The Alexander Technique
Studios in North Hollywood and Pasadena, California
Since 1983
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The Alexander Technique
Studios in North Hollywood and Pasadena, California Since 1983
|
|
|
How You May Contact Frances Marsden You may telephone Frances for further information and appointments at the number below: 818.760.6454 |
This
is a picture of F. Mathias Alexander (1869 - 1955) in his later years.
While attempting to solve the vocal problems that were ruining his
career as a Shakespearian recitalist, Alexander discovered that he was
creating a pattern of tension that was interfering with the correct
relationship between his head, neck and back. He, and the teachers
trained in his technique, have been demonstrating empirically over the
past 100 years how to change this pattern of tension and establish in
it's place more calm and poise, even in stressful situations. The
Alexander Technique helps a person to use the appropriate amount of
effort for a particular activity, giving him more energy for all
activities, new as well as old, with a more accurate kinesthetic sense
as a guide to successfully carrying out these activities.
These
three Alexander Teachers are taking afternoon tea at The
Orangerie, a tearoom behind Kensington Palace in London, where Princess Diana
lived after her divorce from Prince Charles. This is
nearby the Constructive Teaching Center in London, which trains
Alexander teachers from around the world. The Alexander teacher on the
left is Suzi Morris, who teaches in London; the teacher in the middle is
Helen Jeffrey, who teaches in Cambridge; the teacher on the right is, of
course, Frances Marsden, who teaches in North Hollywood and Pasadena,
California. Frances took her three-year training to become an Alexander
teacher at the Center and returns there frequently for refresher courses. At the time this picture was taken, there were
thirty-eight teacher trainees from around the world in residence for the
three year training and certification program.
This
is a view of Frances' studio in Pasadena. It is located in a church,
which accounts for the beautiful stained glass window in the picture
which is part of her studio. An East European concert pianist
occasionally practices in the church, and even his warm-up cords have a
special sound. The white chair in the picture is an integral part of
an Alexander lesson, where students learn the proper movement and
coordination of gracefully standing up and sitting down. On the right,
not in the picture, is a large massage table where part of an Alexander
lesson occurs lying down. Here, Frances encourages the student's back to
release against the table padding, straightening spinal curvature, while
she very gently works on aligning the student's head and limbs.
Many students find that tension flees their bodies, and this is the most
restful part of their day. A series of such lessons leads to permanent
improved coordination of limbs, head and body reducing stress and
pain due to poor usage, improving appearance and promoting a feeling of
well-being.