The Alexander Technique will never die. The Alexander Technique never lived. F.M. Alexander (the originator of the Alexander Technique,) lived from 1869-1955. Alexander’s discoveries regarding awareness, inhibition, and direction are alive and are as valuable today as they were in the late 19th century.
Now, about 135 years later, when you tell someone you teach the Alexander Technique they often respond with: “what’s that?” The Alexander Technique name has not flourished. It was once in vogue to study the Alexander Technique, but that was many decades ago.
The “Alexander Technique” hasn’t really caught on, though it has as much to offer today as it ever did; maybe more. With the use of computers, tablets, cellphones and other devices, incidence of back pain and neck tension are routine. And, nothing gets to the root of the problem, the source of the pain, more efficiently than the Alexander Technique.
Yet, for some time, Alexander Teachers who have studied marketing, suggest removing the name “Alexander Technique” from the main part of websites and other promotional materials, as if the name were a hindrance. Some Alexander Technique teachers are using names consisting of ’”Movement”, ‘Thinking’, “Awareness”, “Body”, and “Breathing”, replacing Alexander Technique. Some teachers even dare to use the word “Posture”. Instead of building on the Alexander Technique name, we’re abandoning it. It’s progress, and it’s a shame.
Mark Josefsberg—Alexander Technique NYC
(917) 709-4648
Photo Courtesy of Cooldesign/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
F.M. Alexander never named his technique, (calling it “The Work,”) so it’s not that big of a sacrifice. Alexander Technique became the name of what he had taught after his death.
The important part is that the doing of it get out there into the world and that it would be practiced as a discipline by more people who can get its unlimited benefits. What may start as a pain remedy can blossom into a means to individuate and gain self-knowledge beyond description.
There have been many fascinating philosophies of life, but A.T. possesses an effective physical discipline to demonstrate and express its lofty values. A.T. principles are the “Real Deal” that deliver on what seems on the front end to be “Snake Oil” promises.
Thanks Franis,
Yes, it’s the furthest thing from “snake oil” I can imagine. Since the Alexander Technique deals with the whole mind and body, it’s benefits are going to be varied. I agree that the Alexander Technique is “the real deal”!
I think what is confusing to newcomers is they mistake the cloak or form for the content. It’s too abstract for most people to get that they are learning about learning and their reaction itself, beyond specific content.
So because they know a musician who has benefited from A.T. they think of it as a voice technique or it’s only for actors because it allows a change in postural mannerisms. Or if they know someone who rides horses who used A.T. to improve their riding style it’s a dressage technique. Or another pupil used it to improve back trouble so it’s a remedial thing…
Hey, there should be a Public Relations company that charges A.T. teachers to get the benefit for the activities of popularizing Alexander Technique. We could make videos explaining A.T. and featuring teachers and arrange for teachers to do speaking engagements and presentations to educational venues, etc. What do you think of that?
Hi Franis,
I think it’s a good idea. Go for it!
I think that anything that helps spread the Alexander Technique is a good thing. The thing newcomers are most concerned with is:
1. Does it work?
2. How long will it take?
3. How much does it cost?
It’s such a difficult choice to make. I agree with Franis, the most important thing is to get it out into the world. However, if we are all marketing ourselves under different titles, we lose any sort of brand awareness for the profession as a whole, and then we all miss out. I’m still persevering with promoting myself as ‘Alexander Technique’. It’s an uphill battle, I often think of changing. Haven’t done so…yet. Thoughfully, Karen.
Hi Karen,
It’s too bad we’re even thinking of calling the Alexander Technique something else. It would be great if we had some organizations that could help market and promote the Alexander Technique effectively; then we wouldn’t all have to be on our own.
Thoughtfully,
Mark Josefsberg-ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE NYC!
I wouldn’t dream of calling it anything but the Alexander Technique. I don’t think any words other than the correct words should be used……otherwise the integrity of the Alexander Technique is lost. See my blog earlier this year taking on the word, posture.
Thank you Barbara!
Mark Josefsberg-ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE NYC!
Thanks Barbara,
I also wish the Alexander Technique name wasn’t being abandoned!