Photo From http://www.labaninternational.org/ourprograms.htm

Previously I had discussed my interest in receiving certification from one of the certificate programs offered at Columbia.  This week I am going to focus on the Graduate Laban Certificate in Movement Analysis (GL – CMA) program.

What some people may not know is that GL – CMA can be used across many fields such as directors, teachers, performers, coaches, and therapists.  The program helps to develop the knowledge across disciplines by re-educating students in the movement of the body.So why would I be considering this certificate as a future dance/movement therapist? Some of the primary tools dance/movement therapists use in assessing clients are Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) and the Bartenieff Fundamentals.  Since this certificate bears a focus in the theories of both Laban and Bartenieff, it is great for extending my knowledge in these realms.  In doing so, I can also expand my movement repertoire and broaden my ability to observe movement patterns.

Photo From http://www.limsonline.org/program-workshops-bartenieff-program

This program can also help to further develop my knowledge of the body/mind connection and can then help me to further understand how to integrate these concepts into a therapeutic setting.

Also, the program runs for fourteen months, and classes are held one weekend each month.  The next cycle will begin in May 2014, which is perfect, considering I will graduate from the Dance Movement Therapy & Counseling program in May as well.

On an informational note, the department will be accepting applications until December 2013.