Several years ago, an extraordinary group of people gathered for a unique purpose: to create pioneer videos about the work of F. M. Alexander. Our mission was to help bring this remarkable work into the public domain, educate people about the Alexander Technique, and help people begin to use the Technique to enhance their personal work and well-being. Almost all of us—including the videographers, designers, musicians and crew—were students of the Alexander Technique.
In our first video, FIRST LESSON, renowned actor William Hurt and I explain who F.M. Alexander was, describe the Alexander Technique, and explore how and why the basic principles of "good use" affect so many aspects of life: standing, sitting, moving, speaking, and breathing. FIRST LESSON illustrates how students and teachers of the Alexander Technique work together, and—as an added bonus—offers a safe self-lesson that people can use at home.
William graciously offered to introduce our second video, SOLUTIONS FOR BACK TROUBLE, the only officially authorized record of lessons by Deborah Caplan, one of the truly great master teachers of the Alexander Technique, with whom I was fortunate enough to study. A physical therapist who spent over 30 years working with people from all walks of life who suffered from back pain, Debby shares her enormous wisdom and instruction on using the Alexander Technique specifically for people troubled by periodic and chronic back pain.
Our third video, FOR DANCERS: THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE, is geared toward a different special-interest group, which you may have guessed by the title—dancers! Artists from our first shoot gathered to create a 2-disc set that features students from the Dance Division of The Juilliard School, as well as professionals Brock Labrenz, Heidi Stoeckley, Gelan Lampert, Jr., and Anne-René Petrarca. Through demonstrations and discussions, FOR DANCERS offers various ways to utilize the Alexander Technique to improve technical facility and perform with greater freedom and daring. During my own career as a dancer, I've experienced first-hand the benefits of the Technique in enhancing my own skills. As a teacher, I've been astonished to witness the incredible strides young dancers have made though incorporating the Alexander Technique in their own work. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to present this remarkable work to all dancers.
- Jane Kosminsky