Tamalpa Life /Art® (Process or Work) is a movement-based expressive arts practice, which combines dance, visual art, and creative writing to access the innate wisdom of the body and the transformative power of the imagination. In this internationally-recognized work, movement and dance are used as essential elements in the education and unfolding of the individual and collective body, mind and spirit. Tamalpa Life /Art® supports personal, interpersonal and social change, and teaches new models of health, education, psychology and art.
ORIGINS OF TAMALPA LIFE/ART®
Tamalpa Life/Art® originates in the innovative work of dance pioneer, Anna Halprin, who co-founded Tamalpa Institute with her daughter, Expressive Arts Therapist and educator, Daria Halprin. While Daria Halprin articulated the approach to expressive arts currently taught at Tamalpa Institute, collaborating associates and senior faculty at the institute have also contributed to its development over the past thirty years. Born in the San Francisco Bay Area of the United States, this work is now practiced by Tamalpa graduates around the world.
BENEFITS OF TAMALPA LIFE/ART®
Awakens the powerful connection between mind and body
Deepens physical, emotional and mental awareness
Develops creative expression through movement/dance, drawing, and spoken and written word
(Supports or Models) effective communication skills, creative problem solving and embodied leadership
Provides tools to navigate life’s challenges
Illuminates habitual patterns of response
Offers methods for facilitating personal and organizational change
Builds community through the shared practice of creativity and art
WHO CAN BENEFIT?
Tamalpa Life/Art ® serves people of all ages who are interested in personal or professional growth through the use of movement-based creative arts. No previous experience with the arts is necessary, and those with previous experience will gain new resources.
WHO ARE TAMALPA LIFE/ART® PRACTITIONERS?
Tamalpa Life/Art® practitioners are artists, educators, therapists and consultants specializing in the use of movement and expressive arts for personal, social and organizational learning and change. They teach, facilitate, coach, consult, choreograph and perform with individuals, groups and communities worldwide.
Practitioners have completed Tamalpa Institute’s comprehensive training programs in movement-based expressive arts therapy, education and consultancy. In addition to being certified by Tamalpa Institute (www.tamalpa.org), they are qualified to become registered with the following professional accrediting organizations: the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (www.ieata.org) and/or the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (www.ismeta.org).
WHERE IS THE WORK PRACTICED?
Tamalpa Life/Art ® is used worldwide in:
Educational organizations
Government & social service agencies
Businesses/corporations
Mental health centers & hospitals
Private expressive arts therapy, movement therapy & coaching practices
Healing arts centers
Theater & dance organizations
Social action & environmental groups
WHAT IS THE TAMALPA INSTITUTE?
The Tamalpa Institute, founded in California in 1978, is a non-profit organization which provides world-renowned training programs and workshops in a unique approach to movement-based expressive arts therapy and education. While it is the primary workshop and training center in the Tamalpa Life/Art (Process/Work), Tamalpa branches now exist in various countries around the world.
For articles about the work as well as further information about programs, practitioners and branches in your area, please visit www.tamalpa.org.
“Anyone walking the path of growth and transformation will benefit from this embodied, arts-based approach.”
Jack Weller, Founder of Expressive Arts Therapy Department, California Institute of Integral Studies
“This work celebrates the profound wisdom of the body and the power of the expressive arts to reveal, express and heal our bodies, psyches and soul.” Georgina Jahner, Ph.D., Director, Studio Maui
