Patterns of Posture
with Anna Sobotka
ABOUT THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
What is the Alexander Technique?
The Alexander Technique (AT) is an educational method that teaches people how to use their bodies efficiently and easily in any and all activities. Using its principles, AT facilities freedom in movement, improved posture, skill enhancement, and effortless breathing while reducing/eliminating chronic pain. No special clothes or equipment is needed.
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What is a session like?
Sessions are individually based on each person’s specific interests, needs and goals. Using verbal instruction and gentle hands-on guidance, Anna helps each student find easy posture and natural alignment in movement. This process involves the student's thinking and can easily be practiced in everyday movements such as sitting, standing, and bending.
Who benefits from AT?
ARTISTS
ATHLETES
CHRONIC PAIN
EVERYONE ELSE
Who was F.M. Alexander?
The technique was discovered by the Shakespearean actor Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869-1955). In his early days of reciting, Alexander was presented with a problem that threatened his career. He began to loose his voice in the middle of performances. His vocal trouble persisted despite trying numerous medical recommendations. Alexander concluded that it must be something he was doing that was causing his voice loss. Through many months of patient observation, Alexander noticed that the way he was holding his head in relationship to his neck was putting pressure on his larynx. This postural habit not only affected his head and neck but his breathing and torso. Through the use of conscious thought, awareness, inhibition, and direction, Alexander was able to undo his unconscious habit and coordinate his neck, head, and torso posture, ultimately resulting in the full use of his voice. He began to teach his discoveries after enthusiastic interest from friends and acquaintances. After teaching for 30+ years he began to train teachers in his work and to this day his technique is taught all over the world.
