I use this ‘exercise’ for beginners because it gives an insight into the principles of the technique. In particular, it demonstrates how our mind and body operate as a unified whole and that we can learn how to utilize this to optimise our health and physical and mental well-being. Constructive rest takes practise but leaves you feeling more released, calm, centred and grounded
I began dancing at an early age and trained intensely from the age of 11 at pre-professional dance schools until the age of 18. My training was typically both physically and mentally challenging and one that left me lacking self confidence and with an abundance of muscular tension. There is no doubt it impaired my career choices as well as my daily life. For example, I believe it was a factor in the ceasarian birth of my daughter.
However, this experience generated my curiosity in body mechanics and pedagogy. Introduced to the Alexander Technique during my studies at the University of Surrey, it wasn’t until I’d moved to France when I took regular classes. After using this technique to successfully complete long dance tours and overcome a tendinitis injury I realised how invaluable this information was, not only for dancers but the general public. I signed up to the training course graduating in 1999.
One of the visiting teachers to the course was called David Gorman. I was immediately intrigued by his alternative approach to teaching and his unique insights into the structure and function of humans. He was developing his method called LearningMethods™ which evolved from his own teachings in the Alexander Technique. It was an amazing learning curve and helped to clarify some of the issues I had experienced as a dancer, such as the dangers of wanting to be perfect and of trying to please other people, frustration of under achieving – a common characteristic of Artists. Through Gorman’s work I came to understand more clearly the theatrical trappings of stage fright, anorexia and nervous breakdowns that I’d witnessed my friends struggle with.
His teaching was groundbreaking and at the forefront of scientific innovation. I studied with him as an apprentice for several years before certifying as a LearningMethods teacher in 2007. Needless to say my work is inspired by both the Alexander Technique and LearningMethods™ work.