Author Archives: Lavinia Plonka

Feets Don’t Fail Me Now!

Posted on April 17, 2011 by Lavinia Plonka

My sister and I picked up this expression from an old Bob Hope movie and made it our goofy mantra for whenever we found ourselves in a difficult situation.  More recently, I was teaching a class where I asked people … Continue reading →

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Listen To the Hand

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Lavinia Plonka

Whether you were taught to fold your hands on your lap, hold your hands behind your back, or shove them in your pockets, you won’t be able to avoid the fact that your hands are communicating all the time.  After … Continue reading →

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Stopping Time

Posted on March 28, 2011 by Lavinia Plonka

Einstein once said: “When you sit with a nice girl for two hours, it seems like two minutes. When you sit on a hot stove for two minutes, it seems like two hours.  That’s relativity.” Everyone is moaning that time … Continue reading →

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Effortless Running

Posted on February 2, 2011 by Lavinia Plonka

I couldn’t say it better myself.  This article by Edward Yu, a Feldenkrais practitioner and tai chi teacher reminds us that it’s not how hard you work, but how smart. Check it out as well as his newbook, The Art … Continue reading →

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Shiny, Happy People

Posted on December 26, 2010 by Lavinia Plonka

I was teasing my husband the other day about his attraction to shiny objects: the chrome of a motorcycle fender, the glimmer of a diamond earring, the reflection of light in the bottom of a pot he’s cleaning, Ron is … Continue reading →

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It’s not just a good idea, it’s the law

Posted on November 8, 2010 by Lavinia Plonka

I love gravity.  Not the kind some of my professors had in college, where every word they uttered landed like an anvil on my shoulders till I felt moored to my desk like someone stuck in a drill press.  I’m … Continue reading →

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Getting Organized

Posted on October 2, 2010 by Lavinia Plonka

When I was a young performer, I had the privilege of touring with a seasoned director for several years named Claude Kipnis.  When I encountered difficulty in performing a role he growled, “Don’t get stuck in your limitations, turn your … Continue reading →

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The Creative Body

Posted on September 4, 2010 by Lavinia Plonka

Welcome to the Creative Body, a resource and forum for exploring the intersection between body and mind, movement and possibility, expression and introspection.  Take a tour, post a comment.  If you’d like to submit an article, please send material to … Continue reading →

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Your Wish Is My Command

Posted on July 15, 2010 by Lavinia Plonka

The morning of my birthday, I dreamt I worked in a Parisian parfumerie as a clerk. All the women were delicate, formerly lovely creatures who still dolled up every morning as if to meet a beau. There was a distinctive … Continue reading →

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Unlocking the rib cage

Posted on May 20, 2010 by Lavinia Plonka

I was working with someone recently who had a great deal of back pain. She was lying on her side on the table and I was gently exploring the area where her spine connected to her ribs. “What are you … Continue reading →

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