Aim Quote by Steve Paxton
“With Material for the Spine, I am interested in alloying a technical approach to the processes of improvisation. It is a system for exploring interior and exterior muscles of the back. It aims to bring consciousness to the dark side of the body, that is, the ‘other’ side, or the inside, those sides not much self-seen, and to submit sensations from them to the mind for consideration.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Material for the Spine, Steve Paxton, 1977
A method that uses improvisational movement to make hidden bodily sensations conscious, integrating inner and outer muscle awareness.
In simple terms: Brings hidden body sensations into awareness through improvisation.
Key Takeaway
Explore and notice unseen bodily sensations.
Themes
improvisation
body awareness
consciousness
movement therapy
Mood
curious
introspective
experimental
Type
instructional
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- dance rehearsal
- physical therapy
- personal meditation
- creative workshops
Key Concepts
Somatic practice
embodiment
mind‑body integration
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you safely access deep muscle sensations?
- What benefits arise from acknowledging the “dark side” of the body?
A Different Perspective
May be difficult for beginners without prior somatic training.
![“Inside every woman there is a Kali. [Hindu goddess who morphed into seven hidden beings to win a battle] Do not mistake the exterior for the interior.” quote by Jennifer Beals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cd4/jennifer-beals-10022_battle_inside-every-woman-there-is-a-kali-hindu_305285.jpg)
![“He [an earnest young reporter] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be art, the object of children's books is to whip the little rascals into shape.” quote by Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cf/katherine-paterson-2365_adults_he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-s_6101.jpg)
![“I really enjoyed it - being involved in watching rushes and playback [in "The Invisible Woman"]. Ralph [Fiennes] was very open to my input, I think knowing that he couldn't always be there 100 percent, that he had dual aims with directing and acting.” quote by Felicity Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/56e/felicity-jones-2070_acting_i-really-enjoyed-it-being-involved-in-wa_11933.jpg)
