E-Book Overview
The Alexander Technique is a hands-on educational method that helps individuals learn how to eliminate tension in the body caused by habitual limitations in the way they move and think. This book provides guidance and information that aids in studying the technique and locating print, audio, video, and web-based resources for further research in the field. It is a helpful resource for anyone seeking information on alternative and complementary medicines like the Alexander Technique.
E-Book Content
The Alexander Technique Resource Book A Reference Guide John B. Harer Sharon Munden
The Scarecrow Press, Inc. Lanham, Maryland • Toronto • Plymouth, UK 2009
SCARECROW PRESS, INC. Published in the United States of America by Scarecrow Press, Inc. A wholly owned subsidiary of The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, Inc. 4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, Maryland 20706 www.scarecrowpress.com Estover Road Plymouth PL6 7PY United Kingdom Copyright © 2009 by John B. Harer and Sharon Munden All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. British Library Cataloguing in Publication Information Available Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Harer, John B. The Alexander technique resource book : a reference guide / John B. Harer, Sharon Munden. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN-13: 978-0-8108-5431-4 (pbk. : alk. paper) ISBN-10: 0-8108-5431-7 (pbk. : alk. paper) ISBN-13: 978-0-8108-6392-7 (ebook) ISBN-10: 0-8108-6392-8 (ebook) 1. Alexander technique–Bibliography. 2. Alexander technique–Directories. I. Munden, Sharon. II. Title. Z6675.A42H37 2009 [RA781.5] 016.6137'8–dc22 2008035109
⬁ ™ The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of American National Standard for Information Sciences—Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992. Manufactured in the United States of America.
Contents
Preface
v
Acknowledgments
ix
Introduction: The History and Foundations of the Alexander Technique
xi
Chapter 1 General Texts and Articles
1
Chapter 2 Resources for the Performing Arts, Especially Dance, Music, and Theater
27
Chapter 3 Resources for Sports, Fitness, and Recreation
65
Chapter 4 Resources for Health and Medicine
73
Chapter 5 Electronic Resources on the Alexander Technique
95
Chapter 6 Journals on the Alexander Technique and Body-Work Subjects
99
Chapter 7 Audiovisual Materials
115
Chapter 8 Directory of Alexander Technique Associations
121
A Brief Glossary of Significant Terms
127
Author Index
131
Subject Index
137
About the Authors
161
iii
Preface
THE NEED FOR THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE RESOURCE BOOK The vocal performance discipline has brought the authors to a rich understanding of the value of the Alexander Technique, not just in the performing arts, but also in many walks of life in and out of the academy. We are often asked, “What is the Alexander Technique?” when we mention our latest project, The Alexander Technique Resource Book, most especially in nonperforming arts circles. There is a sense that the technique is not recognized by many people, though other bodywork techniques, especially yoga and Pilates, often evince much more understanding as we discuss this technique to enlighten our listeners. Surprisingly, the Alexander Technique has been around for over one hundred years and has helped many famous, and not so famous, indi