pygmalion
03-26-2004, 09:55 AM
Here's an article I've come across several times, and now I'm posting it to find out more. Has anyone used the Alexander Technique in teaching or learning dance (particularly social ballroom). I've read the article, but I'm not quite sure what it is. Does anybody out there know?
Let me quote a bit of the article here, then give the link, if you want to read more. http://www.alexandertechnique.com/articles/ballroom
One of the least discussed techniques that can be used to achieve these goals, and also one of the most effective, is the Alexander Technique (AT). The technique is not only effective in individual growth and development, but the principals can be applied to the lead/follow relationship to promote and enhance quality of contact. According to Barbara and William Conable, The Alexander Technique is a simple and practical method for improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, support, flexibility, and coordination. It enhances performance and is therefore a valued tool for actors, dancers, and musicians.
Practice of the Technique refines and heightens kinesthetic sensitivity, offering the performer a control which is fluid and lively rather than rigid. It provides a means whereby the use of the part - a voice an arms or a leg - is improved by improving the use of the whole body." (How to Learn the Alexander Technique, Barbara and William Conable, Andover Press, 1995)
The Alexander Technique was developed by F.M Alexander in the early part of this century. As a public speaker and an actor, Alexander frequently lost his voice at the most inopportune time - when he was about to go on stage. Through careful observation and years of studying his own body, he discovered that there was a connection between his laryngitis and a shortening of the back of his neck which in turn affected his entire body and the way he presented himself physically. With years of practice and experimentation, Alexander created a technique that relieved this problem and proved to have incredible side benefits.
By stopping one's movement or action, and sending the body conscious directions on how to move, individuals can bring a whole new physical awareness to their being. These directions may be described as follows: (1) Allow my neck to be free in such a way that my head can go forwards and up (2) in such a way that my body can lengthen (3) and widen (4) in such a way that my knees go forwards and away. (Throson's Principles of The Alexander Technique, Jeremy Chance, Harper Colins, 1998.)
Let me quote a bit of the article here, then give the link, if you want to read more. http://www.alexandertechnique.com/articles/ballroom
One of the least discussed techniques that can be used to achieve these goals, and also one of the most effective, is the Alexander Technique (AT). The technique is not only effective in individual growth and development, but the principals can be applied to the lead/follow relationship to promote and enhance quality of contact. According to Barbara and William Conable, The Alexander Technique is a simple and practical method for improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, support, flexibility, and coordination. It enhances performance and is therefore a valued tool for actors, dancers, and musicians.
Practice of the Technique refines and heightens kinesthetic sensitivity, offering the performer a control which is fluid and lively rather than rigid. It provides a means whereby the use of the part - a voice an arms or a leg - is improved by improving the use of the whole body." (How to Learn the Alexander Technique, Barbara and William Conable, Andover Press, 1995)
The Alexander Technique was developed by F.M Alexander in the early part of this century. As a public speaker and an actor, Alexander frequently lost his voice at the most inopportune time - when he was about to go on stage. Through careful observation and years of studying his own body, he discovered that there was a connection between his laryngitis and a shortening of the back of his neck which in turn affected his entire body and the way he presented himself physically. With years of practice and experimentation, Alexander created a technique that relieved this problem and proved to have incredible side benefits.
By stopping one's movement or action, and sending the body conscious directions on how to move, individuals can bring a whole new physical awareness to their being. These directions may be described as follows: (1) Allow my neck to be free in such a way that my head can go forwards and up (2) in such a way that my body can lengthen (3) and widen (4) in such a way that my knees go forwards and away. (Throson's Principles of The Alexander Technique, Jeremy Chance, Harper Colins, 1998.)