Dear Feldenkrais® Colleagues,

Build on our collective history of ACTIVE and FUNCTIONAL participation – come to Chicago this summer for our annual FGNA Conference. Join the many experienced trainers and practitioners who will be sharing their skills, wisdom and insights with us at the beautiful Loyola University lakefront campus.

The skyscrapers of Chicago inspire our theme, “Less is More.”  The twentieth century architect Mies van der Rohe used the phrase “Less is More” to describe his design philosophy. Built with modern materials of steel and glass, his structures are direct and simple, conveying a feeling of light, openness and freedom of movement, as well as allowing room for interpretation. These same principles inform our work - opening individuals through their basic structure to freedom of movement and the lightness of personal interpretation.

When we chose the theme “Less is More,” we never imagined the possibility of receiving more proposals from trainers than could fit in the conference schedule! Indeed, more than half of our conference teaching this year will be done by trainers. Over the course of two pre-conference and five conference days, twenty-seven teachers will present 24 unique and compelling workshops to evoke your curiosity, expand your thinking, and revitalize your practice.

Continuing the tradition of hearing the stories of those who have studied with the Master, this year we asked one of ‘our own’, Elizabeth Beringer, to provide our keynote address. Elizabeth has been leading trainings for many years and has worked diligently on The Feldenkrais Journal. She will help us look back at Moshe’s wisdom and thinking processes, as well as look forward to advances in neuroresearch and how current thinking can inform our work today.

Conference 2010 has something for everyone: seasoned trainers offering their wisdom to practitioners, workshops for those still in training, and something for the public each day – so bring a friend or loved one. Local practitioners, invite your students. As always, we will have free Awareness Through Movement^® lessons each morning.

Our middle day of the conference is being dedicated to business building: growing our practice is as essential as growing our skills. On Tuesday morning you can choose from social networking, research, product development, or mentoring by some of our best trainers and assistants – followed by a half day off so you can explore our city!

On Tuesday afternoon, you can take a guided architectural tour with your colleagues or explore the city on your own. Walk the beaches of Lake Michigan, or rent a bike to ride through Lincoln Park. Enjoy the many art and cultural activities that our great city offers in the summer, including free music in Grant and Millennium Parks. You will not be lacking for activities to fill your free time! And if coming to the big city seems intimidating, do not worry: your local colleagues are here to help. Public transit (our CTA “L”) or airport shuttles can get you to campus from either one of the Chicago airports. While we can’t guarantee the weather, Lake Michigan is known for its cool breezes, plus we’ve reserved air-conditioned dorms. 

The 2010 Annual Conference will offer practitioners, students and the public an opportunity to experience some of the essential elements of our work, such as efficiency, ease, and elegance. The best reason to attend the FGNA Conference is to grow and nurture your own work in the Feldenkrais Method^®, including skill building, networking, and deepening of friendships. We are the Guild! Let us grow this body of amazing and deeply caring people. Seven days of training is being offered to YOU. Just like an FI student, you have to actively receive in order to benefit. So sign up and show up!

We are so looking forward to seeing you there!

Mary Susan Chen, Conference Program Committee Chair

Myra Ping, Julie Francis, Deborah Page, Dwight Pargee, Chrish Kresge, Conference Program Committee

Susan Marshall, Conference Coordinator

Andrea Wiener, outgoing Conference Coordinator