BENGALURU: The Alexander Technique has a long history of helping instrumentalists, singers, actors and sportspersons to perform with less stress and likelihood of injury. It has been publicly endorsed by several big names in the music industry including Paul McCartney and Sting. City Express catches up with Robin John Simmons, who helped Sting with the technique that helps better ones outer and inner well being.
What is the Alexander technique?
Alexander technique is a skill for self development, teaching you to change long standing habits that cause unnecessary tension and stress in our everyday life. It teaches the skillful use of the self.The technique works by re-establishing the natural balance of the primary control, which is the head, neck and the back to promote upright posture and effective functioning of the body and mind.
How did you get hooked to this programme?
It was way back in 1967. My teacher, a choreographer who was living next door demonstrated it to me. I immediately had a very strong experience, so I wanted to find out more.
After some months of individual lessons I decided I wanted to be a teacher.
How long have you been training teachers?
Since 1971, I've been training teachers in the Alexander technique. I have taught over 100 teachers so far.
What is so unique aspect about the Alexander technique?
One can perform it to improvise whatever he or shoe does. We call it a self help psycho-physical programme because it helps people who are in pain and those who want to get more out of life.
How do you customise the Alexander technique for each person?
My first question is “why are you here?” and what do you do? Musicians are very enthusiastic about this technique. This technique differs for each individual depending on issues or problem they are facing. Alexander first started this technique when he was a musicians and had problems related to his performance and had trouble breathing on stage while singing. Alexander technique varies from person to person.
How do u make sure, you meet the needs of the clients?
By dealing with each individual differently according to their situation, the feedback which we get from client make me realize the that we had fulfilled their needs, this alexander technique is not a quick process but rather takes time with effective results. A lady who has been coming to me for the technique for back pain has also gotten rid of her digestive problem as well. Alexander technique helps with other interference of unnecessary habit as well.
What are the benefits of alexander technique?
The benefits of Alexander technique varies on a large scale, it help cure back problem, muscle movement, poor posture, breathing, with vocals and also anxiety and stress level condition as well. It helps to improve balance, stability and coordination. It is beneficial to these five P's (pain, performance, prevention, pregnancy and posture).
How was it working with Sting?
I worked with Sting many years ago in the 1970's. Sting is a very straightforward and pleasant guy and it was a great pleasure to work with him. He invited me to attend a rehearsal of The Police at Wembley, but I was unable to take up his offer as I was booked with clients.
Who are the other celebrities you have worked with?
I have given lesson to quite well known Hollywood actors because they got to look good on screen. I have worked with celebrities like Lulu, the singer, the actor and the a TV personality. Terence Stamp who plays the role of the arch villain in Superman, Gabriel Byrne an Irish actor, film maker who is identified best as Dr Paul Watson in the HBO drama treatment and many others.
What happens in a lesson?
We use similar procedure in different way to different people. Alexander technique is one to one process with a qualified teacher. The teacher guides you through simple movements and posture that we do in our everyday work, guiding through the process with skill hands and also communicating verbally to keep your concentration, although you are not engaging in serious movements your active participation is needed to connect the body and the mind. Part of the class may also include semi lying down.
(Simmons will be conducting an Alexander technique workshop at Shoonya - Centre for Art and Somatic Practices on October 15 and 16.)