Franklin expert hosts Bay workshop

ONE of the co-founders of the Franklin method – a physical and mental movement technique – is visiting Port Elizabeth this weekend to give two workshops.

Master Franklin teacher trainer Morthen Dithmer presents the workshops at St Bernadette's in Walmer at 10.30am and 2pm on Sunday.

According to one newspaper report on Dithmer, "the former professional dancer, Danish-born, Tokyo-based movement instructor is an osteopathic bodyworker, vaudeville performer, juggler and sixth-degree black-belt holder in aikido".

Dithmer's interest in movement was sparked as a child when he watched a dance performance: "this male dancer basically moved like a leopard," he recalled. "I looked at that and said 'wow, that looks really fun'."

Unfortunately for those who were not in the know, this weekend's workshops are almost full. However, the Franklin method is attracting interest due to its benefits for the body.

Swiss dancer Eric Franklin devised it only 20 years ago and later extended the Franklin method from dance to more areas of human movement.

It combines dynamic science-based imagery, touch, anatomical embodiment and educational skills to create lasting positive change in body and mind, using a range of simple tools, like balls and other daily life objects. Dithmer is visiting South Africa and will only be in Port Elizabeth for the two Sunday workshops, before setting off on his travels again on Monday.

Franklin and Dithmer have similar philosophies about teaching, and both have a keen interest in learning how mental imagery and neuroplasticity – the brain's capacity to form new neural connections – can improve the way people move and enhance their health.