My first experience with the Alexander Technique was in 1987 during my first semester of my undergraduate program. I registered for a class called “Introduction to the Alexander Technique”. I remember the experience of feeling light and the ease of movement. It was a distinct and special experience. I was 18 years old at the time and had no chronic pain nor had I ever suffered any injury. Fast forward 25 years later after a memorable performance career, almost 20 years of teaching dance and 3 children later, I was in chronic pain every day. I would wake up limping due to the pain in my hip and knee and imagining myself in a wheelchair at 80! After seeking medical attention, going to many specialist, physical therapist, acupuncture, massage & sports doctors, I was as frustrated as ever thinking that I would never again be pain free.
Now, getting back to the Alexander technique and how it all connects to a happily ever after. At the time, I was teaching dance at Dean College in Massachusetts and had attended a national dance conference in Chicago. One of the paper presentations I attended was a comparison of the Alexander technique to Bactine’s writings. This reminded me of my undergraduate days whenI first learned about the Alexander Technique. I decided to investigate more and found a teacher training school just a short walk from my house where I was living near Boston. I thought this was incredibly unusual and that I had to go visit the school. After attending AT classes for only 4 months, to my complete surprise and amazement all my chronic pain over the last 3 years had disappeared completely! It was almost a miracle. I was completely relieved and grateful and felt the desire to share my experience with others.
I decided to quit my job and enroll for the 3 year teacher training program. Now as a certified teacher I want to share my experience and knowledge to help others lead a more fulfilling and pain free life. Next year I will turn 50 but my physical self feels like I am 30! No more daydreaming about wheel chairs!!!