Acknowledging Continuum contributors—
(done chronologically as it is impossible to “rate” their amazing  contributions).

  DR. VALERIE V. HUNT ED.D

Dr. Valerie V. Hunt Ed.D (July 22, 1916 – February 15, 2014) was a scientist, author, lecturer and Professor Emeritus of Physiological Science at the University of California, Los Angeles. From 1974 to 1979, Emilie Conrad, the founder of Continuum, was Movement Specialist in a research study conducted by Dr. Hunt at UCLA. This groundbreaking study demonstrated that fluid, primary movement is essential in our ability to innovate. Enhancing these fundamental movements has a potential to create a rich intrinsic environment that brings forth new insights in our understanding of the human body and its potential to create alternate systems.

  GARY DAVID

Gary David met Emilie Conrad in Los Angeles two years after she began Continuum. Their relationship began three years later and they mutually influenced each other during the 23 years they lived together, and through the end of Emilie’s life. Gary along with musician/composer Michael Stearns, played music for Continuum, taking the soundscape of Continuum in new directions, creating the first Continuum vocal resonance groups during the 1970s. Seeing Emilie’s basic insight as one of innovation, Gary introduced Emilie and her followers to the work of J. Samuel Bois and Epistemics, bringing language to the concepts of the silent level and “the map is not the territory” (A. Korzybski) to Continuum teaching. During their in-depth dialogues Emilie’s focus shifted from using ethnic rituals and Jungian imagery to more general language and references, thus paving the way for Emilie’s scientific influences that came from her work with Dr. Valerie Hunt. Gary experienced the movement, the music, and the time of Continuum as a way of learning with Emilie that left an indelible mark on his being.

 SUSAN HARPER

Susan started studying with Emilie Conrad in 1975. In the 1990’s she collaborated and worked very close with Emilie in developing the organizational aspects of Continuum as well as teaching many workshops together. Susan was instrumental in helping to design the Continuum Studio at the 18th Street Art Complex in Santa Monica, CA in the 1990’s as well. Maybe her most important contribution though, was in helping to develop the teacher training practicum that led to the creation of Continuum teachers. Susan has a gift in helping to create community and Continuum would not be the community it is if not for early influences in this area. In 2002, Susan and Emilie’s work went in different directions and she went on to form her own movement organization, Continuum Montage. It should be noted also that Emilie and Susan remained friendly and continued to teach a yearly workshop together up until the very end of Emilie’s life in April 2014.

  DONALD VAN VLEET

Donald (August 11, 1956 – May 2, 2018) was an innovator in the field of human consciousness, manual manipulation, and somatic movement. Forging new pathways in our understanding of human anatomy and physiology, he redefined the way we think about illness, and developed strategies to bring us to an evolutionary wellness. Emilie Conrad and Don started collaborating and teaching together in the early 1990’s. Each of their work influenced and informed how each saw and understood the biological world that we live in. An authorized Continuum Movement® Teacher, Donald created his own special technique of combining manual manipulation, Continuum Movement and energy work. In the past, Donald was an Advanced Rolfer, taught with the Rolfe Institute and graduated the Barbara Brennan School of Healing. Donald was a teacher of Module 4 and Module 9 in the Continuum Movement Training Program. The unexpected passing of Don Van Vleet brings great sadness to our hearts. Don was an amazing healer, teacher, and friend. Beloved brother to Donnalea Van Vleet Goelz, Executive Director of Continuum Movement®. Don was also a very close friend and inspiration to Emilie Conrad. Don’s loss is an immeasurable loss to the Somatic community and the world.

 

HANNA WISE HEITING

Hanna Wise Heiting is a gifted and accomplished artist. Her talents range across several mediums as a filmmaker, director, and writer.  She was a long-time friend of Emilie’s and her videos of her capture Emilie and Continuum Movement from the perspective or lens of Continuum Movement itself. We wish to acknowledge her importance at not only creating artistic Continuum informed art but also for preserving the history of Continuum and Emilie at such a fertile time. Emilie, a multi-talented artist herself, felt that art and its expression were instrumental in one’s inquiry of self.

Hanna has graciously made her films available to the Continuum community.  Three of her very interesting and moving films are linked below.

Em Moves https://player.vimeo.com/video/286615713.

The Many Faces https://player.vimeo.com/video/210145553

Alphabet https://vimeo.com/294686512

We also enthusiastically recommend Hanna’s book, “My Problems with Empathy”, in which she discusses Continuum among other topics.

Thank you, Hanna, for all you have contributed toward helping the world experience and understand Continuum Movement. We acknowledge your many contributions.

 

TERI CARTER

Teri is deeply immersed in somatic practice. She has delved into the brilliance of Continuum since 1997, as well as diverse forms of Dance, Meditation, Mindful Movement, and the Healing Arts for over 35 years.
When Emilie asked Teri to substitute teach for her when she could not be there, Teri did not hesitate to help in any way that was needed.  During and after Emilie’s transition Teri helped move the organization to the next wave in appreciation for all that Emilie had contributed to the world.