{"id":3046,"date":"2016-04-01T14:11:30","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T13:11:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.city-academy.com\/news\/?p=3046"},"modified":"2026-01-21T11:05:45","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T11:05:45","slug":"what-is-alexander-technique","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.city-academy.com\/news\/what-is-alexander-technique\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Alexander Technique?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Alexander Technique<\/a> is practised in theatres, on film sets and at drama schools across the world, with performers preparing physically and mentally for their roles through a range of relaxation techniques and other physical and breathing exercises.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

From Michael Caine to Madonna, it is used by performers to relax the body, reduce effort levels and forge a better physical connection with their audience.<\/em><\/p>\n

The technique isn\u2019t just vital for actors and singers though \u2013 it has a range of everyday benefits too: reducing tension and stress levels, improving communication skills, as well as aiding posture and the mechanics of movement.\u00a0<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n

City Academy Alexander Technique<\/a> tutor, Cristina Codina <\/em>Ll<\/em>avina, explains what Alexander Technique is, and why it is so effective for performers and non-performers alike.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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The\u00a0Beginning of Alexander Technique<\/strong><\/p>\n

The\u00a0Alexander Technique<\/a>\u00a0was developed by celebrated Australian actor Frederick Alexander, who became well known within the performing arts for helping many actors to improve their voice and poise. It is a system that allows actors to become more aware of their postural habits and movements, ready to embrace and transform themselves into any role.<\/p>\n

Why Alexander Technique is so useful<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alexander Technique is being practised more and more by non-performers, as they realise the benefits for reducing muscle tension and pain, improving communication skills and reducing stress levels. In my experience it is especially popular with people who work in a desk job and other sedentary job roles, as the techniques allow people to reconnect with their bodies and movements.<\/p>\n

Learning about the mind-body relationship and the mechanics of the body\u2019s movements helps to understand the origin of some of its tensions. The key to release is to go through the process of \u201cre-education\u201d which changes harmful habitual postures and stress patterns.\u00a0It is also an effective treatment for physical conditions such as repetitive strain injury, and back and muscle problems.<\/p>\n

When people release unnecessary tensions they realise how much strength they can gain.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Alexander Technique provides us with the tools to weaken old patterns and physical bad habits, and build new ones, working with breathing exercises and mind-body awareness. This develops new muscle memory that helps us to sound clearer, calmer and feel more confident.<\/p>\n

An example of the technique in action\u00a0is breaking down the mechanics of everyday movements. Even an action as simple as how we get on and off a chair,\u00a0that we repeat so many times every day, is really useful to consider, and so learn to release tensions and movements that cause strain. When people release these unnecessary tensions they realise how much strength they can gain.<\/p>\n

What our students have said<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many of my students have seen real\u00a0health benefits using Alexander\u2019s approach. Anna, an NHS Manager, has found Alexander Technique has greatly reduced her neck problems. She said:<\/p>\n

\u201cI had physio and acupuncture which made no difference, as well as numerous massages which seemed to make the problem worse.\u00a0After my first Alexander Technique session I was significantly better and did not wake up that night. Looking in the mirror I realised how wonky I was... the sessions have basically cured me! \u201d<\/p>\n

It's backed up by research<\/strong><\/p>\n

Research conducted by the British Medical Journal in 2008<\/a>\u00a0showed that the Alexander Technique has 'long term benefits for patients with chronic back pain' and is it now widely recommended as a course of treatment for this, and similar conditions.<\/p>\n

So whether you're looking to target specific postural habits, reduce tension, or are an aspiring performer looking develop physical awareness, Alexander Technique has a huge range of potential benefits.<\/p>\n

\"cristina_codina_llavina_190-190\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Find out more about Alexander Technique - An Introduction<\/a>\u00a0with Cristina,\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

View Cristina's profile here >><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Alexander Technique is practised in theatres, on film sets and at drama schools across the world, with performers preparing physically…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3145,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[97,130],"tags":[53,319,188],"yoast_head":"\nWhat is Alexander Technique? Find out more.<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Find out what Alexander Technique is, who is it for and why it is so popular. 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