What is conscious movement? A textbook definition might be that it’s slow, intentional movements that promote awareness of your body. One might think exercise activities such as yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi might fall under this category. According to Euclid resident, Holistic Healer, and Conscious Movement Expert Susana Weingarten Evert- it’s so much more. 

“Conscious Movement is the awareness of the body and how to take care of it,” said Evert. “It incorporates self-healing, discipline, deep breathing, and calming your mind so your body can focus on what it really needs: to heal.” 

Evert started her accomplished career as a professional dancer in Mexico City where she studied with Ballet Nacional de Mexico and then danced and toured with Ballet Independiente de Mexico. This experience on stage then evolved into roles as a choreographer, a designer, an artist in education, a movement therapist and a teacher. Evert and her partner, Tom Evert, a former dancer with THE PAUL TAYLOR DANCE COMPANY, founded their own dance/theater company right here in Euclid where Susana continues her 20+ years of serving as co-artistic director. The company toured internationally, earning praise and recognition in the dance community- and winning multiple awards in both the USA and abroad. 

Her Conscious Movement classes, though Movecious, were developed through years of experience as a dance instructor and incorporate various dance-related disciplines mixed with yoga and Pilates- all with a focus on body awareness, and taking responsibility for one’s own health. 

“Step one is always finding focus on your breathing,” says Evert of her methodology. “Somatic breathing (breathing from your core) is something anyone can do, and it can make a big difference in their overall health and wellness.” Evert allows her one-on-one or small group sessions to be guided by the needs and abilities of her students. “My mind is always thinking about what I have to give,” Evert said. “To each audience, to each class, to each student. Teaching, like performing, is giving a part of yourself. It’s very theatrical.” 

Though deeply rooted in dance, conscious movement classes can be beneficial for anyone looking to improve their overall health. Those with disabilities or injuries, those with poor posture from spending 8-hour days leaning over a keyboard- Evert asserts that any person of any ability can participate, and benefit. “My students tell me when they see me, just the sight of me reminds them to sit up straight,” jokes Evert, who explains that conscious movement inexplicably results in better posture, which in turn promotes proper breathing and posture-related pain relief.  

Interested to learn more about Conscious Movement? Sign up for an in-person right here in Euclid, or online class through zoom at www.movecious.com. Movecious can also be reached at 240-506-1168.