The Alexander Technique is a way of becoming more aware of the innate mechanisms of posture, balance and co-ordinated movement (or poise). These mechanisms can be seen working beautifully in small children, and in adults of all ages, they should also be present in everyday activity.
But they are very delicate, and can easily be interfered with. Age, physical and emotional strain and overwork all accumulate in the body, forming muscle tensions and patterns of misuse. These patterns in turn restrict the workings of the natural postural mechanisms, and in time may contribute to chronic muscle pain and/or structural damage.
In the actor, or vocal professional, postural imbalance can lead to restricted vocal and respiratory function. This in turns inhibits full expression and limits the actor’s ability to interpret or perform to the best of his/her ability. Similarly the professional athlete can overcome restrictions in achieving his/her full potential.
“ …. super physiotherapy with additional benefits …. a strong plus for general well being.”
Using a few simple principles, one can learn to moderate one’s whole self to any activity, using the exact right amount of effort; no more, and no less. The more complex the activity, the less room there is for superfluous tension. Overly contracted muscles will slow movement and cause us to tire much more quickly. As you learn to apply a few simple principles of well-coordinated thought and movement, movement becomes much more accurate, refined and efficient.
Gemma Arterton poise after Alexander Technique training with April
“The human body has an astonishing resilience. Even after half a lifetime of abuse, misuse and neglect, it is still ready and eager to learn new ways and better habits. Alexander students rid themselves of bad postural habits…and are helped to reach an enviable degree of freedom of expression.”
Michael Langham, Director, The Juilliard School, New York
“97% of people with back pain could benefit by learning the Alexander Technique – it is only a very small minority of back pain sufferers that require medical intervention such as surgery”.
Jack Stern, spinal neurosurgeon
“The Technique’s many benefits for actors include minimized tension, centeredness, vocal relaxation, and responsiveness, mind/body connection and about an inch and a half of additional height.”
Kevin Kline, actor
“The Alexander Technique works… I recommend it enthusiastically to anyone who has neck pains or back pain.”
Roald Dahl, writer
“Alexander established not only the beginnings of a far reaching science of the apparently involuntary movements that we call reflexes, but a technique of correction and self control which forms a substantial addition to our very slender resources in personal education.”
George Bernard Shaw, writer, Nobel Prize winner for literature