Alexander Technique Fundamentals

Actors, artists, musicians, dancers, and athletes
are developing specialized performance skills.
They think about coordination but often have a
vague concept of what that is. By teaching the
basics of functional anatomy and vertebrate
organization, combined with increased sensory
awareness and kinesthetic sensitivity, the
concept of coordination takes on a new
perspective and concrete steps to change the
movement repertoire become apparent.
The Alexander Technique offers a clear,
systematic look into the underlying principles
that govern human movement. F.M. Alexander
discovered a primary mechanism for achieving
balance and ease in uprightness: The head leads
the spine in good coordination. This "primary
control" is the central mechanism. It alters the
physiology of the body by creating more space.
While Alexander Technique has its roots in the
performing arts, it is widely accepted as an
educational method that focuses primarily on
changing habitual behavior. Participants learn to
engage the body and mind to reduce tension in
daily activities. It is this unique
psycho-physical combination that has made
Alexander Technique training such an important
component of the practical and creative training
for performing artists.
The principles and procedures of the Alexander
Technique apply across all areas of daily
practice and rehearsal routines, to performance
and the mitigating of stage fright and health
problems.
"Alexander Technique gives us all the things we
have been looking for in a system of physical
education: Relief from strain due to
maladjustment, and consequent improvement in
physical and mental health. and along with this,
a general heightening of consciousness on all
levels. We cannot ask more from any system of
education; nor, if we seriously desire to alter
human beings in a desirable direction, can we ask
any less."
-Aldous Huxley on Alexander Technique