Classes & Workshops
The Gurdjieff Movements
This day-long workshop is an
introduction to the Movements:
a series of sacred dances that
were created by the spiritual
teacher G. I. Gurdjieff in the
mid-twentieth century. The
dances are an integration of
mystical Sufi, northern
Egyptian, and Christian
spiritual practices: information
that was largely lost until
Gurdjieff brought it back to the
West and began teaching in
Paris, London, and Russia
throughout the 1900s. The
dances work in concert with
specific meditations. These
practices bring the dancer’s
awareness back to the present
moment. The shapes of the
Movements are designed align
the mind and the body to a
higher level of spiritual energy.
The meditations build a
foundation for people to sustain
these higher energy states.
These specific practices allow
people to develop mental focus
by holding attention on visual
images. This workshop is
designed to give people
exposure to the techniques
designed to focus spiritual
power and free will. No dance
experience is necessary, and all
are welcome.
| For more information or to schedule a movement workshop, please contact vanessa@vanessacurto.com. |
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“I met Vanessa Curto in 2004. At that time I was facilitating a Gurdjieff Study
Group in IL. Vanessa is a professional dancer and is also a student of the
teaching of G. I. Gurdieff, especially in the way of sacred dance, known as the
Gurdjieff Movements. Our study group concentrated on other ways in which
Gurdjieff brought his teaching, and we had no one who was qualified to bring
instruction in the way of the Movements. It was a delight for us all when Vanessa
joined our group, as she was able to instruct and to lead us in experiencing the
Movements. Now that Vanessa has moved to Washington, DC, we all miss her
vivaciousness and the benefit of how the work of the group was energized with
her presence and competence. May her presence in her current endeavors be an
aid to all those who wish to be able to live according to the Truth!”
--Sy Ginsburg
Author of Gurdjieff Unveiled and In Search of the Unitive Vision
Advisory Board: International All & Everything Conferences
Facilitator: Gurdjieff Study Groups at the Theosophical Society in Florida and
the C.G. Jung Center, Evanston, IL
Group in IL. Vanessa is a professional dancer and is also a student of the
teaching of G. I. Gurdieff, especially in the way of sacred dance, known as the
Gurdjieff Movements. Our study group concentrated on other ways in which
Gurdjieff brought his teaching, and we had no one who was qualified to bring
instruction in the way of the Movements. It was a delight for us all when Vanessa
joined our group, as she was able to instruct and to lead us in experiencing the
Movements. Now that Vanessa has moved to Washington, DC, we all miss her
vivaciousness and the benefit of how the work of the group was energized with
her presence and competence. May her presence in her current endeavors be an
aid to all those who wish to be able to live according to the Truth!”
--Sy Ginsburg
Author of Gurdjieff Unveiled and In Search of the Unitive Vision
Advisory Board: International All & Everything Conferences
Facilitator: Gurdjieff Study Groups at the Theosophical Society in Florida and
the C.G. Jung Center, Evanston, IL
"It is difficult to express the gratitude that I feel for the Work and for the vital
role that the Movements play in that process. For me, the Movements are an
exercise in attention and will. They are also an excellent chance for observing
both the outer workings of the body and the inner states that accompany them.
Though no one in our group could claim to be proficient in these 'sacred
gymnastics', there were times when a unitive force came through and there was a
cohesive beauty to our movement. Wordless connections were made between
more essential parts of ourselves. Vanessa is a vibrant and dedicated teacher.
Her joyful yet disciplined approach is helpful for both the experienced and the
first-time participant. I also found her personal insights with me on a wide
variety of subjects to be quite useful in my own development."
--Andrew, Lansing, MI
role that the Movements play in that process. For me, the Movements are an
exercise in attention and will. They are also an excellent chance for observing
both the outer workings of the body and the inner states that accompany them.
Though no one in our group could claim to be proficient in these 'sacred
gymnastics', there were times when a unitive force came through and there was a
cohesive beauty to our movement. Wordless connections were made between
more essential parts of ourselves. Vanessa is a vibrant and dedicated teacher.
Her joyful yet disciplined approach is helpful for both the experienced and the
first-time participant. I also found her personal insights with me on a wide
variety of subjects to be quite useful in my own development."
--Andrew, Lansing, MI
"I brought Vanessa from Chicago to Lansing, MI to teach esoteric dance based
on her powerful and artistic performances of Sufi and Christian esoteric dance.
Vanessa led us to joyful mindfulness with each and every movement of our
bodies. She taught us to do the dance movements correctly and safely. Vanessa
knows how to push students of all ages to do their best without pushing them
over the edge. We had great dance workshops! From performing the esoteric
dances, we gained a hightened sense of mindfulness and clarity for the
challenges of our everyday lives. Awaken to the dance of life! Take an esoteric
dance class with Vanessa!!"
--Eric Ederer, Lansing, MI
Certified Yoga Teacher
on her powerful and artistic performances of Sufi and Christian esoteric dance.
Vanessa led us to joyful mindfulness with each and every movement of our
bodies. She taught us to do the dance movements correctly and safely. Vanessa
knows how to push students of all ages to do their best without pushing them
over the edge. We had great dance workshops! From performing the esoteric
dances, we gained a hightened sense of mindfulness and clarity for the
challenges of our everyday lives. Awaken to the dance of life! Take an esoteric
dance class with Vanessa!!"
--Eric Ederer, Lansing, MI
Certified Yoga Teacher