LAB – Alexander Techniek

The Alexander Technique teaches students to be aware of themselves, the space around and within them, the use of their bodies. The Alexander Technique teaches students to be aware of themselves, the space around and within them, the use of their bodies.

The Alexander Technique teaches students to be aware of themselves, the space around and within them, the use of their bodies.

Future performers know that their work requires a high standard of neuro-muscular coordination but also that their expressive capabilities are often hampered by their physical use. Performing is done with the same body we use in our daily activities. Our physical capabilities are determined by (sometimes erroneous) habits and thought patterns. Are we aware of our coordination in stillness and movement? How can we influence this? How can we avoid certain thoughts, stress and anxiety that are limiting us? It is important for every musician, singer, actor, dancer to achieve easy dynamic balance (mental, emotional, mechanical, and muscular) throughout their action, play, dance, so that they learn to use themselves in an expansive and free way.

We only have 1 body. Let’s use it respectfully and lovingly and learn to listen to it. That way, it can give artistic work an extra dementia. It is a process of becoming more in the ‘now’.

Why

  • Every person is different, has a different background and is therefore unique and special.
  • Everyone has their own learning process: no levels, no good or bad, better best. The process of becoming aware, experiencing, observing, inhibiting proceeds at a different pace for everyone.
  • We learn from each other.

  • observe how you use your body.
  • explore which thoughts and habits underlie our movement patterns.
  • experience space in and around you.
  • increase awareness.
  • discover that the way you use your body affects your natural dynamic balance and freedom of movement.
  • stopping, inhibiting, actions that limit your body and therefore your mind.
  • breaking habit patterns by physically doing less and observing the ‘mind’.
  • breaking habit patterns by physically doing less and observing the ‘mind’.
  • breaking habit patterns by physically doing less and observing the ‘mind’.

From dance, theatre, eastern thinking and movement, Helga Henckens came into contact with Alexander Technique which she qualified in in 1997. She immediately started teaching individual lessons and group workshops where she integrates movement, starting from the principles of the Alexander Technique. She continues to learn continuously through workshops organised by AEFMAT, the Belgian organisation for Alexander Technique teachers, or other AT organisations in Europe (ATAS).

https://www.aefmat.be/nl/

https://www.alexandertechniqueworldwide.org

Experience

  • Drama department in the Lemmens Institute as assistant
  • Adams music centre: annual flute festival / day for percussionists and oboists www.adams-music.com
  • IFSB: international summer flute workshop https://ifsb.be/?lang=nl
  • Antwerp Symphony Orchestra: accompanying professional musicians
  • since 2003: Antwerp Conservatory
  • Alexander technique and movement at Wisper Leuven
  • private lessons to prepare for an audition
  • Alexander Technique and meditation
  • workshops for various DKOs and Kunsthumaniora Brussel
  • SPIRAS: breathing organisation

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