Q & A: Should I take your next group class at Berkeley Rep, or should I sign up for a private lesson?

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Next group class starts May 7, at Berkeley Rep School of Theatre ($140)

Q: I’m currently a dancer, and am also a graduate student. I have trouble breathing when dancing, trouble with alignment (chronic low back pain), and extra (fidgety-type) movement habits.

Since I am a student, and budget is important at this point, I’m curious if you might recommend signing up for your 5-week class at Berkeley Rep? Or would it be better to come see you for a private lesson?

A: I think the class at Berkeley Rep would be a really good option for you. Alexander Technique is about changing habits. It takes time to form habits, and it takes some time to unlearn habits. A single lesson might be eye-opening, but I think you would improve more by studying consistently for 5-weeks in the group class.

As a dancer myself, I know how critical it is to address alignment and tension in order to have clear and beautiful technique. Also, I think you might find the stress management component of the Alexander Technique helpful as you move through a challenging graduate program.

I do offer 1/2 hour lessons which is another lower cost option, but again, I think you would gain a lot by attending the group class.

Don’t hesitate to contact me if if you have any questions!

With love and lightness,
Elyse

Body Project Blog: Where Thought is the Active Ingredient.

 

Q & A about 5/7 Berkeley Rep Alexander Technique Class

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Q: “Is your next Alexander Technique Class at Berkeley Rep School of Theatre appropriate for me or should I seek private lessons? I’m interested in learning the Alexander Technique in order to reduce bodily tension and change lifelong poor posture (I’m 57, with no chronic pain).  I’m not, however, an actor.”

A:  This class will be geared to both actors and non-actors, so it will be a good general introduction to the technique. It will be appropriate if you are comfortable with some degree of physicality such as lying on the floor on mats, crawling, and playing movement games, and you are OK working in activity in front of a group. This could mean reciting a poem, singing, or performing some other activity that you do in your life.

That said, private lessons are always the most efficient way of learning the Alexander Technique. Still, many people enjoy a group learning situation. The group class is less expensive than private lessons.

Feel free to give me a call at 415-342-6255, if you have more specific concerns. Otherwise, you are welcome to join the class, and/or I’d be happy to do some one-on-one work with you.

If you’re debating whether to sign up for a group Alexander Technique class or private lessons, I hope this will be helpful for you!

With love,
Elyse.

Body Project Blog: Where Thought is the Active Ingredient.

Is my neck free?

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Are you wondering if your neck is free? Check your breathing. If your breath is flowing easily and clearly discernible at the nostrils, the chances are that your neck is free.

The instant you begin to wonder, “Is my neck free?” you’re already tightening it to find out. That said, it never hurts, even if you are breathing, to give the wish to do less with your neck.

To read more about this, see Thinking Aloud, by Walter Carringto, pp. 64.

 

Body Project Blog: Where Thought is the Active Ingredient.