Our Work

Our work highlights the research and insights of our community. Share your contributions by collaborating with ASO here. Subscribe to our free newsletter here.

Alexander Studies Online 12/5/23 Alexander Studies Online 12/5/23

A Year of Exploration: Annual Review & Research Discoveries

In this annual review, we journey through the diverse topics of Alexander Technique research in 2023. From the intricacies of teaching and caring to harmonies with opera and the intersections of research, each month offered a unique lens into the profound impact the Alexander Technique can have on our lives.

Alexander Studies Online 11/7/23 Alexander Studies Online 11/7/23

Restoring carers to themselves through the Alexander Technique

In this video, Charlotte Woods and Lesley Glover from ASO discuss an article co-authored with dementia expert Emma Wolverson, that explores how the Alexander Technique, even when learned for unrelated reasons, can unexpectedly improve one's ability to provide care. They touch on the embodied nature of caring, interoception and autonomy, "self-loss" among carers, and conclude by discussing implications for academics and the Alexander community.

Alexander Studies Online 10/3/23 Alexander Studies Online 10/3/23

Opera and Alexander Technique: What are the connections?

This month we explore the unique challenges that opera places on the human voice as we delve into connections between Opera and the Alexander Technique (AT). Led by Gabriella Minnes Brandes, six video clips and written text explore research, process, practice, and performance in real-time with opera singers Shana White and Brittany St. Claire. Join us for this insightful journey and the open intersection of worlds in which AT supports sound quality, embodied awareness, and dynamic performance.

Alexander Studies Online 9/5/23 Alexander Studies Online 9/5/23

An Interview with Monika Gross: Alexander Technique Research & Collaboration

Welcome to the 34th edition of the ASO newsletter. In this issue, we feature an illuminating interview with Monika Gross (The Poise Project) that revolves around crucial aspects such as bridging communication gaps between the Alexander Technique and other fields, amplifying public awareness of the profession, and establishing meaningful connections with research groups and healthcare practitioners.

Alexander Studies Online 7/4/23 Alexander Studies Online 7/4/23

Why research the Alexander Technique?

This month, ASO (Alexander Studies Online) introduces its first podcast-style post titled "Why research the Alexander Technique?" Join us for a discussion with the members of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique Research Group (SRG) as they explore how curiosity, challenges, and practical insights from research on AT can relate to one's personal explorations and practice.

Alexander Studies Online 6/6/23 Alexander Studies Online 6/6/23

Soma in the City: How does listening and responding to a ‘somatic podcast’ drawing on the Alexander Technique, affect one’s relationship with urban space?

This month we present a summary of research by Korina Biggs undertaken as part of her M.A. in Dance and Somatic Well-Being at the University of Central Lancashire. The study drew on the Alexander Technique and aimed to connect somatic perceptual/movement practice with challenging urban environments, exploring the potential of digital technology to deepen the connection to one's psychophysical self and surroundings.

Alexander Studies Online 5/2/23 Alexander Studies Online 5/2/23

Why have a curriculum for an experiential practice?

This month we release an article by Judith Kleinman that explores how a curriculum can act as a flexible tool to support Alexander Technique teaching, foster professional development and communication with other fields, and enrich the learning journey of the student.

Alexander Studies Online 4/4/23 Alexander Studies Online 4/4/23

Lighten Up! A conversation with Rajal Cohen - Part II

Following up on last month’s research on the effects of postural instructions on people living with Parkinson’s and on healthy older and younger adults. This month, we share a two-part conversation with Rajal, where she discusses the research and introduces a new project, Posture Underground.

Alexander Studies Online 3/7/23 Alexander Studies Online 3/7/23

Lighten Up! A conversation with Rajal Cohen - Part I

This month shares the background research to an upcoming conversation with Rajal Cohen, M.AmSAT, Ph.D., about a series of three papers she and colleagues published on the effects of postural instructions on people living with Parkinson’s and on healthy older and younger adults.

Alexander Studies Online 2/7/23 Alexander Studies Online 2/7/23

Embodied practices, the Alexander Technique, and self-compassion: An interview with Lisa Harris

“Can embodied practices, on their own, affect self-compassion?” This month we release an interview with Lisa Harris MSc, MSTAT about her unique MSc thesis which is entitled "An Exploration of Embodied Movement Practices as a Route to Self-Compassion”.

Alexander Studies Online 1/3/23 Alexander Studies Online 1/3/23

‘What on earth do we do with this data?’ Two experiences of writing up research for publication

This post introduces two new research articles based on the same data set but which adopted quite different approaches to writing up for publication. The papers are titled: Extending understanding of ‘care’ as an embodied phenomenon: Alexander Technique teacher perspectives on restoring carers to themselves, and ‘I am teaching them and they are teaching me’: Experiences of teaching Alexander Technique to people with dementia.