Hi,
I'm Claudie
Somatic educator, and coach. Founder of the on line studio "vieillirsansretrecir.com" (Aging without shrinking). I published my book ( in french only) : "in shape without violence, micro movements for our daily life".
Guiding you is a privilege !
How somatic education changed my life.
I deeply believe that regardless of age and body type, life is a path to learn, develop and welcome oneself in all its diversity
After going through various traumatic events in my life, I had to find my way back to my body to regain my balance. Learning to move consciously and slowly opened up new possibilities that transformed my tensions and pains into an opportunity to live with more ease confidence and pleasure.
This life experience is the source of my passion which has given me the privilege of guiding hundreds of people in France and Quebec to move better with presence, fluidity and gentleness and feel better.
MA in Ed., Somatic educator for over 40 years, FGNA certified in the Feldenkrais® method for group classes and Ruthy Alon's "Bones for Life®" program. Founder of the Emballons-nous·® Center in Montreal, author of the book “vivre en forme sans violence, les micromouvements pour vivre au quotidien”. Yvonne Berge’s assistant in Paris I graduated from the Rosalia Chladek International School of Dance and Functional Movement system. Member of the professionnal somatic
My passion
Since 1972, my passion is about guiding women and men to deepen their awareness, move better, feel better, strengthen their self-esteem and continue to shine in the world through old age.
My path
Functional dance teacher (graduate of the Rosalia Chladek International Association), I became a physical educator in a sports federation in France. It was at 40 that I went back to university to obtain a master's degree in education. While teaching, until today, I still continue to evolve and learn in various somatic approaches (Feldenkrais, Aïkido, Kinomichi, Yvonne Berge, Neuro-linguistic programming, Diamond Approach…). I developed the Emballons-nous method, a somatic approach with balls and creative expression I had the privilege to accompany hundreds of people in France and Quebec to move with awareness, freedom and authenticity.
Following my immigration to Montreal in 1997, I became a massage therapist, then a certified teacher in the « Bones for life ® and Movement intelligence ®(Ruthy Alon) » program. In order to deepen my understanding and experience about the relation of movement and the brain, I got certified in the Feldenkrais ® Method in the New England Training (FGNA), for the Awareness through Movement Group Classes (ATM®)
I am very proud of my last realization which gave me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone: The creation of the online studio, "vieillirsansretrecir.com" (aging without shrinking.com)
My Values
Whatever the shape of our body, our age, our life experiences, our limitations, it is possible to continue to develop and grow until the end of our life in a perspective of autonomy and freedom.
I am a woman committed to contribute to the collective well-being. To promote somatic education in our society, I am on the board of the Professional association of somatic education of Quebec (RES) and a member of the foundation of Movement intelligence (FMI).
My book (in french)
Vivre en forme sans violence (Living in shape without violence) is about becoming aware of our moving self with simple tools to find an authentic way of moving, with authenticity , Our daily life becomes an opportunity to learn to move better, to flourish and to have fun.
To see the table of my book, click here.
Discover Somatic Education
An alternative to no pain no gain
"You don't have to suffer to get back in shape!"
My teaching is about the moving body in its environment. Somatic education is based on neuroscientific knowledge about plasticity of the brain.
Classes are an invitation to explore different variations of slow movements and an opportunity to let go of unnecessary tension. The participants become aware of their habits that led to limitations and pain so they can regain functional ease.
I do not demonstrate the movements. My guidance is more about asking questions to encourage research and discovery, to feel from the within, what is the right and comfortable movement for each person, rather than trying to imitate a model outside yourself.
My playful pedagogy allows you to learn with pleasure in a warm atmosphere without fear of error. Props(balloons, fabrics, sticks, etc.) are mediators and learning facilitators for greater freedom.
Benefits
Maintaining or regaining one's somatic well-being is ageless. All generations can benefit from it.
This is to meet 5 MAJOR NEEDS:
1
Find fluidity to move with grace
2
Refine your balanced discover your inner strength
3
Maintain bone strength and prevent or stabilize osteoporosis.
4
Decrease the effort to increase vitality without harming yourself.
5
Have confidence in your body regardless of its limitations
23 Juin 2023 - Forever Young - Living and Aging in Montreal West. Entrevue par Kathryn Minorgan, Bronia Zaks, Sharon Rozen, Eric Craven
Claudie Pfeifer somatic educator explains What is somatic education : about differences with exercise , relation to habits, plasticity of the brain, agism, hope..
Their results!
I love Claudie's somatic classes
I love Claudie's somatic classes - my body and Being always feel refreshed and renewed after a class. Claudie is masterful in not only guiding us to find more ease, fluidity and increased range of motion in our bodies, but she also invites and guides us to return to our natural, joyful, and embodied ground of Being.
Thank you for your classes!
- Shelly Sawada - Dancer
Each session with Claudie leaves me with a full experience of my body
“Each session with Claudie leaves me with a full experience of my body, able to connect and engage with more of my physical self. I also have more freedom to move and to release tension in my body. I will be at any session Claudie provides, they are always relaxing and playful. Join us!”
- Terry St Pierre - Coach
This class is a blessing and a surprise to me!
This class is a blessing and a surprise to me. Having sustained injuries from a serious fall, I was nervous to put myself in any situation which may put extra strain on broken areas and cause more harm. Instead I found the classes are integrative, healing, gentle yet challenging in a slow mindful way. But the real gift here is the teacher Claudie whose approach emulates all the gentle self care any of us needs to bring to any kind of recovery or realignment of our bodies. Claudie’s skillful teaching helps you reclaim your body. Slow steady and powerful with the clarity and heart of an excellent teacher.