Alexander Technique Lessons
Through 'hands-on work' * as well as verbal guidance, the Alexander teacher leads the student to become more aware of and to change habits of tension and misuse. The educational process of the Alexander Technique trains your kinesthetic coordination and enables you to begin to free patterns of tension to access your underlying support. Experience more effortless and efficient movement to support your daily activities (ie. walking, computer work, chores etc.) and/or performance (music, dance, acting, etc.).
Cost for 60 minute private lesson: $120
Limited sliding scale slots available.
Fees are tax deductible for performing artists as “Professional Development”.
Small Group AT and Dance Improvisation Classes
AT Classes: Alexander Technique helps to free patterns of tension and begin to access your underlying support. Train your kinesthetic coordination and experience more effortless and efficient movement. Classes may include ‘hands-on-work’ with the teacher, movement explorations, developmental movement exercises, group discussions/observations and individual activities.
In your daily activities (computer work, housework, gardening, exercise) and/or performance (music, dance, acting, singing): Work better / Perform better / Free Patterns of Tension / Access Underlying Support / Improve Coordination / Enhance Efficiency
AT Classes Wednesdays 9:00-10:30am May 7- June 25
$35/class or $220/8 classes (Max. 8 students)
AT and Improv Classes Combined: $40/class or $280/8 classes
Dance Improv Classes Wednesdays 10:45-12pm May 7- June 25
We will awaken our sensation and imagination to dance inspired by our use of space, shape and time in relation to others. Improv scores will range from solo, duet to group invitations informed by Suzanne's research in Viewpoints, Lower Left's Ensemble Thinking, Action Theatre, Laban and Butoh.
Improv Dance: $20/class or $135/8 classes (Max. 12 students)
Location:
IGAC Studio 103, Artscape Youngplace
180 Shaw Street, Toronto, ON, M6J-2W5
Through 'hands-on work' * as well as verbal guidance, the Alexander teacher leads the student to become more aware of and to change habits of tension and misuse. The educational process of the Alexander Technique trains your kinesthetic coordination and enables you to begin to free patterns of tension to access your underlying support. Experience more effortless and efficient movement to support your daily activities (ie. walking, computer work, chores etc.) and/or performance (music, dance, acting, etc.).
Cost for 60 minute private lesson: $120
Limited sliding scale slots available.
Fees are tax deductible for performing artists as “Professional Development”.
Small Group AT and Dance Improvisation Classes
AT Classes: Alexander Technique helps to free patterns of tension and begin to access your underlying support. Train your kinesthetic coordination and experience more effortless and efficient movement. Classes may include ‘hands-on-work’ with the teacher, movement explorations, developmental movement exercises, group discussions/observations and individual activities.
In your daily activities (computer work, housework, gardening, exercise) and/or performance (music, dance, acting, singing): Work better / Perform better / Free Patterns of Tension / Access Underlying Support / Improve Coordination / Enhance Efficiency
AT Classes Wednesdays 9:00-10:30am May 7- June 25
$35/class or $220/8 classes (Max. 8 students)
AT and Improv Classes Combined: $40/class or $280/8 classes
Dance Improv Classes Wednesdays 10:45-12pm May 7- June 25
We will awaken our sensation and imagination to dance inspired by our use of space, shape and time in relation to others. Improv scores will range from solo, duet to group invitations informed by Suzanne's research in Viewpoints, Lower Left's Ensemble Thinking, Action Theatre, Laban and Butoh.
Improv Dance: $20/class or $135/8 classes (Max. 12 students)
Location:
IGAC Studio 103, Artscape Youngplace
180 Shaw Street, Toronto, ON, M6J-2W5
What is the Alexander Technique?
The Alexander Technique (AT) is a somatic educational theory and method founded by F. M. Alexander in the 1890s. The educational process of AT trains participants to coordinate their musculoskeletal support structures with their emotions and thoughts and in relation to the environment while they execute a particular task. AT students have experienced more efficient and coordinated movement in daily activities (e.g. walking, computer work, chores, etc.) and/or performance (music, dance, acting, sports, etc.).
Working with an Alexander Technique Teacher
AT teachers work with students to first help them become aware of their habits of potential misuse. They then follow a systematic process to improve the student's whole-self (physical, mental and emotional) coordination. The technique is taught through practical ‘hands-on’ work, observation and discussion by the teacher.
Through regular lessons students have experienced improved physical coordination, an ease of breathing, increased mental focus, and enhanced satisfaction while engaging in performance and/or daily activities. The principles support us to make more efficient choices in the moment, by accessing our ongoing support and freedom.
For more information view Suzanne Liska's article published in the peer-reviewed journal Choreographic Practices, Volume 11, Number 1, 1 July 2020, pp. 75-99(25) "Somatic ethnographic research: A choreographic process informed by Alexander Technique"
https://link.growkudos.com/1hry8dkz8xs
https://doi.org/10.1386/chor_00013_1
Recommended AT Scholarship
Alexander, F. Matthias. The Use of the Self. London, Chaterson, 2001 ed (1932).
___________________. Constructive Conscious Control. Mouritz, Lon, 2004 ed (1923).
Bales, Melanie, and Rebecca Nettl-Fiol. The Body Eclectic: Evolving Practices in Dance Training. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 2008.
Conable, Barbara, and William Conable. How to Learn the Alexander Technique: A Manual for Students. 1995.
Gelb, Michael. Body Learning: An Introduction to AT. Macmillan, 1995.
Jones, Frank Pierce. Body Awareness in Action: A Study of Alexander Technique. Schocken Books, 1979.
Madden, Cathy. Integrative AT Practice for Performing Artists: Onstage Synergy. Intellect Ltd, 2014.
Meade Andrews, published "An Étude a Day" in Direction, A Journal on the Alexander Technique, 3.6, 2009.
Nettl-Fiol, Rebecca, and Luc Vanier. Dance and the Alexander Technique: Exploring the Missing Link. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 2011.
Useful Websites
Alexander Technique International ati-net.com/ati-artl.php
Alexander Technique Montreal (alexandertechnique-running.com)
|
Alexander Technique with Marjorie Barstow, the first graduate of FM Alexander's training course.
|
|
Peter Nobes 2018. The Alexander Technique: so much more than posture.
|
|
Luc Vanier and Rebecca Netl-Fiol discuss their work on applying the Alexander Technique to dance. Directed by Amie Segal. 2012
|
|
|