The Alexander Technique Rachel Bernsen, M.AmSAT: Upcoming Classes for 2011

11/21/10

Upcoming Classes for 2011

I am offering a number of group classes in the new year. If you're new to the Technique and want more information before you jump in start with a free introductory workshop, new and returning students here's an opportunity to immerse yourself in a 5-class 5-week course, or if you're already a student of the Technique try one of the winter refresher workshops.

Michael Phelps, left, lengthens his spine, lets his neck be free and head release...to win this race!

(Notice the pulling back of the head of his competitor).

Free Introductory Class
This class is now full. Contact me to be put on the waiting list.
Thursday January 27th, from 6-7:15pm
Seating is limited. Advanced registration required.

This class will introduce the Technique with hands-on demonstrations, discussion, observation, and group activities. A great introduction to Alexander and a wonderful way to get more information on how Alexander Technique might be of benefit to you.

5-Week Group Class
This class is now full. Interested in taking this class next time it's offered? Sign up for the mailing list or contact me for more information.
Thursday evenings February 3 - March 3, from 6-7:15pm
$195 ( includes one 45 minute private lesson)
Class size is limited to 6. Advanced registration required.
New and returning students are welcome.

A wonderful learning environment for new students and a great opportunity for returning students to deepen their understanding. In addition to group activities and discussion, the small group format allows for hands-on individualized attention. Students also benefit from the chance to observe others in the process of change. Each week we'll work with a different aspect of the Technique and its application to a diverse range of activities.

Special Workshop: Enjoying Outdoor Activities With Ease

From Walking, Running and Hiking to Bird Watching

Saturday April 2nd from 2:30-4:30pm
Workshop fee: $40
Advanced registration required.

A Winter Refresher Workshop for students with previous experience only. This offers a great opportunity for private students to experience a group class setting and observe fellow students in the process of change. For group class alumni it's a chance to refresh awareness and continue to explore the Technique.

In preparation for Spring, this class will deal specifically with outdoor activities like walking, running, hiking (we'll use stairs), biking, and observing nature (yes, we can bring excess tension even to the simple act of looking). We'll look at the mechanics of these activities, notice how we often interfere with easy forward motion and learn strategies for moving with greater ease. Students will have the opportunity to work on a related activity of choice. Bring your walking/running shoes.

For further information and to register: rachelbernsen@gmail.com
or call 917.531.4484
All classes will take place at Erector Square
315 Peck St. New Haven, CT. Directions

Testimonials From Rachel's students

It's the best thing I've ever done for myself. I'm not tensing up or overworking certain muscles when I work. It used to be that only regular massage and chiropractic adjustments would release the tension and now I don't feel that I need them. The work teaches me to take control of my body and it's a very powerful thing. As a result, everything I do is more comfortable, with less stress!

-Enola I. Salon Owner and Stylist

I have experienced profound relief from sciatica through the Alexander Technique. When it flares, I now have a “toolkit” of approaches that I can use to sooth the exacerbation. I never thought I would be able to experience the state of “no pain” again. My continued work with Rachel is helping me re-coordinate my body so that I can avoid sciatic pain.
-Lynn P., certified nurse and professor of nursing

I breathe differently. I move differently. I stand and sit differently and I'm so much more present in the moment. Combining my thoughts with my movements using awareness, inhibition and direction (the 3 principles of Alexander) are all a part of me now and I will never be without access to them. Learning from Rachel makes me realize I can apply the Alexander Technique to any part of my life. Using these principles I make choices every day, all day about how I move.
Seeing and working with Rachel each week keeps me open to learning and to the fact that I HAVE learned, and want to continue to do so. She is gentle with a thoughtful manner and able to clearly articulate the subtleties of this work. I am grateful.
-Debbie O., Tax assessor

I'm falling asleep faster and sleeping more deeply, and waking up with much less back pain.
-Kevin B., IT manager and singer

I learn so much from my lessons with Rachel. They have contributed greatly to the quality of my life. Each lesson provides an increased range of motion in some part of my body and the overall effect is a decrease in physical stress in my whole self. Since studying Alexander I've basically been injury free and when I do have a tweak, I have the tools to deal with it and can work through it quickly.
-Deb W., Book editor and yoga instructor

The Alexander Technique helps me relax and feel more comfortable in my body. I am more at peace in my own body.
-Bohdana S., filmmaker

I can sit much better and more easily than I used to and given how much I sit, that's not an insignificant thing. I now have strategies for when I get tired while sitting and can address that. Slouching now feels like work!
-Shannon C., professor

When I first started acting, I used a lot of tension to block out the audience and to generate emotion. With Alexander Technique I've learned to be more relaxed physically, stay present and be more aware of my body while staying true to my character and the moment to moment demands of the scene.
-Aaron S., actor

As a result of this work, I have found freedom in creative expression and in any expression, period. My art, both in performance and the visual, has blossomed. I have found comfort in my body and as a result in my entire self. I am extremely grateful to have had Rachel introduce this important work to me; it has changed my life. Rachel brings her experience, professionalism, training and compassion into this learning situation. She so obviously cares about this work and about sharing it with others, so others can move forward and improve the quality of their own lives. Throughout my experiences in Rachel's classes, I have continuously been blown away by the metaphorical resonance of this work; the Alexander Technique is life.
-Janet Z., singer and professor of English Literature

I am walking a lot faster, and with more confidence and ease, especially when walking at night to my barn where the walkway is very uneven and sloped. I am more steady and better balanced. My breathing is more even and natural and I am taking bigger strides. It feels good [to walk].
-Judy H., retiree

About the Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique is a proven method for solving movement problems that can cause chronic pain and stress. It's an educational process that teaches you how to use yourself with greater ease in your daily life and in the activities you are passionate about. It's not a set of procedures or a series of exercises, but simple principles you learn to apply to both your everyday activities and more specialized skills. F.M. Alexander, originally a Shakespearean actor, developed this work over 100 years ago in response to his own recurring voice problems.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of learning the Alexander Technique?
In studying the technique you begin to recognize inefficient postural habits and learn to let go of them while integrating the principles of the Technique. The results are often improved coordination and greater ease in movement; in many cases students report improvements in balance, long term or even permanent pain relief, an increase in energy, and a general feeling of lightness and ease.
What does a lesson consist of?
Using a combination of hands-on work and verbal instruction a teacher guides you through a range of everyday activities-walking, sitting, bending, reaching, breathing-Together with the teacher, you explore alternatives and learn to replace inefficient habits with improved coordination by locating and releasing unnecessary muscular tension.
Who was F. Matthias Alexander?
Born in Australia in 1869, Alexander was a Shakespearean actor who early on began having voice problems. Doctor's prescriptions of bed rest did nothing to cure him, as he would return to the stage only to lose his voice again. He realized it must be something he was doing to himself and through an extended period self-observation he became aware of his habits of tensing and straining that were causing his vocal loss. He continued to observe these habits and found a way to eliminate them. He became known for his strong voice and immense stage presence. He gained renown for teaching the Technique which he developed, mostly in the UK, until his death in 1955. In teaching he realized that the benefits of his work went well beyond the voice. Amongst his students were John Dewey, Aldous Huxley, and George Bernard Shaw.