F Matthias Alexander Technique

Residential Courses & Workshops: 2012

 

16-20 August 2010

Mas Collades, Cataluña, Spain

Course for pupils at all levels, including beginners

(Español)

This course offers a full programme of classes and workshops tailored to participants interests and level of expertise. The course will be conducted in Spanish and English, and offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the benefits of the Alexander Technique in a beautiful and supportive environment.

 

What is the Alexander Technique?

What have people said about the Alexander Technique?

Beginners

Pupils with some experience

Advanced pupils

Musicians & actors

Catering

Accommodation

Programme summary

Daily schedule for full days

Fees

 

What is the Alexander Technique?

Over 100 years ago F M Alexander (1869-1955) discovered certain simple principles about the way in which human beings support themselves against gravity. With patience and application, almost anyone can learn to use these principles.

When we “co-operate” with the mechanisms Nature has given us, our movements become light and effortless.  Over the years most people have developed bad habits which interfere with these natural processes, and are the root cause of many problems which manifest as, for instance, back-ache, stiffness, tension or stress.

Alexander Technique teachers are trained to use their hands in a very gently way to show people how to let go of unnecessary tensions and how to find support in the structures of the body meant for that purpose.

The Alexander Technique is now taught in major Colleges of Music and Drama in Europe and the United States, and thousands of people all over the world have benefited from learning this method.

What have people said about the Alexander Technique?

“Alexander’s work is of first class importance and investigation by the medical profession is imperative.”

British Medical Journal

 

“Of all the disciplines that form the actor training program, none is more vital, enriching and transformative than the Alexander Technique.”

Harold Stone, Associate Director,

Theatre Department, The Julliard School

New York, USA

 

“The Alexander Technique transformed my life. it is the result of an acknowledged genius. I would recommend it to anyone.”

Tony Buzan, author

 

“The Alexander Technique really works.”

Roald Dahl, author

 

“The Alexander Technique helped a long-standing back problem and to get a good night’s sleep after many years of tossing and turning.”

Paul Newman, actor

 

Beginners

For pupils who are new to the Alexander Technique this course is an ideal way to find out about it and experience  directly the lightness and liberation it can bring.

 

Pupils with some experience

There will be classes graded according to your level of experience and workshops on themes of interest to you. Be sure to say when booking what your special interests are.

 

Advanced pupils

You will have the opportunity to work with experienced teachers to develop your knowledge and experience.

 

Musicians & actors

There will be specialised workshops on relevant themes and classes with Alexander teachers who have taught in major conservatoires of music and drama

 

Catering

All meals will be provided. Mas Collades is renowned for its excellent Mediterranean cuisine.

 

Accommodation

Accommodation is in shared twin, triple and dormitory rooms. There will be some single-room options.

 

Programme summary

Participants should plan to arrive by about 5pm on the first evening. After settling in and introductions there will be a brief session of practical work before dinner. On days 2, 3 and 4 there will be a full programme of morning informal work; classes graded by experience; and themed workshops. Each participant will receive two private lessons during the course. There will be some informal evening activities (music, dance, singing). On the last day there will be a leisurely breakfast and summing up before departure.

 

Daily schedule for full days

08:00 – 08:45

Breakfast

09:00 – 09:30

A.T. Walkabouts (1)

09:30 – 10:00

General Assembly

10:00 – 11:15

Home Groups (2)

11:45 – 12:45

Individual Lessons (3)

13:00 – 14:00

Lunch

14:00 – 16:00

Break

16:00 – 17:00

Individual Lessons

17:00 – 18:30

Workshops (4)

 

Mas Collades has facilities for other activities to enjoy during free periods:

  • spacious gardens and natural surroundings

  • adult and children's swimming pools

  • tennis court with practice wall

  • football field

  • croquet field

  • table tennis

  • billiards

  • lawn bowling

  • games room

In the evening, informal group activities will be arranged (singing, dancing).

 

[1] “Walkabouts” means informal practical work with all the teachers and pupils together

2] Participants will be allocated to a “Home Group” according to their level of experience

[3] Each participant will receive two individual lessons (20 minutes) during the course

[4] Workshops will be designed according to participant interests; for example, on performance, voice, respiration, dealing with back-pain, etc.

 

Fees:
tuition, accommodation and all meals included (catering provided)

Pupils

€370

Supplement for single occupancy of twin room

€80

 

Transfers

Participants can be picked up from Manresa RENFE Station for a small fee. Trains to Manresa leave regularly from Plaza de Cataluña in Barcelona.

 

Booking

Wales 16-19 April

Spain 25 August - 1 September

 

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