Espaço Viver Dança & Cia
Espaço Viver Dança & Cia
Espaço Viver Dança & Cia
Espaço Viver Dança & Cia
Honoring My Mentor, Mia Segal
Mia Segal was more than a teacher—she was a master of movement, a pioneer of Feldenkrais' Mind Body Studies, and a lifelong source of wisdom and inspiration. As Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais’ first assistant, collaborator, and associate for 16 years, Mia played a vital role in shaping and spreading this profound work worldwide.
Mia was known for her unparalleled mastery, clarity, and dedication to ensuring that the essence of Feldenkrais’ teachings remained intact. She trained generations of practitioners and left an indelible mark on the field of movement studies. She also held a black belt in Judo, which she received from the Kodokan in Tokyo in 1970, deepening her understanding of movement, efficiency, and precision.
I first met Mia in 2010 in Bad Tölz, Germany, where we established a friendship and mentorship that lasted until her passing on February 15, 2025. Her teachings continue to guide my approach to movement education, blending the principles of Feldenkrais, Seitai-ho, and other somatic disciplines.
Mia Segal, Moshe Feldenkrais & Haruchika Noguchi – A Unique Intersection
Mia’s work extended beyond Feldenkrais' teachings. She spent significant time in Japan, where she encountered and learned from Dr. Haruchika Noguchi, the founder of Seitai-ho, a system of spontaneous movement and self-regulation.
In one of her interviews, Mia recalled meeting Noguchi and witnessing Katsugen Undō, a natural movement practice involving thousands of participants at the Olympic Basketball Stadium in Japan. This experience, alongside her work with Moshe Feldenkrais, placed her at the crossroads of Western and Eastern movement philosophies, shaping her approach to healing and learning.
The connections between Mia Segal, Moshe Feldenkrais, and Haruchika Noguchi have been the subject of ongoing research. Together with Robin Pringle, I have been exploring this intersection, tracing the influences and deeper understandings that emerged from these encounters.
Mia Segal Archives
Interviews
To honor Mia’s legacy, I am sharing three exclusive recorded interviews I conducted with her, covering:
🎙️ Her personal story and journey in movement studies
🎙️ Her years with Moshe Feldenkrais and their collaboration
🎙️ Her time in Japan, experiences with Haruchika Noguchi, and insights into Seitai-ho, Noh theater, and movement philosophy
Interviews with Mia Segal & Leora Gaster
Interviews with Mia Segal & Leora Gaster
Mia Segal Interview n2 18-10-21
Mia Segal Interview n3 26-10-21
Interview with Mia Segal & Leora Gaster
These interviews provide a rare and intimate glimpse into Mia’s wisdom, her influences, and the depth of her practice. They serve as a valuable resource for practitioners, researchers, and anyone interested in the evolution of movement studies.
Mia’s teachings continue to inspire my work. Her approach to effortless movement, learning through exploration, and self-discovery remains at the core of my practice.
Through workshops, individual lessons, and ongoing research, I strive to carry forward her teachings while integrating new insights into the ever-evolving field of mind-body education.
If you’d like to know more, check my offerings on the Academy page or contact me directly for further discussion. To know more about Mia's Mind Body Studies Academy you can visit mbsacademy.org
💡 “With you, I have reached summits that alone, I could not reach. The best lessons I ever gave, were inspired by your encouraging gaze.” – Moshe Feldenkrais on Mia Segal
Mia Segal's Photo Gallery
