Over the course of 6 weeks, the participants will dive into Stage 1 of the Seki Method Teacher Training to intensively explore its fundamentals, understand its movement language, and become fluent in the method on the level of body and mind while growing into a Seki Method facilitator. 

Minako Seki has been developing her unique approach to dance for over forty years. Her work has come about through researching movement and meditatively contemplating the worlds of physics, biology, animal behaviour, minerals and plant life, as well as human relationships and the structures of the mind. From this intuitive wisdom she has created dance choreography and a teaching method. 

For Seki and her students, meditation and bodywork are the starting points for cultivating a clear mind, which is the door to intuitive wisdom from which dance and creativity spring. When teaching she harnesses the energy of the group to help awaken each individual, and considers joy and freedom of movement to be keystones of her method.

Stage 1 of the Seki Method Teacher Training includes:

• Learning its principals of dance training within the five overarching themes: Power of Imagination, Fundamental Awakening, Dancing In-between, Dancing the Qualia and Focus Shifting.

   

• Developing dance skills such as perception, presence and creativity through group sharing and personal reflection.

   

• Researching movement to experience interconnectivity with the environment and others.

   

• Learning and implementing the Seki Method Bodymap.

   

• Exploring how to synthesize the method with the inner child to support the unfolding of individuality through creativity.

   

There are 3 stages to the Teacher Training programme –  World Wide Moving School 

STAGE 1 : 

12.04 to 23.05.2027 , in Tomitsu, Nagasaki, Japan.

Qualification: Seki Method Facilitator Stage 1

Open to: Everyone selected through application

STAGE 2:

Autumn (October - November ) 2027 or Autumn (October - November ) 2028, in Tomitsu, Unzen, Nagasaki, Japan (choice of the date depending of your availability and number of free spots)

Qualification: Seki Method Facilitator Stage 2

Open to : Student who successfully completed Stage 1 , and selected by Minako Seki

STAGE 3:

January - February 2028 or 2029, in Ko-Panqui, Chile 

Qualification: Seki Method Teacher

Open to: selected students who successfully completed Stage 2

CONTENT

Module 1: Energy, Alignment and Intention 1: Introduction to sense of hanging from the Earth, Upper and Lower Tails. (34,5h)

Module 2: Body as a Waterbag 1: Developing physical receptivity and sensitivity through sensing the fluid body.  (16h)

Module 3: Falling and Bouncing 1: Exploring gravity by shifting weight in movement. (30,5h)

Module 4: Shadow Side of the Body: Creating, catching and defining space. (27,5h)

Module 5: Body as a Point: Isolations, points on the body and in the body, creating space in-between body points. (29h)

Module 6: Space Between and Composition: Dialogue between points in the body and points in the surroundings. Finding your own theme and developing a composition within a site. (56h)

• Teachings on Macrobiotic food and philosophy

• Practice at Iwado Shrine
• Practice at Unzen Vulcano

• Healing practice: Teachings on Japanese Traditional Healing Techniques
• Teaching to the local community

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The Seki Method Teacher Training is open to dancers/movers, therapists, those working in the healing arts, artists from other disciplines and anyone interested in learning the skills and language of the Seki Method, as well as how to teach others. A good physicality, strong stamina and movement experience are necessary. 

Conditions you should know before applying:

• We are looking for movers with a research mind who are willing to make a deep COMMITMENT to this training. 
• A willingness for deep, accurate individual work is required, together with the capacity to care for group dynamics within a collective space. 
• This training is VERY intensive, like a retreat and will need physicality, strength and endurance. Like for a Marathon ! YOU MUST BE PHYSICALLY PREPARED AND TRAIN BEFORE COMING TO JAPAN!

• This training will demand intense focusing and strong concentration. The ongoing homework will have to be done, as well as your teaching practices. Your ongoing practice will be checked, and are needed for managing your final certification.

• Minako describes her training space and philosophy as “Creative Dojo”. In Japanese, 道場 (dōjō) means "place of the Way”. It signifies a path of self-improvement, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual development, not just physical skill. In all everyday tasks (like cleaning, washing dishes, beauty of the space)...we practice mindfulness in every moment.

• We will ask you to support each other and be kind to yourself and the group. You will look after your physical and mental health. 
• You will meet a big cultural difference and an intense physical and mental training. This will be, for everyone, a transformative process. Please also embrace this path and prepare yourself. Be adaptable.

Fees:

- The fees for the training are 2772€.

Then we have calculated a general budget for the rest of expenses:

The additional budget for each person is 1500€ for 43 days.  

It includes:

- The accommodation 

- The food: From Monday to Friday, the local cooking team will buy the food and cook for you breakfast and lunch (lunch/dinner at 5 pm): DELICIOUS HOME MADE JAPANESE MACROBIOTIC FOOD! On the weekends you will cook yourself.

- The transport (gasoline and driver) needed to move around for training activities

- It also includes the gifts and salaries that will be offered to the workers and volunteers. They have been working hard for several months to make your stay possible, and they will be working hard during your stay.

Extra costs (not included): Hot springs (€2), Possible Zen temple evening futon rental (~€10), restaurant, Pottery workshop

Application:

Please send to mail@minakoseki.com: 

1. Your CV in a link (Drive or any other link)

    

2. One short 2 minute video introducing yourself and your interest in the Teacher Training programme ( in English) 

    

3. One short 2-minute video of your dance and movement (the video has to be made specifically for this application, we won’t accept videos of past performances), with NO EDITION, raw video please. 

Both videos and the CV must be any Youtube/Vimeo/Googledrive link, no files, no wetransfer will be accepted.

The number of participants is limited.

 DEADLINE: SEND YOUR APPLICATION BEFORE THE 1ST OF OCTOBER 

For any question and application, contact Lili Lenfant / Seki Method School Management

Email: mail@minakoseki.com

www.minakoseki.com