1st CONGRESS 1986
Michael Frederick started the first International Congress in Stony Brook, New York in 1986. Michael trained with Walter and Dilys Carrington in the 1970’s, he wanted to bring together and unite the different branches of teaching that were appearing by creating an international group meeting. His infectious enthusiasm for the Alexander work enabled him to create this first totally unique event in the history of the Alexander Technique, gathering together the senior teachers who continued F.M. Alexander’s work following his death in 1955. Michael D. Frederick is the Founding Director of the International Congress for Alexander Technique, he is currently Chairman of the Alexander Technique International Congress Board of Directors.
Michael Frederick started the first International Congress in Stony Brook, New York in 1986. Michael trained with Walter and Dilys Carrington in the 1970’s, he wanted to bring together and unite the different branches of teaching that were appearing by creating an international group meeting. His infectious enthusiasm for the Alexander work enabled him to create this first totally unique event in the history of the Alexander Technique, gathering together the senior teachers who continued F.M. Alexander’s work following his death in 1955. Michael D. Frederick is the Founding Director of the International Congress for Alexander Technique, he is currently Chairman of the Alexander Technique International Congress Board of Directors.
ATMV800DRM 1986 International Congress of the Alexander Technique - Introduction by Michael Frederick
Michael Frederick talks about how he started the first International Congress in Stony Brook, New York. Michael trained with Walter and Dilys Carrington in the 1970’s, he wanted to bring together and unite the different branches of teaching that were appearing by creating an international group meeting. Technique, he is currently Chairman of the Alexander International Congress Board of Directors. Michael has organized and taught over 150 workshops in the U.S. and Europe since 1978. Michael worked for two years at the Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute, and taught for over a decade in The Old Globe Theatre’s MFA Acting Program at the University of San Diego. From 1994 to 2000, Michael organised Alexander Technique Master Classes with Elisabeth Walker and Marjory Barlow (F.M. Alexander’s niece) in San Francisco, Basel, and Paris.
Michael Frederick talks about how he started the first International Congress in Stony Brook, New York. Michael trained with Walter and Dilys Carrington in the 1970’s, he wanted to bring together and unite the different branches of teaching that were appearing by creating an international group meeting. Technique, he is currently Chairman of the Alexander International Congress Board of Directors. Michael has organized and taught over 150 workshops in the U.S. and Europe since 1978. Michael worked for two years at the Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute, and taught for over a decade in The Old Globe Theatre’s MFA Acting Program at the University of San Diego. From 1994 to 2000, Michael organised Alexander Technique Master Classes with Elisabeth Walker and Marjory Barlow (F.M. Alexander’s niece) in San Francisco, Basel, and Paris.
ATMV801DRM 1986 International Congress of the Alexander Technique - The Open Ceremony
The opening ceremony is introduced by Erika Whittaker and Michael Frederick, also on stage are all the guest senior teachers who attended the event. Following the introductions there is an address given by Dr. Jeremy Swan, MD, PhD, then Director of Cardiology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. This fascinating talk by Dr. Swan discusses how the Alexander Technique works on a neurophysiological level.
The opening ceremony is introduced by Erika Whittaker and Michael Frederick, also on stage are all the guest senior teachers who attended the event. Following the introductions there is an address given by Dr. Jeremy Swan, MD, PhD, then Director of Cardiology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. This fascinating talk by Dr. Swan discusses how the Alexander Technique works on a neurophysiological level.
ATMV802DRM 1986 International Congress of the Alexander Technique -Workshop 1 with Marjorie Barstow
This workshop with provides a unique insight into the way that Marjorie worked, engaging a large group and working with individual teachers. Marjorie Barstow was the first person to graduate from F. Matthias Alexander's first Alexander Technique teacher training course in in London in 1934.As a world-renowned master teacher, Marjorie Barstow made many contributions to The Alexander Technique. In over 60 years of teaching, she guided students as they discovered the practical application of Alexander's discoveries in every day activities.
