what is
Alexander Technique?
The Contemporary Alexander Technique is a hands-on kinesthetic study of our coordination, habits, and innate design of the human body. Wendy works with you during activities and situations such as playing an instrument, typing on your computer, having a difficult conversation, or driving your car. Through gentle touch and direction, you will discover new and easier ways to move and be in your body. Changing your habitual patterns can lead to greater ease, flexibility, freedom, and joy in our daily life.
People from all walks of life study Alexander to find more support in activities of daily life. I have worked with dancers, new moms, computer users, kayakers, cancer patients, seniors, performing artists, and a diverse range of individuals curious about the work. Some people come for relief from tension and pain, and many people come because they enjoy feeing better in their bodies.
An hour lesson consists of hands-on guidance, learning how it applies to your daily life or a specific activity, and tailored assignments to practice on your own. Most students feel relief from pain or tightness, and a renewed sense of self and presence with the world.
Who will benefit from
Alexander lessons?
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Musicians and performers study Alexander to improve their sound, ease, and poise on stage. Performing artists study Alexander to prevent or recover from injuries. A greater sense of ease helps reduce performance anxiety..
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Athletes learn to improve their efficiency in movement, leading to faster times with less effort and fewer injuries.
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Office workers use Alexander to find comfort sitting at their desks and using their computers and reduce strain from repetitive stress.
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Individuals with chronic pain will gain a better understanding of their body’s design, and form new habits of movement that will relieve symptoms.
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Anxiety sufferers worry about the past or the future - by design, AT increases our sensory perception in the present moment, which allows the nervous system to calm itself.
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Pregnant individuals find help with balance and discomfort in a constantly changing body. Alexander is also helpful for postpartum recovery, and new parents learn to hold their babies.
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Seniors benefit from improved balance and range of motion. If you are a care director of a long-term care facility, please call for more in-depth information about how Alexander classes can benefit your community.
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People seeking personal growth use Alexander to notice habitual reactions to life stressors, and change both their physical and emotional responses to those situations. Improved mind-body awareness leads to a less stressful and joyful approach to life.
Alexander for Performing Artists
Alexander Technique is a renowned method known for its focus on retraining physical and mental habits, mindful movement, and the elimination of tension or strain. Wendy’s expertise as an Alexander teacher and musician can help artists unlock their full potential and achieve a higher level of technique, musicality, and artistry.
As a professional musician myself for over 25 years, I understand the unique physical and psychological challenges of studying a performing art. Learning about our body’s innate design and expanding our attention allows artists to play their instrument, sing, dance, or act with greater ease, poise, and expression. As a teacher and performer, I am passionate about sharing this work so that artists can achieve their own potential.
Teachers turn to me as a resource for their students to help with all kinds of physical and body awareness issues. A series of Alexander lessons can resolve lingering pain and tension so that students can focus on their technical and musical development.