About the Book
The Alexander Technique is a specific form of mind/body practice that focusses on improving efficiency through learning and understanding movement and behavior. Galvanizing Performances applies the teachings of this practice to the performing arts. Through theatre, music, and dance, the contributors, all artists themselves, demonstrate how deliberate movement can improve an individual's art and benefit their general health and wellbeing.
Using specific case examples and in-depth analysis over a range of performance arts, this book supports instruction of effective movement and the Alexander Technique within different artistic disciplines for students and teachers alike.
Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements. Introduction 1. Hands Last. Debi Adams, ATI Certified Teacher of the Alexander Technique at The Boston Conservatory, MA, USA. 2. Full Embodiment: The Actor's Way. Sarah Barker, Alexander Technique Teacher and Associate Professor of Acting at The University of South Carolina, USA. 3. Confident Creativity. Corinne Cassini, AmSAT, ATI and Alexander Technique Teacher at Appalachian State University, Boone NC, and Angers, France. 4. Engaging the Expert Performer: Affinity as Pathway. Kate Conklin, Soprano, Teacher of the Alexander Technique and Fulbright Scholar. 5. A Mirror, a Mask and an Actor. Julianne Eveleigh, MA in Alexander Technique and Voice, Lecturer in Voice at the Arts Academy at Federation University, Australia; Paul Hampton, Actor, Director and Lecturer in Acting at Federation University, Australia. 6. To Learn or to Un-learn - That is the Question: Collegiate Performers and Endgaining. Harvey Thurmer, Violinist and Associate Professor of Violin at Miami University, FL, USA; Julia Guichard is a Certified Teacher of the Alexander Technique and Associate Professor and Chair of Theatre at Miami University in Oxford, OH, USA. 7. Alexander Technique Interventions for Stage Fright: An Interview with Michael Frederick, Founding Director of the International Congresses on the Alexander Technique and Teacher of the Alexander Technique at the Alexander Technique Institute in Los Angeles, USA and Elaine Williams is an Acting Teacher, Coach and Actress, and Senior Teacher at the Joanne Baron/D.W. Brown Studio in Santa Monica, CA, USA. 8. Mindful Bananas and The Alexander Technique. Kathleen Juhl, Alexander Technique Private Practice in Austin, TX, USA. 9. Glimpsing the Collaboratives. Cathy Madden, Editor. 10. Report on a Five-Day Introductory Class for the University of Washington School of Drama. Cathy Madden, Editor. 11. Metaphorically Speaking: The Singer and the Alexander Technique. Patricia O'Neill, Professor of Voice Emerita at Louisiana State University. 12. Of Testing Times and Hoped-For Miracles: The Alexander Technique and the Doubtful Musician. Robert Schubert, Lecturer in Woodwinds and the Alexander Technique at the Victorian College of the Arts and the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. 13. Is This Dance Made of Cake? An Exploration of the Alexander Technique in Choreographic Process. Crispin Spaeth, Dancer, Choreographer, Producer, Seattle, WA, USA.
About the Author :
Cathy Madden is the principle lecturer at the University of Washington School of Drama, as well as Director of the Alexander Technique Training and Performance Studio in Seattle and Associate Director for BodyChance in Japan.
Kathleen Juhl is a professor of Theatre at Southwestern University where she teaches an Alexander Technique class for actors, musicians, and voice performers. Kathleen has taught the Alexander Technique at national and international opera festivals.
Review :
Galvanizing Performance has something for everyone from the novice AT student to the experienced teacher. With an all-star line-up of AT teachers contributing, the essays cover all performing arts disciplines and every teaching situation one can imagine.
The editors have gathered a rich buffet of masterful Alexander Technique teachers who bravely pull back the curtain on their work with rare vulnerability, honesty, and perception. A 'must have' book for any teacher or artist wanting to infuse their work with AT, or needing fresh ideas for more effectively using it in their work and lives.
Galvanizing Performance offers singers, voice teachers, and performers a wonderful blend of insightful reflections and practical details from current expert Alexander Technique instructors.
Whether or not we are familiar with AT, the introductions to each chapter expertly orient readers and ready us to dive into each author's thoughts with a clear understanding of their experience, perspective, and priorities.
The Alexander Technique is a specific form of mind/body practice that focuses on improving efficiency through learning and understanding movement and behaviour. Galvanizing Performance applies the teachings of this practice to the performing arts. Through theatre, music and dance, the contributors - all artists themselves - demonstrate how deliberate movement can improve an individual's art and benefit their general health and wellbeing.
