Whatever your age, ability or state of health, the Alexander Technique can help you become more mindful, stronger and grounded. It can also support recovery from injury more quickly.
The Alexander Technique can enhance personal performance across the whole spectrum of human activity. It is possible for practically anyone to rediscover freedom and ease in movement. You feel younger, lighter, taller, calmer and more confident.
It’s an investment you make in yourself; its real value lies in learning to apply it in your daily activities, for life.
The Alexander Technique can improve the quality of everything you do.
In our busy lives we waste energy with too much tension and effort. With the Alexander Technique you learn to let go of tension, take pressure off yourself and rediscover balance of mind and body.
With an increased awareness you can:
Whatever your reasons for having lessons, the Alexander Technique works with the whole person. It is a truly holistic approach to bring you back to a harmonious state of being.
The Alexander Technique can enhance personal performance across the whole spectrum of human activity. It is possible for practically anyone to rediscover freedom and ease in movement. You feel younger, lighter, taller, calmer and more confident.
It’s an investment you make in yourself; its real value lies in learning to apply it in your daily activities, for life.
The Alexander Technique can improve the quality of everything you do.
In our busy lives we waste energy with too much tension and effort. With the Alexander Technique you learn to let go of tension, take pressure off yourself and rediscover balance of mind and body.
With an increased awareness you can:
- be better balanced and coordinated
- move lightly and effortlessly
- be alert and focused
- breathe and speak more easily
- become calm and confident
Whatever your reasons for having lessons, the Alexander Technique works with the whole person. It is a truly holistic approach to bring you back to a harmonious state of being.
Angela Bradshaw on Alexander Technique
What is Alexander Technique?
Alexander Technique is named after its founder; FM Alexander. 'FM' was an actor whose career was in trouble through repeatedly losing his voice. Unable to find an effective solution through conventional channels, he chose to closely observe his own behaviour instead.
He observed himself in mirrors and noticed that he stiffened his neck, pulled his head back and down and depressed his larynx. This went with an audible gasping for air as he opened his mouth to speak. This seemed to be the root of his problem. It gradually became clear to him that this was part of a bigger pattern of tension involving the whole of his body. This tension pattern manifested itself at the mere thought of reciting. Alexander spent several years working out a way to change this habitual reaction and learn how to prevent this harmful misuse pattern, thereby improving his health and functioning in general. As he improved his vocal use, breathing and stage presence, other people started coming to him for help. F.M Alexander
From about 1894 onward, he started teaching his discoveries in Melbourne, and later in Sydney, until teaching became his main occupation. A number of doctors referred patients to him. In 1904 he brought his Technique to London, with letters of recommendation from JW Steward MacKay, an eminent surgeon in Sydney.
He established a thriving practice in London, published four books (provide a link to books and other resources) and from the 1930s trained about 80 teachers in his Technique. He never returned to his native Tasmania and continued to teach right up to his death in London in 1955. In London, Alexander's reputation grew rapidly. Eminent students of his include George Bernard Shaw, Aldous Huxley and Lillie Langtry. A number of scientists endorsed his method, recognising that Alexander’s practical observations were consistent with scientific discoveries in neurology and physiology. |
Alexander spent some time in the USA, where he met and gave lessons to philosopher John Dewey, the “father of the American education system”. Dewey asserted that effective learning must be based on first-hand experience; he demonstrated his support and enthusiasm for Alexander's work by writing the prefaces to three of Alexander’s books.
Alexander believed it was important to incorporate his technique into the education of children. In 1924 he founded the ”Little School”, helped by two of his assistants, Ethel Webb and Irene Tasker, who had also been trained by Maria Montessori in Italy. In the school, children were encouraged to apply the Alexander principles during lessons and in all other activities. The children were evacuated to the USA during the Second World War and the school was never re-established.
From the First Alexander Technique Teachers to the present day. In 1931 Alexander opened a formal three-year teacher training course, which continued to run until his death at the age of 86.Three years later, in 1958, his graduates founded the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT), to preserve and continue the work according to the standards Alexander had set out (see About STAT). People came to the United Kingdom from around the world to train as teachers of the Technique. es@stat.org.uk
Today the Alexander Technique is still revolutionary in terms of Western culture. It demonstrates that trying too hard can be counterproductive, that change is possible at any age and that our minds and bodies are indivisible. The Alexander Technique does not involve: - disrobing - forceful manipulation - sudden movements - negative criticism. Instead, the teacher works in partnership with the pupil so that together they can, in a supportive calm and considered way, allow a change to occur. The beauty and the surprise of this is that when the body and mind are reminded how to live in tune with themselves, profound changes can occur quite quickly. |
"Rachel [applying Alexander Technique] has made me aware of what I’m doing wrong and is helping to correct my ways. After each session I feel inches taller!"
Tracey