Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique is at the heart of modern performance training. It can transform the way you use your body in everyday life by improving your posture, balance, muscle tone and, above all, making movement pleasurable. Taking regular Alexander Technique lessons teaches you to undo a life time of bad habits!

The Alexander technique was formulated by an Australia actor, F.M. Alexander (1869-1955) who overcame chronic laryngitis by understanding the effect that tension in his neck had on his larynx and general movement. As he improved his vocal use, breathing and stage presence, people came to him to learn his Technique until teaching became his main occupation. In 1904 he came to London and established a thriving practice and in 1931 he opened a formal three-year teacher training course, which continued to run until his death at the age of 86. 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.

Main principles

The Alexander Technique's basic idea is that when the neck muscles do not overwork, the head balances lightly at the top of spine.  The relationship between the head and the spine is of utmost importance. Our neuromuscular system is designed to work in concert with gravity.  Delicate poise of the head sparks the body's anti-gravity response: a natural oppositional force in the torso that easily guides us upward and invites the spine to lengthen, rather than compress, as we move.  Instead of slouching or holding ourselves in a rigid posture, we can learn to mobilize this support system and use it wherever we go.

Uses

The Alexander Technique (AT) is a teaching method that works to change the bad habits we get into in our everyday movements. It takes the form of lessons which provide a simple and practical method for understanding and improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, support and coordination by releasing unnecessary tension. AT teaches the use of the appropriate amount of effort for a particular activity, thereby allowing more energy for all activities.  It allows us to move with the ease we had as a child. Releasing tension in the skeleton can alleviate all sorts of dis-ease. Not only that, but it is endorsed by the medical profession as a highly effective cure for back pain, RSI and stress.

Association

The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT) is the largest professional Association of Alexander Technique Teachers worldwide, established in 1958 by graduates taught by Alexander himself. It is responsible for maintaining professional standards of its members and promoting the Alexander Technique. Only teaching members of STAT are eligible to use this collective mark, identifying them as fully trained Alexander Technique teachers who abide by the Society’s Rules and Regulations.
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