Documents 

In Dance and the Alexander Technique, Rebecca Nettl-Fiol and Luc Vanier utilize their ten years of research on developmental movement and dance training to explore the relationship between a specific movement technique and the basic principles of support and coordination. The Alexander Technique, developed in the early twentieth century by F. M. Alexander, can be used to enhance dexterity in all types of activities, from everyday actions as mundane as tooth-brushing to highly demanding dance movements. Applying the tenets of this technique through the lens of a specific subset of principles called the Dart Procedures, the authors offer a unique approach for using the Alexander Technique in dance and other activities. The principles of this technique are used by people in all walks of life and have proven to be effective for enhancing performance and improving overall health and well-being.

Amply illustrated and supplemented with a DVD that demonstrates the concepts and applications of the Alexander Technique, this book will be highly instrumental for dancers, teachers of dance, and anyone interested in giving everyday movements more efficiency, dexterity, and elegance.[editor summary]

Although gym membership is on the increase, the way people actually exercise in the gym is rarely correct and frequently causes injury. Activities that should be pleasurable and fulfilling often end up being frustrating, can cause injury or are simply regarded as boring. Often the desired effects are not achieved due to bad technique. "Master the Art of Workout" teaches us how to approach our gym workout in a new and refreshing way. We are encouraged to look at working out as an art rather than just a means to an end. Balk and Shields have developed a way of improving a gym workout using the principles of the Alexander Technique. This simple method promotes coordination, balance, posture, the importance of the relationship between the head neck and back, body awareness and efficient body use. The book teaches that if you focus on what you are doing and all these things are done properly, then the workout will achieve the desired effect. The author look at all aspects of gym exercise including resistance training, using gym machines, fitness classes including aerobics, step, pilates, yoga and Tai chi. The book has illustrations showing the wrong and right technique. [eidtor summary]

La chose la plus difficile au monde est de s’occuper de ce qui nous est le plus proche, le plus constant et le plus familier. Et ce qui nous est le plus proche, c’est justement nous-même, nos propres habitudes et manières d’agir. Je pense que nous n’avons jamais eu auparavant une conscience aussi aigüe de l’échec de tous les remèdes et du secours aux forces extérieures à l’individu. C’est un point important que d’enseigner le besoin du retour à l’individu en tant que medium suprême de l’Humanité et de la Société ; c’en est un autre que de découvrir le moyen concret par lequel cette tâche, parmi les plus hautes, peut-être exécutée. Et c’est exactement ce que F.M. Alexander a accompli. [résumé de l'éditeur]

The classic work on the Alexander Technique for maintaining the health and efficiency of the body. Essentially a type of therapy that aims to treat and prevent a range of disorders through a system of postural changes, the Technique stresses the importance of reeducating the muscular system as a means to achieve physical and mental well-being. By unlearning common bad postural habits and ways of using the body, people can alleviate tension, fatigue, back pain, neck stiffness, asthma, headaches, depression, and many other ailments. The book also shows how the Technique can be applied to every kind of learning experience, from children's education and the acquiring of basic skills to the most advanced needs of musicians, entertainers, professionals, and athletes. [editor summary]