After his personal success, Alexander began teaching others what he had learned. George Bernard Shaw, Aldous Huxley and John Dewey were among his many students. Today, students of the technique include Kenneth Branagh, William Hurt, Kevin Kline, Sir Colin Davis, Maggie Smith, Sting and members of the NY Philharmonic. By learning to release excess tension in the neck and back, the weight of the head can re-balance itself and rest more freely on top of the spine. This allows the spine to lengthen and takes pressure off the joints.
Movement becomes comparatively effortless.
Unnecessary strain and pressure on muscles, ligaments and nerves is reduced and circulation and breathing improve. In Alexander lessons, you will have the opportunity to observe yourself in simple everyday movements such as sitting, standing, walking and bending. You will discover how you may be getting in your own way as you move. The teacher uses skilled, gentle touch to sense the tension in your movements, and to increase your awareness of your habits of malcoordination. After the lesson, many students say they feel taller, lighter and freer.