Author Interview – Ivana Daniell – A Manual For A Contemporary Body

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed director of BODY ID and author Ivana Daniell about her life and career, what inspires her, and the work that went into her new book, A Manual For A Contemporary Body.

Tell me a bit about yourself.

My name is Ivana Daniell, I am a graduate of the renowned Laban Centre in London, and the founder and director of Ivana Daniell BODY ID.

Born in Italy, I am an international authority and visionary on functional exercise and posture, I have worked in collaboration with renowned doctors and clinics around the world.

Having dealt with a bad back injury in the past, my main motivation has become to make people feel better. Over the past 30 years, I am proud to say I have looked after people from all over the world, including royalty, athletes, film and music personalities, and anyone who wishes to move more intelligently.

My clients are a constant source of inspiration.

The innovative BODY ID method, I talk about in my book, is based on many years of professional experience in dance, Intelligent Movement, Movement Therapy, and observations of the human body, and is proven to be effective for long-term relief from chronic back pain, safer alternative programmes to physical fitness and the prevention of muscular-skeletal damage.

I pioneered my revolutionary approach by applying a holistic technique that encompasses a person’s lifestyle, physical characteristics, and mindful well-being.

I was also a consultant to the exclusive Aman Resorts hotel group for nearly a decade, using my many years of expertise and knowledge to establish Aman Pilates studios in the Aman Resorts throughout the world.

I have collaborated with renowned doctors and clinics, from London to Singapore, and even introduced the Pilates Method and other intelligent movement methods to Singapore and Southeast Asia in 1998.

I now run my posture and movement re-education clinic in the renowned Harley Street medical hub of London

When did you first WANT to write a book?

I started thinking about writing my book more than 10 years ago, when I was running my Clinical Pilates and Rehabilitation Centre in Singapore.

When did you take a step to start writing?

I started putting pen to paper in 2007. I started to capture everything I was sharing with my clients.

How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

I completed the first draft of my book in 2010, but I felt that something was missing, so I put it in a drawer.

I took it out in 2019 during the second lockdown. I felt ready to finish it. I needed to update it and I also added some new chapters. This time everything was so clear in my mind, words were just flowing. It took me 3 months of full-time work.

I was so engrossed in completing the book, I did not even feel the lockdown. 

What made you want to write A Manual For A Contemporary Body?

I felt a deep urge to communicate my vision and my thoughts to the public. My vision was to educate my readers to take better responsibility when looking after their bodies. 

I reach many people in my clinics, but I wanted to reach and help more people to better understand their Body ID and generally feel better, and a book is a great way to help me do that.

What were your biggest challenges with writing A Manual For A Contemporary Body?

English is not my first language, though I have not lived in Italy for decades, and speak English fluently, when writing it I always felt a bit insecure.

What was your research process for A Manual For A Contemporary Body?

My lived experience of the past 30 years contributed to this book. I never stop studying either – I love working with people to help them to achieve better body awareness. I have worked with some amazing professionals who have taught me, and supported me during this journey

How did you plan the structure of A Manual For A Contemporary Body?

That was very easy, the book was very clear and structured in my mind even before I wrote it.

I like to think the book takes the reader on a journey – it is aimed at those men and women who have been searching for a better life quality, who want to enjoy a beautiful, strong, and efficient body.

The structure is very clear, I share a little about my own journey and what led me to develop my career as a Movement and Posture expert, clients’ stories that illustrate the healing power of movement.

The reader can then learn how to gain a better insight into their own Body ID.

Following that, I share tried and tested methods, and guide the reader to exercises and activities that can help the reader take important steps in body awareness. 

The result is the reader will be able to make more informed and conscious choices about their lifestyle based on their newfound body awareness.

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did A Manual For A Contemporary Body need?

I had the most wonderful editor. We worked during the COVID second lockdown remotely.  She did not want to change much as she said my voice had to be heard and be authentic, she really did wonderful work, and I am very pleased with results.

What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?

Write from your heart and be authentic.

Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

My next book will be A Manual for a Contemporary Woman.

I will explore the different phases a woman goes through throughout her life, physically, hormonally, and emotionally. I have touched on this subject briefly in my book A Manual for a Contemporary Body. In the new book I will explore the subject in more depth.

And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

I am delighted and happy, I still can’t believe it when I see my printed book lying on my bedside table.

It’s a wonderful feeling of accomplishment!

Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

www.ivanadaniell.com

Instagram ivanadaniellofficial

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