This workshop with provides a unique insight into the way that Marjorie worked, engaging a large group and working with individual teachers. Marjorie Barstow was the first person to graduate from F. Matthias Alexander's first Alexander Technique teacher training course in in London in 1934.As a world-renowned master teacher, Marjorie Barstow made many contributions to The Alexander Technique. In over 60 years of teaching, she guided students as they discovered the practical application of Alexander's discoveries in every day activities.
ATMV803DRM 1986 International Congress of the Alexander Technique - International Meeting
Michael Frederick introduces a series of presenters brought together to share and explore the Global Perspective of the Alexander Technique. Bringing together American societies of ACAT East and West Coast plus NSAT and STAT from the UK. The discussions start with an address by Adam Knott and John Nicholls who at the time was the chairman of STAT in England.
Michael Frederick introduces a series of presenters brought together to share and explore the Global Perspective of the Alexander Technique. Bringing together American societies of ACAT East and West Coast plus NSAT and STAT from the UK. The discussions start with an address by Adam Knott and John Nicholls who at the time was the chairman of STAT in England.
ATMV804DRM 1986 International Congress of the Alexander Technique - Workshop with Deborah Caplan
In this workshop Deborah Caplan uses a skeletal model to discuss the anatomical nature of movement and structure of the spine. For over 50 years, Deborah Caplan successfully applied the Alexander Technique to back care. A physical therapist, she was a founding member of the American Center for the Alexander Technique and senior faculty member of the teacher training program.
I observed Deborah giving my cousin a lesson but I was unable to discern what she was DOING! She was getting miraculous results. I asked her what she was doing and she explained by putting her hands on me. I remember the moment - I was standing there reorganizing under her hands. It was a “new” and amazing kinaesthetic experience. (Judith Stern MA, PT).
In this workshop Deborah Caplan uses a skeletal model to discuss the anatomical nature of movement and structure of the spine. For over 50 years, Deborah Caplan successfully applied the Alexander Technique to back care. A physical therapist, she was a founding member of the American Center for the Alexander Technique and senior faculty member of the teacher training program.
I observed Deborah giving my cousin a lesson but I was unable to discern what she was DOING! She was getting miraculous results. I asked her what she was doing and she explained by putting her hands on me. I remember the moment - I was standing there reorganizing under her hands. It was a “new” and amazing kinaesthetic experience. (Judith Stern MA, PT).
ATMV805DRM 1986 International Congress of the Alexander Technique - Interview with Marjorie Barstow
In this programme and interview Marjorie Barstow explains that she continues her work with pupils and wants to be sure and know that they are continually “constructive thinking” which is required if we wish to improve our general manner of co-ordination and “the Use of the Self”. Marjorie Barstow was the first person to graduate from F. Matthias Alexander's first Alexander Technique teacher training course in in London in 1934.As a world-renowned master teacher, Marjorie Barstow made many contributions to The Alexander Technique. In over 60 years of teaching, she guided students as they discovered the practical application of Alexander's discoveries in everyday activities.
In this programme and interview Marjorie Barstow explains that she continues her work with pupils and wants to be sure and know that they are continually “constructive thinking” which is required if we wish to improve our general manner of co-ordination and “the Use of the Self”. Marjorie Barstow was the first person to graduate from F. Matthias Alexander's first Alexander Technique teacher training course in in London in 1934.As a world-renowned master teacher, Marjorie Barstow made many contributions to The Alexander Technique. In over 60 years of teaching, she guided students as they discovered the practical application of Alexander's discoveries in everyday activities.
