Allan Wayne Work

Lesser-known and more rarely practiced than other movement disciplines such as Alexander Technique and Laban Movement Analysis, Allan Wayne Work is advocated by a handful of independent movement teachers (including some working at major conservatory schools), and so merits at least cursory attention here.

Based on the distinctive research of American dancer Allan Wayne (1906-1978) and developed by Wayne’s pupil Paul Langland (Master Teacher of Movement for the renowned Experimental Theater Wing of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts), Allan Wayne Work comprises a series of physically rigorous exercises which increase strength and flexibility and improve physical alignment and energy flow. An internationally renowned ballet dancer and exhibition ballroom dancer, Wayne also studied with Rudolf Laban himself - as well as with Javanese yogi Radan Mas Jodjana. His teaching methods comprised elements from these diverse disciplines. Adverse to the term “technique” in its connotation as a system of rules, Wayne’s goal was to help his students discover an expanded use of their bodies through experiential improvisations. He advocated “moving from the inside” - in other words, experiencing the inner workings of the body through external movement. By helping students to release chronic tension in the superficial muscles, teachers help them to isolate subtle uses of deep, postural muscles which are under-used in everyday life. Results ideally include an inner sense of balance and integration, as well as increased strength and ease of movement. The work encourages cathartic emotional experiences through movement, and classes are often unstructured, involving a great deal of individualized, hands-on work.

Classes are available in New York City with dance artist Brendan McCall - a former student of and frequent collaborator with Langland, and an adjunct faculty member at such schools as New York University, the Yale School of Drama, and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. These classes, which are open to students of all ages and experience levels, take place every Saturday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Context Studios, and cost $10 per class.

Langland himself also teaches occasional workshops in Allan Wayne work at venues worldwide - consult http://www.paullangland.com or e-mail him at paullangland@aol.com for dates and details.

Notable students of Allan Wayne Work: Irmgard Bartenieff, Lucinda Childs, Anne Hammel, Paul Langland, Brendan McCall, Meredith Monk, Yvonne Rainer, Tamar Rogoff.

Brendan McCall
Phone: (212) 245-6288
E-mail: rorydaniel@aol.com

Context Studios
28 Avenue A (between 2^nd and 3^rd Streets)
3^rd Floor
New York, NY 10009