Performance Enhancement | Health & Wellness


 

Programmes

CeltFest dance and music programs place a high premium on improving the students' craft without injury and in an ergonomically sound manner. Programs below are integrated into all dance programs and into music programs at the instructor's request.

These courses are also available as an elective and are open to anyone to attend.

        PILATES 

Pilates is a fitness method consisting of a series of exercises developed by Joseph H. Pilates. The exercies were created to address the issues of strength, stretch, symmetry of the skeletal/muscular systems, and how they effect the overall stability and range of motion of the body. However, the exercises do not work alone; they are always taught in conjunction with Joseph Pilates' exercise principles.  

Pilates adheres to some very basic movement principles. The exercises have precise settings which require concentration to maintain. Precision and concentration are triggers for the brain to pay attention. All the exercises involve or initiate from the abdominals. This is called centering. Centering facilitates the co-ordination of the main functions of the abdominals, stabilizing and moving the pelvis, rib-cage, spine and breathing. Breathing is, of course, our body's most essential movement. With every breath, the whole spine should lengthen and shorten. Every pilates exercise has a specific breating pattern based on this information. 

Further, the breath pattern creates the rhythm of each exercies. Controlled and flowing movements are the result of this breath-based rhythm. Pilates works because the exercises address the whole body, including the brain. The brain informs the body, the body informs the brain. 

The Dancers' Warm-up

This class consists of movement derived from ballet, modern dance, and yoga. We will work to move the body in its stretch and strength ranges as well as targeting areas of special interests to the dancers.
Working leg extensions and arm placement by mobilizing both limb and joint. Looking to create the needed stability in the trunk to facilitate the ranges needed in the limbs.

Pilates for Dancers

We will emphasize working with the external rotation of the legs in non-weight bearing mat work exercises. This allows the dancers to really focus on the thigh/pelvis continuum. We will also do some hip opening exercises that use passive weight and breath to stretches both the joint and limb.

Core strength is the foundation to freeing the limbs to the ranges required by dancers. As always there will be a focus on the organization of the body into neutral posture using the breath as the fulcrum.

Pilates and or Yoga for Everyone

Pilates works to balance the stretch and strength of the body. It also works to balance the relationship between the front and back of the body. In part this is attained by working with the relationship between the core and the periphery of the body. The breath is the organizing rhythm that informs both the structure of the body and the exercise. Yoga as well uses a rhythmic breath as it's central structure.

The Yoga class will consist of a number of standing, seated and reclining poses. Again, Yoga, like Pilates works to open the range of motion while creating a balanced body. Different levels of each exercise will be offered to address difference in the students levels of ability. We will do a number of
warm-up exercises followed by Pilates Mat Work. If there is an interest we may alternate Yoga and Pilates.

Musicians
We will do some work with both posture and exercise. This is an interactive experience. Students will watch one another playing their instruments and assess the player's posture. The instructor and Sandi will guide this process. The aim is to build skills for self -assessment when practising on ones own.
The exercises we do will depend on the instrument played. The students should take home with them
one postural cue, and an exercise addressing strength and stretch issues.


Instructor(s)

What to Bring

  • Light, loose, flexible clothing
  • Yoga style mat if you own one
  • Pens 
  • Pencils 
  • Notebook  
  • Binder or folder for handouts  
  • Recording devices for musicians (optional)  
  • Water bottle  
  • Wacky costume for those participants in the Jig and Hornpipe Contest  
  • Shorts  
  • Long Pants  
  • Raingear  
  • Sweater for evening
  • Outdoor Sportswear & Sunscreen 
  • Bathing suit 
  • Beach towel 
  • Bug repellent  
  • Highland Dress/Irish Costumes are Optional  
  • Your best attitude for a fun-filled week of learning!

Class Schedule/Location

The class schedule and location will be finalized once registration closes on June 25. We will post it here as soon as it is available.

Register Now!