ATMV806DRM 1986 International Congress of the Alexander Technique - Workshop with Walter Carrington
In this workshop Walter Carrington provides demonstrations and answers questions about the technique, the indispensable basis of the technique being what we can communicate to others while we are working on ourselves. Walter Carrington was a leading figure in the teaching and development in Britain of the Alexander technique, the system evolved by the Australian actor Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869-1955) to promote wellbeing through awareness of balance, posture, and physical co-ordination. For more than 60 years Carrington made an immense contribution to the preservation and development of the teaching of the technique. With his wife Dilys they ran the Constructive Teaching Centre in Lansdowne Road London where they trained many of today’s leading teachers
In this workshop Walter Carrington provides demonstrations and answers questions about the technique, the indispensable basis of the technique being what we can communicate to others while we are working on ourselves. Walter Carrington was a leading figure in the teaching and development in Britain of the Alexander technique, the system evolved by the Australian actor Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869-1955) to promote wellbeing through awareness of balance, posture, and physical co-ordination. For more than 60 years Carrington made an immense contribution to the preservation and development of the teaching of the technique. With his wife Dilys they ran the Constructive Teaching Centre in Lansdowne Road London where they trained many of today’s leading teachers
ATMV807DRM 1986 International Congress of the Alexander Technique - Workshop with Patrick Madonald
In this workshop Patrick Macdonald works with teachers from the group and demonstrates how we should get the “up flow” in the spinal column right, adding that you won’t find it easy to alter this by yourself.
Patrick Macdonald (1910–1991) was one of the foremost teachers of the Alexander Technique. He had lessons with FM Alexander from the age of 10, having been introduced to him by his father, a noted medical surgeon. He entered the first teacher training course in 1932 and upon graduation became an assistant teacher at Ashley Place. He began to train teachers at Ashley Place in 1956; his training course continued at Victoria and, in his final years, at his home near Lewes. In 1963 he gave the Alexander Memorial Lecture.1 His book The Alexander Technique "As I See It" was published in 1989.
In this workshop Patrick Macdonald works with teachers from the group and demonstrates how we should get the “up flow” in the spinal column right, adding that you won’t find it easy to alter this by yourself.
Patrick Macdonald (1910–1991) was one of the foremost teachers of the Alexander Technique. He had lessons with FM Alexander from the age of 10, having been introduced to him by his father, a noted medical surgeon. He entered the first teacher training course in 1932 and upon graduation became an assistant teacher at Ashley Place. He began to train teachers at Ashley Place in 1956; his training course continued at Victoria and, in his final years, at his home near Lewes. In 1963 he gave the Alexander Memorial Lecture.1 His book The Alexander Technique "As I See It" was published in 1989.
ATMV808DRM 1986 International Congress of the Alexander Technique - Lecture with Dr. Wilfred Barlow
Wilfred Barlow reads a lecture and gives a fascinating slide slow. As a trained doctor and clinician he discusses his medical background and shows slides of his early experiments and photographic evidence he gathered, to support the progress of the technique in the medical profession.
Wilfred Barlow trained as a medical doctor and worked as a Consultant Physician in the British National Health Service, Dr. Barlow’s book The Alexander Principle, summarises 30 years of work as an Alexander Teacher and outlines the scientific basic of the technique. His articles on the technique were published in many medical journals, and he wrote Alexander’s obituary for the Times in 1955. In1956 he had subjects adopt a standard standing position and photographed them from the front, side and back. Analysing these photographs he was able to score their posture by using a grid system to identify postural defects. Along with his wife Marjory Barlow they ran teacher training programmes in London for many years. A video of his teaching was made by Paul and Linda McCartney (in Keith Ewart’s studios).
Wilfred Barlow reads a lecture and gives a fascinating slide slow. As a trained doctor and clinician he discusses his medical background and shows slides of his early experiments and photographic evidence he gathered, to support the progress of the technique in the medical profession.
Wilfred Barlow trained as a medical doctor and worked as a Consultant Physician in the British National Health Service, Dr. Barlow’s book The Alexander Principle, summarises 30 years of work as an Alexander Teacher and outlines the scientific basic of the technique. His articles on the technique were published in many medical journals, and he wrote Alexander’s obituary for the Times in 1955. In1956 he had subjects adopt a standard standing position and photographed them from the front, side and back. Analysing these photographs he was able to score their posture by using a grid system to identify postural defects. Along with his wife Marjory Barlow they ran teacher training programmes in London for many years. A video of his teaching was made by Paul and Linda McCartney (in Keith Ewart’s studios).
ATMV809DRM 1986 International Congress of the Alexander Technique - Lecture with Dr. Julian Jaynes, Princetown University
In this lecture Julian Jaynes explains his connection of his work with that of F.M. Alexander. Invited to speak, he only needed to read the first page of Alexander book, Man’s Supreme Inheritance to decide to accept the invitation to speak.
