What's it for  ?

We have all seen the natural posture which most young children seem to exhibit.  Indeed, we probably had it ourselves many years ago !

From birth we are equipped with postural mechanisms which should allow us to develop and maintain our upright posture with ease.
Unfortunately as we go through life we tend to build up patterns of unnecessary muscular tension, which interfere with these mechanisms. With the help of Alexander Technique we can start to become aware of these patterns of tension and to release them. As a result we may find that it brings greater freedom and ease to our everyday activities.

  Will it help me ?
Some of the most common reasons to begin Alexander lessons include :

•Chronic back pain
•Recovery from injuries
•Joint problems
•Repetitive strain injury (R.S.I.)
•Pain management
•Anxiety
•Pregnancy and childbirth

Almost anyone can benefit from having lessons including actors, dancers and those involved in sport.

  How is it done ?

You will not be asked to remove any item of clothing except your shoes. There will be some verbal instruction but essentially the teacher uses his or her hands to gently guide you whilst performing simple, everyday activities such as sitting down and standing up from a chair.
Your teacher will use explanation to help you re-discover balance and ease within yourself. You start with simple movements and positions such as sitting, walking or bending the knees - which are basic to all activity. Through experience and observation you learn how  your co-ordination works, how you create tension and how you can prevent and release it. This awareness enables you to change longstanding habits and function more efficiently.
In time and with practice you will be able to use your new understanding and skill in more complex and demanding activities and situations in your daily life. You can bring awareness and poise to anything that you do.

One aim of the teacher is to get the student to a point where they are capable of making progress by themselves

  What is it ?

Alexander technique was developed in 1900 by an actor named Frederick Alexander. On looking in a mirror, he discovered that when he was performing his posture became poor and his muscles tensed. This seemed to somehow affect his performance.
After developing the technique he began to teach others and it is now  widely used by actors, dancers, musicians and sportsmen/women.

As good posture is also the key to pain free movement, it is now seen as an effective way of re-training the body to alleviate discomfort.
 

 
  FAQ

How many lessons will I need ?

Learning the Alexander Technique involves changing long-standing habits, so improvement relies in part on your active participation. A course of 20 to 30 regular lessons can provide a good foundation for on-going improvement for most people.
 

How many people are in a class ?

You learn the Alexander technique through one-to-one lessons with a qualified teacher. This setting provides the best opportunity for your individual needs to be addressed.
 

Will it improve my performance ?

Performers can improve stamina, free up spontaneity and manage stage fright.
Sports people can improve flexibility, timing and efficiency, to be on form more consistently.
With the Alexander technique, you learn to understand the basis of co-ordination and how to use it.
Performing artists and athletes of all standards around the world apply the Alexander Technique to their practice. It is also taught at many performing art schools and collages.
 

What should I wear ?

Alexander Lessons involve some movement, so you may be asked to wear non-restrictive clothing and remove your shoes.
 

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