Discover the Alexander Technique
A journey towards harmony both within yourself and in relation to the world around you.
What is the Alexander Technique?
The Alexander Technique is a way of learning to change patters of chronic tension that have unconsciously become a fixed part of how we move, breathe and act in the world. It is designed to bring forth the grace and balance innate in every human body. Habitual psychophysical patterns can limit your functioning or cause you pain. In the Technique’s simple, systematic process, students relearn movement and undo the patterns which interfere with natural coordination.
F.M. Alexander was a professional actor who developed the Technique in the early 1900’s in response to recurring voice problems. Leaders in the field of mind/body medicine and behavioral science have supported Alexander’s innovative research. Clinical studies have shown that the Technique improves breathing capacity and posture, modifies stress responses and is, for those who suffer from chronic pain, an effective method for achieving long-term relief. Significant long-term benefits from Alexander Technique lessons for low back pain has been demonstrated by a major study published by the British Medical Journal in August 2008. |
Who studies the Alexander Technique?
- Anyone wishing to experience more natural ease of movement, breathing, fluidity, strength or expressiveness.
- Those who are uncomfortable due to stress, as well as those with pain due to postural habits, movement difficulties or injuries.
- Singers, actors, dancers and athletes, to enhance their performance.
The Technique is taught worldwide, in universities and conservatories, including the Juilliard School, the New England Conservatory of Music, Yale School of Drama, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, The Royal College of Music, The Stratford Festival of Canada and the UCLA School of Theatre, Film and Television.
What will a lesson be like?
Using a combination of hands-on work and verbal instruction, the teacher guides students through a range of everyday activities: walking, bending, sitting, breathing and talking. During this process, the student becomes aware of inefficient habits. In the lesson, they explore alternatives which do not involve habitual tension, collapse, imbalance or excessive effort. Depending on the student’s interests, the Technique can be applied to specific activities, such as playing an instrument, singing, public speaking or using a computer.
It is essentially a “pre-technique” that can be learned to enhance performance in all activities and can provide the key to entering the elusive state that athletes and artists call “The Zone” or “Flow”, a place where effortless performance is possible.
It is essentially a “pre-technique” that can be learned to enhance performance in all activities and can provide the key to entering the elusive state that athletes and artists call “The Zone” or “Flow”, a place where effortless performance is possible.
The Alexander Technique and Voice
Vocal freedom is our birthright. Unfortunately, unconscious habits often get in the way.
Many voice teachers are able to sense that students suffer from excess tension (tight jaw, stiff neck, locked ribs, etc.) However, other than bringing it to their attention, not all voice teachers are able to help students overcome these habits. The Alexander Technique is a wonderful tool by which a teacher can teach the students how to find balance and ease in his/her whole body, thus allowing for the freedom to make a beautiful, unforced sound.
“The feeling that your tone is free, borne on its own wings of energy, is one of the greatest delights of life – because you are its creator.”
-Giovanni Battista Lamperti,
Dresden, 1890’s
Many voice teachers are able to sense that students suffer from excess tension (tight jaw, stiff neck, locked ribs, etc.) However, other than bringing it to their attention, not all voice teachers are able to help students overcome these habits. The Alexander Technique is a wonderful tool by which a teacher can teach the students how to find balance and ease in his/her whole body, thus allowing for the freedom to make a beautiful, unforced sound.
“The feeling that your tone is free, borne on its own wings of energy, is one of the greatest delights of life – because you are its creator.”
-Giovanni Battista Lamperti,
Dresden, 1890’s
Carole Davis
Carole Davis is a certified Alexander Technique teacher, having completed an intensive three-year teacher-training program at the Vancouver School of the Alexander Technique. She is a member of the Canadian Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (CANSTAT). She maintains private studios for the study of voice and the Alexander Technique in Tsawwassen as well as by arrangement in East Vancouver.
Ms. Davis is also a professional singer and voice teacher. She is an Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto in Voice. She has toured as a soloist in Austria, Turkey and Iceland. She has an Honours BA in languages from the University of Winnipeg. Carole also taught voice/singing and the Alexander Technique at Capilano University in the Acting for Stage and Screen department. |
Contact |
Carole Davis
Tel: 604-313-0901 carole_davis@telus.net Location: South Delta and by arrangement in East Vancouver, Canada |