Sunday Advanced Education Series: Pedagogy – Language, Agency, and Empowering Students Through Thoughtful Practice and Feedback
Led by Krista Lennartz
In the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, agency is defined as "the capacity to act," and the term "agency" represents the expression of this capacity. As educators, especially in the realm of mindful movement, we have a unique responsibility to create learning environments that nurture and expand our students' agency. This is not just an educational goal but a public health imperative. Our role as movement educators is to empower students to take ownership of their movement journeys, equipping them with the tools to make self-directed, informed decisions about their bodies. For lasting behavioral changes to occur, students must become agents of their own transformation, integrating what they learn in the studio into their lives beyond it. This workshop will explore how the conditions we set for practice and the feedback we provide can either cultivate or diminish a student's sense of agency. By fostering agency, we help students build lifelong, autonomous movement skills that promote overall well-being.
More details about the Advanced Lecture Series
The Sunday Advanced Education Series with Krista Lennartz offers a transformative journey into the intersection of body and mind through the lenses of anatomy, biomechanics, psychology, and pedagogy. Designed for movement professionals and serious practitioners, this series delves into both the structural and emotional aspects of mindful movement, blending science with experiential learning. Each session explores a different focus—whether emphasizing the physical body or the emotional and cognitive processes behind movement—creating a rich, multidimensional understanding. Through a combination of lecture, discussion, and hands-on problem-solving, participants will gain valuable insights and practical tools to elevate their practice and teaching. This series also lays the foundation for the anticipated 800-hour Pilates Certification, set to launch in 2027, making it an essential experience for those looking to deepen their expertise.
What: This lecture series, led by Krista Lennartz, explores the intersection between the structural world (anatomy, biomechanics, kinesiology, and somatics) and the emotional-cognitive world (psychology, behavioral science, and pedagogy) as they apply to mindful movement practices for the general public. Each Sunday will spotlight different areas of focus, with some sessions leaning heavily on the structural aspects and others delving into emotional and behavioral considerations. This series lays the groundwork for the future 800-hour Pilates Certification Program, set to launch publicly in 2027. Whether you're a seasoned movement professional or an eager student, this series offers an invaluable opportunity to enrich your practice through a multidisciplinary approach.
How: Participants are encouraged to engage in pre-lecture work to ensure a richer, more balanced discussion during each session. Those who complete the pre-work will have the opportunity to actively contribute, while attendees who prefer to observe without preparation are welcome to attend as witnesses, allowing them to benefit from the discussions led by their peers. Each session will begin with approximately one hour of PowerPoint-based education, followed by an interactive segment where participants will either experience demonstrations or engage in problem-solving exercises related to the topics covered. This blend of theory and practical application ensures a comprehensive learning experience.
Why: The purpose of this series is to deepen the understanding and practice of professionals in the mindful movement fields by grounding their education in scientific research and then synthesizing that research in real world movement scenarios. By engaging with topics from both structural and emotional perspectives, participants can gain a more holistic view of how the body and mind intersect in movement practices. This deeper understanding not only benefits teachers in their instruction but also enhances personal growth in their own practice. Whether you teach or practice Pilates, yoga, or any mindful movement, this series will provide tools for uncovering new dimensions in your approach.
Where: All sessions will be held in person at The Practice Space’s Belmont Studio mat room, offering an intimate and focused environment for learning. This in-person format fosters community and engagement, allowing participants to dive deep into the material with direct support and guidance from Krista and their peers.
Who: These lectures are ideal for educators, practitioners, and clinicians looking to elevate and refine their approach to movement education. They are designed for those seeking to enhance their teaching or clinical practice by exploring complex topics and challenging common assumptions in the fields of Yoga and Pilates. While Krista aims to present these ideas in a clear and engaging way, the material is best suited for individuals with a solid foundation in anatomy, physiology, psychology, or neuroscience. Curious students are welcome, but this workshop is not ideal for novice movement learners seeking a basic understanding.
When: The series runs through the winter and spring, meeting on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month from 2:45 pm to 4:45 pm. Note that May is an exception, with lectures scheduled for the 1st and 4th Sundays. Participants can choose to attend the full series or select individual sessions based on their areas of interest. The full series and schedule is as follows:
1/12/2025 // Refining Movement through Hand and Foot Integration
1/26/2025 // Bipedal Stance and Movement – Lower Limb Integration with Axial Coordination, Gait Dynamics, Balance, and Spiral Lines
2/9/2025 // Transitional Movement at the Thoracic-Abdominal Junction and Sacrum
2/23/2025 // Spinal Decompression – The Importance of Axial Elongation, Neutral Spine, and Extensor Activation for Spinal Health
3/9/2025 // Jaw, Throat, and Occipital Alignment – An Anatomical Approach to Skull Positioning and Pathways to CNS and Motor Cortex Communication
3/23/2025 // Scapulothoracic Joint and Respiration – Enhancing Shoulder Articulation and Breathing for Optimal Upper Body Function
4/13/2025 // Language, Agency, and Empowering Students Through Thoughtful Practice and Feedback
4/27/2025 // Assessing the Body Through Fascial Lines, Soft Tissue, and Dynamic Movement
5/4/2025 // Assessing Skill and Class Levels: Offering Options in Multi-Level Classes
5/25/2025 // Visual Demonstration, Mirror Neurons, and Mimicry: How Demonstration Affects the Mind and Body
6/14/2025 // Motor Cortex Communication: Understanding Efferent and Afferent Pathways for Movement Control and Disorders That Disrupt Them
6/28/2025 // From Modification to Optimization: Reframing Affordances, Deepening Connections, and The OPTIMAL Theory