IGIA Movement Classes at Open Up in August
At Open Up, we believe in movement that meets you where you are, welcoming all bodies, abilities, and backgrounds to move in their own ways, together. In this week’s blog, we’re excited to feature an inspiring teacher who brings this philosophy to life through IGIA (Integrate, Ground, Intent, and Alignment), a somatic and trauma-informed movement practice rooted in self-awareness, joy, and community. With a deep background in dance and a heart for service, Sharon Scuoteguazza has transformed her own journey into a practice that helps others feel accepted, empowered, and energized, just as they are. Check out this interview with Sharon.
What inspired you to teach accessible movement, and how has your own journey shaped the way you lead your classes?
Teaching movement to every body that is before me is a passion that I have been enjoying for many, many years. It comes from a heart of service and a desire to see everyone find joy in their bodies. Movement is essential to happiness, and finding ease and comfort in the body, self sensing and self regulating through breath and guided movement is great for every one of us, with or without limitations. Every person's body is different and also similar in so many ways. We are truly all more alike than different. When I was growing up with a dance background, there was a lot of comparison and judgement, that of course, is very unhealthy for the body, mind and spirit. I have chosen to welcome every person with the intention of helping them to feel accepted just as they are. It's an honor and great pleasure to create an experience in someone's day, and to see how happy and empowered each of the participants become. Even cleaning chairs and mats becomes another shared social experience. Heartbeats are stronger, breathing is deeper, and we are all a little better and more energized for moving and sharing space in community.
How do you create a welcoming environment for people of all bodies, abilities, and backgrounds?
The Open Up studio is such a beautiful space! I can't tell you how much I enjoy coming to Lawrenceville to teach on a summer evening! You have already created a welcoming environment: soft lighting, big windows, an organized place to put your belongings, cheerful colored mats, and all the great props! As for me, I do as you do. I invite the students and caregivers to choose the mat and chair that suit them. We do a little easy ice breaker so everyone is acknowledged in a socially comfortable way. I introduce the practice and the acronyms for IGIA, Integrate, Ground, Intent and Alignment. There is gentle music playing when we move. In the IGIA practice we close our eyes and go further inside; self-sensing, encouraging introspection, exteroception, proprioception and grounding techniques. It’s about each individual’s experience. We guide students through exercises that encourage brain-body connection so they can move in a way that feels good and makes sense to them. I keep cues very simple so everyone can follow them in their own way. IGIA is a personal and explorative practice and will feel different to every person. The only ideal body is your body, because this is the body you live in! We are grateful for you exactly as you are! You are most welcome to participate in IGIA practices here at Open Up and wherever they may be. All bodies, abilities and backgrounds are welcome!
Can you describe a moment from your class that felt especially meaningful or transformative, for you or one of your students?
The very first day I taught at Open Up I had as my students; a doctor who just arrived in Pittsburgh and was happy to take a community class, a gentleman who uses a letterboard to speak, his father, and a new caretaker. I was so appreciative of everyone's willingness to just dive into a class they didn't know a lot about. I find people to be especially brave and exciting who are willing to try something new, and just be open to see how it goes. Each participant moved through the class with both purpose and a sense of freedom. When class was over the father claimed he felt so energized he was ready to go skiing! When he asked his son how he liked class, he told his dad through his board that it was great! His father laughed and said his son is very discerning, highly intelligent and not quick to give that compliment. I felt like I hit a homerun! The doctor and the caretaker all agreed. It still makes me smile. Thanks for inviting me to share.
IGIA classes can be found at; Evolve Coaching summer camp, Creative Citizens, the Kingsley Association, Vintage Senior Center, Broadway to the Palace Artist Retreat with The Academy at Westmoreland Cultural Trust, and several new locations coming soon.
For those interested, Teacher training will also be available.
IGIA Movement for Health is a somatic and trauma informed movement practice focused on improving physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Using science backed techniques involving the musculoskeletal and fascial systems, IGIA helps people use their unique brain-body connection to alleviate tension and stay pain free while improving balance, posture and coordination.
From shared smiles to deeper breaths, IGIA classes offer more than movement, they offer belonging. Whether you're new to mindful movement or simply looking for a space that sees and celebrates you, we invite you to experience IGIA for yourself. Try IGIA classes at Open Up on Thursday evenings from 6:30-7:30 pm in August and see how this thoughtful practice supports wellbeing in body, mind, and community. All are truly welcome.