Private Consultations and Coaching
Private coaching sessions can help a person be at home in their physical body and gain ease in their movement.
Using principles of Spacial Dynamics® with Valerie’s clear demonstrations and guidance, each individualized session includes key exercises in body and spatial awareness and enlivenment, posture progressions, and movements towards freedom of gesture and gait. Movement homework for daily practice supports each client as they move towards their goal.
Specialties include early childhood from birth to three, movement in everyday life, women’s wellness, Agile Aging, body awareness for young adults with autism, and dance and movement education in schools.
“ZOOM sessions are very effective and practical for those both near and far, even around the world. Whether online or in person, the best results come after a short series of at least three one-hour sessions. This allows the client time to practice, integrate, and "own" their own personal development into the future.”
VBG, 2021
Early Childhood Mentoring for Parents and Teachers
The movements of the infant and young child help to develop their body and brain for learning and for life. Over the months of early childhood, reflexive early movement patterns give way to organized movement: to sleeping and waking, eating and drinking, creeping, crawling, standing, walking, climbing, and being helpful in the home and garden. Sometimes these steps are hindered, divergent, or delayed.
Private sessions are designed to help caregivers and educators learn and practice specific sensory-motor activities and progressions, along with the science and art behind their effectiveness with children. Finger games, touching games, natural gymnastics, and even ball handling can become nourishment to the child’s development and their relationship with caregivers and classmates.
“Whether enjoyed in the lap of a parent, in self-directed play, or in a preschool circle, games of gesture, song, and storytelling are games for growing, joyfully supporting the healthy processes of brain, body, soul, and social development, and the important capacity of "will" - the ability to do something in today's world and that of tomorrow.”
VBG, "Movement and Learning," 2013
Agile Aging
Agile Aging was created by Valerie as a fall prevention and mobility class after guest teaching in Design for Agile Aging at Stanford University in 2007-2008. Informed by the movement principles of Spacial Dynamics®, Agile Aging has helped individuals of all ages and abilities improve balance, body awareness, spatial orientation, circulation and mobility. Individuals with Parkinson’s, autism, and trauma recovery also benefit from its challenging yet calming flow of movement with nature imagery and music.
The basic program for balance and fall prevention is available on DVD in our shop, and on-demand streaming on Vimeo. Private sessions in a series of 3 are available via Zoom for individuals and caregivers.
“You have designed a delightful and entertaining class that's also quite challenging. I am now able to stride forward easily, and am stronger getting up. I feel heartened, and now that I have the DVD, I know it will make a difference. Many many thanks!”
- JJ, Los Angeles, 2021