Julian Jaynes was born in West Newton, Massachusetts and did his undergraduate work at Harvard and McGill, receiving both his master's and doctoral degrees in psychology from Yale. After Yale, Jaynes spent several years in England working as an actor and playwright. Jaynes later returned to the states, and lectured in psychology at Princeton University from 1966 to 1990, teaching a popular class on consciousness for much of that time.
In this lecture Julian Jaynes explains his connection of his work with that of F.M. Alexander. Invited to speak, he only needed to read the first page of Alexander book, Man’s Supreme Inheritance to decide to accept the invitation to speak.
Julian Jaynes was born in West Newton, Massachusetts and did his undergraduate work at Harvard and McGill, receiving both his master's and doctoral degrees in psychology from Yale. After Yale, Jaynes spent several years in England working as an actor and playwright. Jaynes later returned to the states, and lectured in psychology at Princeton University from 1966 to 1990, teaching a popular class on consciousness for much of that time.
ATMV810DRM 1986 International Congress of the Alexander Technique - Interview with Marjory Barlow
Conversation with Marjory Barlow, the niece of F. M. Alexander she was one of the first to be trained to become a teacher. She talks about the principles and history of the Alexander Technique. Marjory Barlow was F. M. Alexander’s niece, she took lessons from him and trained with him to become a certified teacher in 1933. Married to Dr. Wilfred Barlow, a medical doctor who was also trained by FM, they ran one of the earliest training courses in London. Marjory was keen to ensure that F.M.'s message was not diluted, to continue to preserve the fundamentals of FM’s remarkable work. Marjory was always keen to point out that the real teaching of this technique is only imparted on a one to one basis.
Conversation with Marjory Barlow, the niece of F. M. Alexander she was one of the first to be trained to become a teacher. She talks about the principles and history of the Alexander Technique. Marjory Barlow was F. M. Alexander’s niece, she took lessons from him and trained with him to become a certified teacher in 1933. Married to Dr. Wilfred Barlow, a medical doctor who was also trained by FM, they ran one of the earliest training courses in London. Marjory was keen to ensure that F.M.'s message was not diluted, to continue to preserve the fundamentals of FM’s remarkable work. Marjory was always keen to point out that the real teaching of this technique is only imparted on a one to one basis.
ATMV811DRM 1986 International Congress of the Alexander Technique - Workshop with Marjory Barlow
In this workshop Marjory Barlow demonstrates how to give a lying down 'turn'. The group of teachers gather around the teaching table where Marjory works with Michael Frederick on the table, she demonstrates and answers questions from the group.
Marjory Barlow was F. M. Alexander’s niece, she took lessons from him and trained with him to become a certified teacher in 1933. Married to Dr. Wilfred Barlow, a medical doctor who was also trained by FM, they ran one of the earliest training courses in London. Marjory was keen to ensure that F.M.'s message was not diluted, to continue to preserve the fundamentals of FM’s remarkable work. Marjory was always keen to point out that the real teaching of this technique is only imparted on a one to one basis.
In this workshop Marjory Barlow demonstrates how to give a lying down 'turn'. The group of teachers gather around the teaching table where Marjory works with Michael Frederick on the table, she demonstrates and answers questions from the group.
Marjory Barlow was F. M. Alexander’s niece, she took lessons from him and trained with him to become a certified teacher in 1933. Married to Dr. Wilfred Barlow, a medical doctor who was also trained by FM, they ran one of the earliest training courses in London. Marjory was keen to ensure that F.M.'s message was not diluted, to continue to preserve the fundamentals of FM’s remarkable work. Marjory was always keen to point out that the real teaching of this technique is only imparted on a one to one basis.
ATMV812DRM 1986 International Congress of the Alexander Technique - Interview with Patrick Macdonald
In this programme and interview Patrick Macdonald discusses that the teacher should have “up flow”, a good deal of upward direction going on in the body in the body which is then imparted to the pupil. He goes on to comment famously that in working with the technique, the first 65 years are the worst.
