Introduction to the ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE

Introduction To THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE

Photos by Stephane Hamel Letanguerrant photography © Copyright AlexanderTechLA 2014 We are Born with Good “Use”

Nearly all of us start out with a natural grace and ease of movement. Just remember back to your youth or observe children today.

We often react to stress and hardships by habitually OVER-TENSING and COLLAPSING groups of muscles.

We Constrict and/or Collapse ourselves:

Over time, this MISUSE decreases movement quality, dampens charisma, and increases pain.

It’s a tough planet. We form bad postural habits in reaction to:

. Fear . Emotional Trauma . Physical Injuries . Technological Stimuli . Unfavorable Ergonomics . Stagnation (i.e. Sitting) . Lack of Psycho-Physical Education

A New Culprit: Technological Advance We are now sitting in front of computers, televisions, steering wheels and tablets a staggering amount of our waking hours.

However, it’s not just how long we are sitting. For example, is sitting affecting these two people the same?

VS.

HOW we are sitting for long hours AFFECTS HOW we are performing ALL of our activities.

. Our body, like a car, is designed to work a certain way. If we misuse it, it breaks down sooner and more frequently.

. Example: If we use the emergency brake instead of the brake every time we need to slow down, we will decrease the braking quality and damage the car.

. In other words, our backs aren’t killing us. We

are killing our backs. © Copyright AlexanderTechLA 2014 Unfortunately, Treating Symptoms Doesn’t Work

Many treatments provide temporary relief from pain and injury caused by the misuse of ourselves. However, the problem will likely return if we don’t change the habitual way we are sitting, standing, walking and performing all of our activities.

The Ultimate Guide to How to Use the Human Body © Copyright AlexanderTechLA 2014 Alexander’s Discovery

Frederick Matthius Alexander 1869- 1955 . Famous Australian actor . Losing his voice in performance . Studied himself in 3 mirrors over 7 years . Discovered a way to change our habitual response to stimuli . Cured himself, began

teaching others © Copyright AlexanderTechLA 2014 How Alexander Technique Works

Primary Aim: To bring the head and spine back into optimal coordination in all out activities.

1. Learn How the Body Is Designed to:

A. BALANCE B. MOVE

Where to Fold, Bend, Curve, Twist &Undulate

2. Become Aware of Our Negative Habits

3. Dissolve Our Negative Habits & Return to Our Design

Personally and Organizationally, we can: . ALLEVIATE/PREVENT: discomfort, suffering, injury, depression. . IMPROVE: productivity, creativity, performance, morale, happiness. . REDUCE: absenteeism, worker’s compensation, leave of absence.

The technique is a century old and taught around the world. More and more people, in all walks of life, are benefitting. Judi Dench Jeremy Irons Cirque du Soleil performers Kate Blanchette Frank Skinner Martha Graham dancers Keanu Reeves London Drama School Isaac Stern William Hurt Royal Academy Shakespeare Los Angeles Philharmonic Hilary Swank Juliard School of the Arts New York Philharmonic Richard Armitage Lee Strasberg Institute Robin Williams Michael Caine CalArts Gabriel Byrne Paul Newman Israeli Special Forces Jeremy Irons Sting Leonardo Di Caprio Alan Cummings Julie Andrews John McEnroe Terence Stamp John Cleese James Earl Jones Patrick Stewart Ben Kingsley John Cleese Michael Palin Kenneth Branagh John Dewey UCLA Kevin Kline Aldous Huxley Juliette Binoche Jamie Lee-Curtis Sir Paul McCartney USC

An Alexander Instructor – through dialogue, hands-on experience and specific exercises - teaches you how to become aware of and then stop doing your specific habits that are interfering with your good use and coordination.

Lessons can also be applied to specific activities, like working on a computer, performing arts, yoga, driving, household chores, sports, childcare etc., greatly improving performance, ease and enjoyment. © Copyright AlexanderTechLA 2014 How Do Lessons Work?

You will also learn how to take care of and restore your body.

Active Passive

. Private or Semi-Private LESSONS The best way to become aware of, address and dissolve your negative psycho-physical habit. Series and regular lessons are highly recommended as habits take repetition and time to undo. Discounts are available.

. Alexander Technique CLASSES An affordable way to learn AT in a relaxed group atmosphere. Especially good for overcoming fears of public speaking/performing. General as well as Acting classes are available.

. Alexander Technique WORKSHOPS Check the current calendar for intensives and themed workshops.

. Email: [email protected] . Phone/Text: 310-346-7918

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. Website: http://alexandertechla.com/

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