The Alexander Technique
“The Alexander Technique is a method that works to change movement habits in our everyday activities. It is a simple and practical method for improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, support and coordination”
In these classes we explore everyday movements like sitting, walking, reaching, speaking. This gradually enhances habitual head, neck and back alignment and the use of joints in order to conserve energy and make injuries far less likely.
The premise of the technique is that unconscious movement patterns can put undue pressure on the body, causing excess tension to accumulate in the body causing a range of problems from chronic back pain and reduced mobility to exhaustion, migraines and breathing issues. Alexander technique teachers can help you highlight detrimental movement patterns in your sitting, standing and walking habits and guide you to move in a freer more integrated way.
Live classes normally include a short, carefully facilitated section of peaceful hands on partner work – a gentle hand on the back to enhance the sense of presence in the back. In the online classes we use visualisation to imagine this hand on our backs/back of neck - the subtle, positive changes in our alignment and movement patterns can be quite remarkable! Students often find this the most beneficial aspect of the classes, effortlessly encouraging greater poise and spaciousness in movement.
With the Alexander Technique, you come to understand much more about how your body works, and how to make it work for you. Your every day activities become easier and more enjoyable, and you feel at home in your body.
Please note: One-to-one sessions for 2023 are all now fully booked.
Alexander sessions will be available on alternate Tuesday afternoons, starting 6th February 2024. Bookings will recommence in January 2024.
If you would like further information/individual advice about Alexander lessons or Moving Mindfully classes, please email Judy on movingmindfully@btinternet.com.
Judy Hammond
Judy is the Centre's very longstanding teacher of Alexander Technique and Moving Mindfully classes, and co-creator of the Positive Movement training course.
Judy is a lifelong lover of movement and dance. She began with ballet lessons in childhood, studying with excellent Russian and Royal Academy teachers, and continued studying many genres of dance throughout adolescence and adulthood including contemporary, jazz, stage dance, Greek island dance, Egyptian folk and classical dance.
Judy’s exploration of yoga, tai chi and Pilates led her to wonder how she could perform and teach movement/dance that respects and maintains the natural use of the body which she had learned through these ancient art forms. This brought her to the Alexander Technique, and she now shares her passion and deep knowledge of movement with thousands of students, helping them move more naturally, gracefully and easefully.