Thanks to my parents for their unconditional support of me and for the values of diligence, honesty, and generosity by which they lived. From decades of my professional life in dance, yoga, and bodywork, I have been inspired by many teachers, notably Elaine Summers, Merce Cunningham, Anahid Sofian, Twyla Tharp, John Friend, Thomas Myers, Judith Lasater, Mary Dunn, and Carrie Owerko—their fascination with movement is contagious. My students and clients have supported me, challenged me, and fueled me to continue learning. The Bodymind Ballwork method is greatly enriched and inspired by their questions and explorations over many years and in many contexts. I’m particularly grateful for the students who gave permission for their stories to be told in this book.
I heartily applaud the growing community of bodywork professionals, neurologists, and psychotherapists who are forging an ever-new understanding of the bodymind connection. They are pioneers, integrating the scientific, psychological, and spiritual perspectives of who we are as humans, and highlighting the incredible healing potential of this kind of practice. Many of them are represented by quotes within this text, and by their books that are listed in the bibliography at the end of this book.
Thanks to those who modeled for the photographs in this book: Susan Genis, Lucia McBee, Yukiko Matsubara, Joyce Cohen, Eduardo Martinez, and Nick Fitch. Thanks to the photographers Paula Court, John Pilson, and Josef Kushner, and to the illustrator Emily Ciosek. David Fink generously provided comments and suggestions as I developed this book. Thanks to editors Julia Hough and Miriam Seidel, whose word skills helped me to shape this book.
As this project came to fruition, my literary agent Jill Marsal found a home for it at North Atlantic Books, where editor Pam Berkman has been its skillful shepherd through the editorial process. I appreciate their expertise in helping me to refine what I have to say.
Lastly, special thanks goes to my family for their constant love and support.