On Training Teachers: Choreography and Improvisation
When I trained to be an Alexander Teacher at the American Center for the Alexander Technique from 1987 to 1989, I was fortunate to benefit from the wisdom of a large faculty of teachers with all levels of experience. Our Senior Trainers had anywhere from 6 to 30 years of experience teaching and training teachers. They each had a distinctive approach to the art of teaching. Alongside them, we were also taught by associate faculty, recent graduates and classmates who were at all levels of training.
Read moreOn Teaching: "Speaking without words"
by Brooke Lieb
Brooke: During our work together on the ACAT Teacher Certification Program, I remember you repeatedly sharing with me that you found lectures and the verbal component of hands-on turns virtually un-intellligible, and stressful. I was able to appreciate that auditory learning wasn’t particularly useful to you, but in retrospect, I know I didn’t have a meaningful understanding or appreciation of how unique sensory processing is from one person to another. I was also fascinated because I know how much you read and comprehend, and that you studied much more complex subjects than I ever have and are articulate and versed in those topics.
Read moreTraining Journal: Classes with Judith Leibowitz #7
November 29, 1977 : On teaching
You cannot do something to someone, unless you have it in yourself. You will become more and more able to help someone when you help yourself.. You cannot give someone direction unless you give direction to yourself.
When you do something new, you don’t have to worry about feeling it. This also helps people become less self involved.
You can use something above the head to look up and bring the head to move forward (student is sitting) on the hip joint is a good exercise in inhibition. Looking in the mirror you are not going forward as much as you are seeing your head go up. The torso will go up if the head goes up.
Read moreWorking with Rhythm: Smoother movement for better coordination
As an Alexander Teacher, I have been trained to observe and analyze my students’ movements and behaviors, so that I can teach them tools to maximize their efficiency while minimizing physical and mental stress.
One measure I use to that end is movement quality. I use a couple different scales, one of which is the range from smooth to jerky.
Read moreTraining Journal: Classes with Judith Leibowitz #6
November 8, 1977: "Direction is a form of meditation.”
It is a simple repetition of words. Just being without trying. No need for results or defining: words can be used anywhere, anytime in any position.
Stance appropriately wide to height of person
Releasing into monkey with no goal in mind
Maintaining shoulder width against gravity's tendency to pull shoulders in as torso bends, releasing shoulders out without contracting in the back
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Read moreTraining Journal: Classes with Judith Leibowitz #5
Bending and picking up an object:
Torso lengthening and widening
Stance appropriately wide to height of person
Releasing into monkey with no goal in mind
Maintaining shoulder width against gravity's tendency to pull shoulders in as torso bends, releasing shoulders out without contracting in the back
Read more…
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