Alexander Technique is a method of learning how to recognize and change the physical and mental habits that interfere with ease and efficiency of movement. Open to ages 11 and up, including adults.
Alexander Technique
CLASS NAME: Alexander Technique
YEAR: 2015-2016
DAY/TIME: Tuesdays, 8-9pm and with DAYCO
INSTRUCTOR: Naina Dewan
Class Purpose:
This Alexander Technique class is specifically designed to teach dance students the fundamental principles and applications of the Alexander Technique, a method of neuromuscular proprioceptive education that promotes the connection between mind, body, and movement. Students will learn how to recognize and release habitual patterns of tension that interfere with body awareness, somatic embodiment, freedom of movement, and presence and poise in both everyday activities and artistic endeavors.
Class Objectives:
Students will:
- learn the principles and practices of the Alexander Technique
- recognize personal habits of movement and thought
- improve kinesthetic awareness
- improve alignment, posture, and balance
- experience ease and lightness in movement
- experience enhanced focus, poise, and presence
- gain an understanding of the relationship between tension and posture, and how it affects freedom of movement
- improve awareness of the breath and its relationship with expanded movement
- learn practical self-care skills for dealing with daily stress and anxiety
- begin to develop a language of how to listen to the body and describe their somatic learning
- gain a deeper understanding of the integration of mind and body
Class Topics
Body Awareness: How to Listen to the Body
Breath Awareness
Constructive Rest: Quieting the Nervous System
Deepening Focus
Pacing Energy
Body Awareness Scans
Principles of Awareness, Inhibition, and Direction
Primary Control
Constructive Thinking
Applying Alexander Technique Correctly to Dance Training & Performance
Alexander Technique for Injury Prevention
Class Structure
Body Awareness is the sensing of one’s body through focused attention, in order to notice sensations, feelings, differences, and changes within the body. In this class, students will be studying the “use of self” through self-observation, experiential activities, hands-on work with the instructor, and feedback from the instructor. Students will be taught how to apply the Alexander Technique through guided experiential activities (breathing, seeing, changing focus, constructive rest, sitting, standing, walking, stretching, dancing, performing, etc.). While each class will consist primarily of experiential learning and activities, this class will also journaling to document experiences and deepen self-reflection.
Recommended Reading & Resources
Body Learning by Michael Gelb
American Society for the Alexander Technique: www.amsatonline.org
The Complete Guide to the Alexander Technique: www.alexandertechnique.com
Body Learning Podcasts: www.bodylearningcast.com
SOUTH CAROLINA DANCE STANDARDS: DH1-1.5, DH1-1.8, DH1-6.5,
NATIONAL DANCE STANDARDS: 5