The Thinking Body

by Mabel Elsworth Todd

Mabel Todd’s The Thinking Body (1937) still stands today as a classic study of human anatomy and kinesiology that introduces many of the founding principles of somatic movement education. TBI Media is developing a Special Edition of the book which will replicate the style of the original cover, typography and drawings and provide an updated index. The publication will be available in late 2020.

About the Author

Mabel Elsworth Todd (1880-1956) developed a system of education called Natural Posture in the early 20th century to help students discover improved “postural patterns.”  Her approach was taught privately in Boston and New York as well as in the physical education departments of east coast colleges and universities.  In the 1930’s, Todd’s ideas began to capture the interest of performing artists.  Two of her best known protégés, Barbara Clark and Lulu Sweigard, advanced the approach among dancers and actors from the 1950’s to the mid 1970’s; their students continued to develop the teaching in the postmodern era.  Currently the educational legacy created by Todd is best known by the title, “Ideokinesis.”