ABSTRACT In this in-depth dialogue, Lina Amy Hack speaks with Aline Newton and Rebecca Carli-Mills about the expression “too much body,” which came up in the context of the 2022 Tonic Function Study Group online class exploring the approach of French Rolfer®, Hubert Godard. Together they explore how clients may have become overly focused on their bodies as objects – on shape, symmetry, and control – rather than on embodied experience, relationship with gravity, and the environment. Newton and Carli-Mills emphasize that embodiment is a quality every human has, and perception of our embodiment is not a fixed state but an ongoing process of sensing and relating to the world. Through examples from dance, athletic training, and client work, they show how overemphasis on visual correction and muscular control can interfere with natural coordination and expression.

ABSTRACT In this thorough interview by Rebecca Carli-Mills, we hear from musician, Rolfer, and Rolf Movement Practitioner Linda Grace and professional violinist Paul Roby. The interview delves into the Rolfer’s task when working with musicians, ideas from Hubert Godard, movement sequences Linda has developed, and the musician’s experience of the work and particular needs.

Q: For most of us, our everyday clientele for Rolfing® Structural Integration (SI) is largely comprised of adults coming in for issues of pain, posture, and/or body optimization. However, parents sometimes bring infants and children to receive work, either for particular issues or to support their development. Can you share something from your understanding or experience related to working with children?

Author’s Note: This is the first in a series of interviews with Rolf Movement practitioners who incorporate movement studies within their practices in interesting ways.Over the past twenty years, Aline Newton and I have often participated in workshops taught by Hubert Godard. When we were together in October of 2013 attending a class held in southern Spain, I was reminded of Aline?s ability to articulate her passion about her studies with Hubert in a tangible and humanistic way. I conducted this interview with her to share some of the ideas that have been so meaningful to us with the larger community.