This book emerges from the author’s lessons with Miss Goldie, one of Alexander’s first trainees. It describes how the entire human structure is built to create movement.
Up-to-date scientific research is woven with Alexander’s concepts to give a whole picture of how our human body functions: how it moves, feels, perceives and self-organises. Nearly 200 practical explorations capture the essence of Goldie’s teaching and explore Alexander’s original self-help methods.
The book presents a new interpretation of how Alexander developed the technique and what happened next. It clarifies the functional anatomy that underpins the technique; the physiology of coming to quiet; the crucial importance of spatial awareness, embodiment, vision, cognitive processes, and much more.
The book is aimed at AT teachers, trainees and keen students, and other interested somatic / movement therapists and educators. For AT teachers, it is aimed firstly to develop one's own self-work, and then to underpin and develop our AT teaching skills, whether with or without hands, online or in person, with individuals or with groups.
What Alexander technique teachers are saying:
“Penelope´s deep understanding of functional anatomy and complex brain processes are explained candidly and many anecdotal stories enliven the book making it easy and enjoyable to read.”
Sara Robledo, Mexico. Teacher of AT, Yoga and Pilates, singer/dancer.
“An experiential, dynamic re-framing of F.M. Alexander's principles, rooted in biomechanics, neurophysiology, decades of experience, and PLAY!”
Rebecca Poole c.AmSAT, m.ACAT, New York, NY.
“Alexander’s concepts of direction are taken to a new level, bringing about an incredible coordinative strength in carrying out activities. No other course of study has influenced me more in how I approach teaching my trainees, groups, and private students."
Brian McCullough, Director, Minnesota Center for the Alexander Technique and faculty Alexander Technique teacher at the University of Minnesota
"No musician should be without this book. Read and study it and you will have the keys not only to wellness and reduced performance anxiety but also to enhanced musical technique and performance through an integrated and responsive body."
Alison P. Deadman PhD, teacher of the Alexander technique, Professor of Music at East Tennessee State University.
"This will become the modern encyclopaedia for Alexander technique teachers, bodywork practitioners of any kind, for the performing arts and for anyone interested in human nature."
Annedore Kleist. Berlin. Actor and Alexander technique teacher.
"It shows us how to navigate through the multidimensional human experience of oneself, exploring new fields of awareness, learning communication with the body."
Hannes Dearr. Berlin. Alexander technique teacher and musician.
“Penelope is a humble genius with an incredible depth of knowledge and creative flair, making her innovating work exciting and irresistible!”
Chris English. Bristol, UK. Alexander technique teacher and classical dressage rider and coach.
The Alexander Technique, Twelve Fundamentals of Integrated Movement is published by Handspring Publishing in March 2021. Pre-publication discount of 10% still applies until the end of May 2021.
https://uk.singingdragon.com/products/the-alexander-technique