Stand up Straight: The Alexander Technique

International Alexander Awareness Week, October 6-14, involves celebrations in 14 countries, and one right here in Santa Barbara. F. M. Alexander, a Shakespearean actor who lost his voice while performing, founded Alexander Technique a century ago. Lack of medical explanations or solutions forced Alexander to solve his own problem, and he spent nine years devoted to rigorous self-observation and experimentation. Through his discoveries, he regained his rich voice.

Alexander discovered what he named the primary control. By focusing on “The Core of Movement,” Alexander realized that the relationship between the head, neck, and torso is primary in controlling posture, movement and function. The technique aims to help people stop falling into movement habits and tension patterns that are at the root of their discomfort, and teaches them how to balance their own bodies. The technique has an impressive following among performers, including Jeremy Irons, Kevin Kline, Paul McCartney, Paul Newman, and Sting.

An Introduction to the Alexander Technique Workshop will be held this Saturday, October 13, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Public Library’s Faulkner Gallery (40 E. Anapamu St.). Ronit Corry, a Certified Alexander Technique teacher, will provide hands-on work at the workshop. “Alexander Technique became my life’s work because it quickly relieved severe tension pain in my shoulder,” Corry said. “After I began lessons, I was so excited that I wanted to learn this amazing technique to help others.”

And it benefits everyone, not just those with physical problems. “We invite anyone with a stiff neck or shoulders, back pain, or those who want to avoid these problems and look, stand, walk, and feel better. You’ll also look taller, thinner, confident, younger, and more beautiful,” said Corry.

For info, contact Ronit Corry at ronit@worldshare.net; ronitcorry.com, or 455-0939. For info about Alexander Technique, visit alexandertech.org.