Authentic Movement is a body-based discipline, a physical practice. The discipline of Authentic Movement is rooted in the principles of dance and Jungian Depth Psychology. It is practiced in a wide range of fields for personal/creative insight investigation, contemplation and the expressive and performing arts. Its potential is to bring to consciousness previously hidden elements of unique personal, spiritual and creative aspects of being through the tangible experience of the body.
This two-day workshop offers an introduction to the somatic discipline of Authentic Movement. Open to participants aged 15 and over, the course welcomes all levels of experience, no previous movement or dance training is required.
Authentic Movement is a body-based contemplative practice rooted in dance and Jungian Depth Psychology. Through guided movement, witnessing, and reflection, participants are invited to explore creativity, awareness, and embodied presence in a supportive environment.
Course Overview
Participants will:
Receive a foundational introduction to Authentic Movement as taught by Judith Koltaï
Explore the practice in both solo and collective settings
Learn about the lineage of the discipline, pioneered by Mary Starks Whitehouse and developed by Janet Adlerand Judith Koltaï
Experience movement as a pathway toward personal insight, creativity, and well-being
Develop tools for continuing their own personal and creative journeys
The Practice
Authentic Movement begins with a preparatory proprioceptive practice, a spontaneous physical responsiveness to sensory, kinaesthetic, and vocal impulses without concern for outcome.
The external structure of the practice is simple:
A “Mover” (or several Movers) moves with eyes closed, following spontaneous sensory and kinaesthetic impulses
A “Witness” observes with attentive presence
Both Mover and Witness are invited to attend deeply to their own direct experience. Carefully developed guidelines create a safe and supportive environment free from judgement, interpretation, or projection.
The practice also includes reflective speaking and creative forms of articulation to deepen individual and collective insight.
About the Instructor
Monique Léger is a dancer, choreographer, and movement educator whose artistic practice is rooted in Embodied Practice, Authentic Movement, and poetry.
She studied with Judith Koltaï from 1989 until Koltaï’s passing in 2024, continuing a long lineage of embodied and contemplative movement practice.
Monique’s recent projects include the theatrical poem Les Âmes errantes (Wandering Souls), co-created with Thierry Thieû Niang and presented at the Festival de théâtre jeunesse en Acadie in 2026. She is currently developing Toi mon cœur qui aime et ressuscite for the Festival acadien de Caraquet and continues to tour her dance-poetry work Là où tu m’aimes internationally.
The documentary film Au Travers (Through), based on Monique’s artistic process and directed by Béatriz Mediavilla, premiered at the Parrsboro Film Festival in 2025 and is currently touring internationally.
More information about Judith Koltaï and Embodied Practice can be found at Embodied Practice – Judith Koltaï.