Patrick Macdonald (1910–1991) was one of the foremost teachers of the Alexander Technique. He had lessons with FM Alexander from the age of 10, having been introduced to him by his father, a noted medical surgeon. He entered the first teacher training course in 1932 and upon graduation became an assistant teacher at Ashley Place. He began to train teachers at Ashley Place in 1956; his training course continued at Victoria and, in his final years, at his home near Lewes. In 1963 he gave the Alexander Memorial Lecture.1 His book The Alexander Technique "As I See It" was published in 1989.
In this programme and interview Patrick Macdonald discusses that the teacher should have “up flow”, a good deal of upward direction going on in the body in the body which is then imparted to the pupil. He goes on to comment famously that in working with the technique, the first 65 years are the worst.
Patrick Macdonald (1910–1991) was one of the foremost teachers of the Alexander Technique. He had lessons with FM Alexander from the age of 10, having been introduced to him by his father, a noted medical surgeon. He entered the first teacher training course in 1932 and upon graduation became an assistant teacher at Ashley Place. He began to train teachers at Ashley Place in 1956; his training course continued at Victoria and, in his final years, at his home near Lewes. In 1963 he gave the Alexander Memorial Lecture.1 His book The Alexander Technique "As I See It" was published in 1989.
ATMV813DRM 1986 International Congress of the Alexander Technique - Interview with Walter Carrington
In this programme and interview Walter Carrington recalls how his training was the continuation of Alexanders training course when he died in 1955. With Dilys Carrington his wife, they worked as a team and at this point in 1986, the course had been training teachers for over 30 years. When asked about his interest in horses he recalls how Raymond Dart had told him that you couldn’t really understand human beings unless you considered other animals as well. Walter Carrington was a leading figure in the teaching and development in Britain of the Alexander technique, the system evolved by the Australian actor Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869-1955) to promote wellbeing through awareness of balance, posture, and physical co-ordination. For more than 60 years Carrington made an immense contribution to the preservation and development of the teaching of the technique. With his wife Dilys they ran the Constructive Teaching Center in Lansdowne Road London where they trained many of today’s leading teachers.
In this programme and interview Walter Carrington recalls how his training was the continuation of Alexanders training course when he died in 1955. With Dilys Carrington his wife, they worked as a team and at this point in 1986, the course had been training teachers for over 30 years. When asked about his interest in horses he recalls how Raymond Dart had told him that you couldn’t really understand human beings unless you considered other animals as well. Walter Carrington was a leading figure in the teaching and development in Britain of the Alexander technique, the system evolved by the Australian actor Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869-1955) to promote wellbeing through awareness of balance, posture, and physical co-ordination. For more than 60 years Carrington made an immense contribution to the preservation and development of the teaching of the technique. With his wife Dilys they ran the Constructive Teaching Center in Lansdowne Road London where they trained many of today’s leading teachers.
ATMV814DRM 1986 International Congress of the Alexander Technique - Interview with Dr. Wilfred Barlow
In this programme and interview Wilfred Barlow recounts his early background as a classical scholar at Shrewsbury before he went up to Oxford to study medicine. When F.M. returned to England in the 1940’s, Sir Stafford Cripps and his wife Isobel thought FM needed some help, at this point he was able to spend half the day as an army medical officer and half the day with FM. His discusses the scientific status of the technique and why research and standards are so important.
Wilfred Barlow trained as a medical doctor and worked as a Consultant Physician in the British National Health Service, Dr. Barlow’s book The Alexander Principle, summarises 30 years of work as an Alexander Teacher and outlines the scientific basic of the technique. His articles on the technique were published in many medical journals, and he wrote Alexander’s obituary for the Times in 1955. In 1956 he had subjects adopt a standard standing position and photographed them from the front, side and back. Analysing these photographs he was able to score their posture by using a grid system to identify postural defects. Along with his wife Marjory Barlow they ran teacher training programmes in London for many years. A video of his teaching was made by Paul and Linda McCartney (in Keith Ewart’s studios).
