Dance and the Alexander technique

"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"-- "Two experienced dance teachers and professionals, one from the world of modern dance and the other from ballet explore the movement system developed by F.M. Alexander in the early 20th century. Alexander Technique is a method that teaches people to move with a greater degree of ease and coordination. The technique is applicable to all people, not just dancers and performers, and involves becoming aware of habitual patterns of movement which interfere with optimal movement efficiency. The expected outcome of learning the Alexander Technique is an increased level of psychomotor coordination, and ease and efficiency of motion in both everyday activities and specific movement practices such as dancing. In this study of the authors incorporate of what is known as the Dart Procedures which the authors believe help illustrate the application of Alexander techniques. Of primary interest to dance educators this book will also be useful to practitioners in music education, dance therapy, Yoga, Pilates, and other bodywork fields. More than 150 photos and an accompanying DVD with film clips illustrate movement examples"--