for Location and DirectionSummaryChapter 8. Laws of Motion and Force SystemsNewton’s Laws of MotionForce SystemsLever SystemsEnergy ConservationAbility of Materials to Resist ForceDynamic StabilitySummaryChapter 9. Joint, Bone, Muscle, and FasciaJoint TypesBonesMusclesConnective Tissue and FasciaSummaryPart III. Exercises for Anatomical ImageryChapter 10. Pelvis, Hip Joint, and CompanyPelvic ArchesBalancing the PelvisMotion of the Pelvic HalvesCounterrotation and Three-Dimensional AlignmentPelvic PowerhouseHip Joint and FemurIliopsoas and PiriformisThe Fascia of the Thigh and LegSummaryChapter 11. Knee, Lower Leg, and FootGet to Know Your KneeFascia of the Lower LimbTibia, Fibula, and AnkleFootInteraction of Fasciae, Muscles, and Ligaments of the Leg and FootSummaryChapter 12. Spine and Body WallVertebraeIntervertebral DiscsThe Spine’s Curved DesignSacrum and PelvisSpinal LigamentsMusculature of the Abdomen and BackAbdominal WallAbdominal Muscles and the Concept of Core StabilitySummaryChapter 13. Shoulders, Arms, and HandsSuspension of the Shoulder GirdleGlenohumeral JointHumeroscapular RhythmElbowWrist and HandSummaryChapter 14. Head and NeckAtlas and AxisFasciae of the NeckSkullFasciae of the Head and FaceSuboccipitalsMandibleHyoid and TongueEyesNose and MouthSummaryChapter 15. Rib Cage, Breath, and OrgansRib CageBreathSupport and Breathing for Abdominal OrgansHeartSkin as an OrganSummaryPart IV. Returning to Holistic AlignmentChapter 16. Definitions of Dynamic AlignmentPlumb LineMedian AlignmentDefining Ideal AlignmentDynamic Versus Static AlignmentDynamic and Static StabilityPulling Up and Ideal AlignmentSummaryChapter 17. Integrating Dynamic Alignment ExercisesAlignment in Supine PositionsAlignment in Sitting PositionsStanding and Walking AlignmentReleasing Excess TensionContinuing 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