In this programme and interview Wilfred Barlow recounts his early background as a classical scholar at Shrewsbury before he went up to Oxford to study medicine. When F.M. returned to England in the 1940’s, Sir Stafford Cripps and his wife Isobel thought FM needed some help, at this point he was able to spend half the day as an army medical officer and half the day with FM. His discusses the scientific status of the technique and why research and standards are so important.
Wilfred Barlow trained as a medical doctor and worked as a Consultant Physician in the British National Health Service, Dr. Barlow’s book The Alexander Principle, summarises 30 years of work as an Alexander Teacher and outlines the scientific basic of the technique. His articles on the technique were published in many medical journals, and he wrote Alexander’s obituary for the Times in 1955. In 1956 he had subjects adopt a standard standing position and photographed them from the front, side and back. Analysing these photographs he was able to score their posture by using a grid system to identify postural defects. Along with his wife Marjory Barlow they ran teacher training programmes in London for many years. A video of his teaching was made by Paul and Linda McCartney (in Keith Ewart’s studios).
ATMV815DRM 1986 International Congress of the Alexander Technique - Workshop 2 with Marjorie Barstow
In this workshop the participants worked with practical applications picking out activities that they wanted to do featuring lunging, squatting and a group writing session. Marjorie concludes the session working with Freda Hart, reading while seated in a chair. Marjorie Barstow was the first person to graduate from F. Matthias Alexander's first Alexander Technique teacher training course in in London in 1934.As a world-renowned master teacher, Marjorie Barstow made many contributions to The Alexander Technique. In over 60 years of teaching, she guided students as they discovered the practical application of Alexander's discoveries in everyday activities.
In this workshop the participants worked with practical applications picking out activities that they wanted to do featuring lunging, squatting and a group writing session. Marjorie concludes the session working with Freda Hart, reading while seated in a chair. Marjorie Barstow was the first person to graduate from F. Matthias Alexander's first Alexander Technique teacher training course in in London in 1934.As a world-renowned master teacher, Marjorie Barstow made many contributions to The Alexander Technique. In over 60 years of teaching, she guided students as they discovered the practical application of Alexander's discoveries in everyday activities.
ATMV816DRM 1986 International Congress of the Alexander Technique - Panel Session
This panel session features memories from a group of senior teachers; Marjory Barlow, Marjorie Barstow, Deborah Caplan, Judith Leibowitz, Troup Mathews and Erika Whitaker. Each panel member recalls stories from the past, Deborah Caplan recalls her time in Alexander’s Little School for children which she attended when she was 9 years old, Alexander wore spats and in the evening read to them from Wind in the Willows. Deborah’s mother Alma. Frank, traveled with her whole family from New York in order to train with F.M. which she completed in 1940.
This panel session features memories from a group of senior teachers; Marjory Barlow, Marjorie Barstow, Deborah Caplan, Judith Leibowitz, Troup Mathews and Erika Whitaker. Each panel member recalls stories from the past, Deborah Caplan recalls her time in Alexander’s Little School for children which she attended when she was 9 years old, Alexander wore spats and in the evening read to them from Wind in the Willows. Deborah’s mother Alma. Frank, traveled with her whole family from New York in order to train with F.M. which she completed in 1940.
ATMV817DRM 1986 International Congress of the Alexander Technique - Questions & Answers Session and Closing Ceremony
The closing session from the Conference is chaired by Professor Douglas Price Williams from UCLA, trained by F.M Alexander in the 1940’s and certified as an Alexander Teacher. The main panel consisted of Marjory Barlow, Wilfred Barlow, Marjorie Barstow, Walter Carrington and Patrick Macdonald. Questions were prepared and read out to selected panel members. The conference closes with final speeches and presentations to the senior guest speakers.
The closing session from the Conference is chaired by Professor Douglas Price Williams from UCLA, trained by F.M Alexander in the 1940’s and certified as an Alexander Teacher. The main panel consisted of Marjory Barlow, Wilfred Barlow, Marjorie Barstow, Walter Carrington and Patrick Macdonald. Questions were prepared and read out to selected panel members. The conference closes with final speeches and presentations to the senior guest speakers.