It's essentially an old technique for actors. There has been some evidence to suggest it can help with back pain and in coping with Parkinson's disease. Essentially though it was designed to help in an actor's stage performance. Its focus on posture and breathing helps control nerves and helps with a more natural performance. It's most obvious benefit is the same reason that so many people watch it for ASMR reasons. It was designed to relax.
Regarding some of the comments about posture and why Macdonald is hunched, I think there is a misunderstanding. At 2:54 in part 1, it mentions that Macdonald had a congenital curvature of the spine, and later in the video (part 2, 6:50), Macdonald says that the technique saved his life. I spoke to an Alexander Teacher who took lessons from Macdonald for many years, and he told me that Macdonald was born with 5 thoracic vertebrae fused together, and he had early onset idiopathic scoliosis, with a strong forward pull as well as a twist. That type of scoliosis is severe and can even be life threatening. Despite Macdonald's poor prognosis, his Alexander Technique skill and thinking helped enable him to overcome the most harmful effects of his condition, as he miraculously lived so long and vigorously with such a structural condition. And only as his overall strength declined due to whatever other aging factors appeared to weaken him, did the conditions of his structured stoop (which was imprinted into the structure of his body from birth) become visibly worse. It is likely that the reason Macdonald said the Alexander Technique saved his life is because with his condition one can end up bent over 90 degrees with the face and chest facing the ground, and the result of those pulls can compromise the space needed for organs to function properly. So, while it is true that most Alexander Teachers and experienced students stand upright and have what many would call "good posture", sometimes there are underlying conditions or other factors that are at play.
And like many people, Macdonald's 'structure' began to fail in extreme old age. If you see older images of him, he didn't look so stooped at all. Marjorie Barstow also quite suddenly lost her 'good' posture as osteoporosis come in in her last years.
Thank you for this 27 min video of Patrick, Shoshana and pupils. I graduated in 1979 from Ashley Place and would love a copy of this. I would greatly appreciate it. It's wonderful to see Patrick looking so well and it makes a change from the grainy old film clips I have of him. I believe that his having lessons with FM from such a young age and then being his assistant at the training school ensured that he had a good grasp of Alexander's technique. Thanks again.
Old british people are hilarious in the way that they all just kinda mumble and trail off at the end of a sentence. Like "Hello, today weareheretobushshusherberrrrrrerrr"
Thanks, Jeffrey, for your historical comments. In the early 1980s, Macdonald had a stroke while in Israel with his trained teacher, Yehuda Kupermann. Yehuda said that Macdonald lay in the back of his car, cursing and "giving massive directions", while Yehuda made the long drive to a hospital. Macdonald was of the opinion that the only reason he survived was his ceaseless giving of directions while on the way in the car. After this incident, Macdonald stood with a much greater stoop.
I see your point and understand. BUT.... he was extremly round when he started AT, when he was young.( thats what I know) and also... it s not abput a posture. Dont forget....the body can develop as much as he can, not more. we are having chances , but no stiff posture. thats my point
No he wasnt. Here is an older video /watch?v=FDuKWWo8EnU where he was more straight. In my understanding if someone is more rounded or not isnt a question of posture. There is no thing like posture its all dynamic.
??? It's just an old technique given to actors to improve their posture because they often have to stand around for long periods on stage. It was taught in drama schools quite a bit. Nothing cult like in the slightest.
The posture and and goal they practice is definitely correct and beneficial for health. What is cultish is their attitude and strange devotion to the founder of the school.
@@thebeasters I am an AT practitioner and earn £32 an hour. Tbh, I'm not interested in people, only in their money. The more I make, the better my posture.
Marjorie had no congenital defects, nor did she not allow her students to work on her. Patrick did. I worked with both, far preferred Pat MacDonald's work, which did so much more for me. He gave me a clear sense of direction that's lasting a lifetime. Marjory made me feel good. Quite a difference.
It's essentially an old technique for actors. There has been some evidence to suggest it can help with back pain and in coping with Parkinson's disease. Essentially though it was designed to help in an actor's stage performance. Its focus on posture and breathing helps control nerves and helps with a more natural performance.
It's essentially an old technique for actors. There has been some evidence to suggest it can help with back pain and in coping with Parkinson's disease. Essentially though it was designed to help in an actor's stage performance. Its focus on posture and breathing helps control nerves and helps with a more natural performance.
![เบิ้ล ปทุมราช - อ้ายกินดอง น้องลาบงัว ft. สแน็ก อัจฉรีย์ [OFFICIAL MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/-OK--KaSPcI/mqdefault.jpg)
Shoshana is the unsung hero of the unintentional ASMR Alexander Technique scene.
I wish I could find other videos of her talking, she's my fav
Agreed! I would like to find a loop of her part of this video.
Reminding me of how much I still have to continue to learn and manifest, even after over 40+ years of teaching!.
Once Mr.Macdonald died, I went back to England to work with Shoshana as much as I could.!
It's essentially an old technique for actors. There has been some evidence to suggest it can help with back pain and in coping with Parkinson's disease. Essentially though it was designed to help in an actor's stage performance. Its focus on posture and breathing helps control nerves and helps with a more natural performance. It's most obvious benefit is the same reason that so many people watch it for ASMR reasons. It was designed to relax.
“Shoshana why does my head need to be supported” is the new “sandwich breath” ZZZzzzzz
In 2023 he's more right about normal not actually being normal than he knew.
Regarding some of the comments about posture and why Macdonald is hunched, I think there is a misunderstanding. At 2:54 in part 1, it mentions that Macdonald had a congenital curvature of the spine, and later in the video (part 2, 6:50), Macdonald says that the technique saved his life. I spoke to an Alexander Teacher who took lessons from Macdonald for many years, and he told me that Macdonald was born with 5 thoracic vertebrae fused together, and he had early onset idiopathic scoliosis, with a strong forward pull as well as a twist. That type of scoliosis is severe and can even be life threatening. Despite Macdonald's poor prognosis, his Alexander Technique skill and thinking helped enable him to overcome the most harmful effects of his condition, as he miraculously lived so long and vigorously with such a structural condition.
And only as his overall strength declined due to whatever other aging factors appeared to weaken him, did the conditions of his structured stoop (which was imprinted into the structure of his body from birth) become visibly worse. It is likely that the reason Macdonald said the Alexander Technique saved his life is because with his condition one can end up bent over 90 degrees with the face and chest facing the ground, and the result of those pulls can compromise the space needed for organs to function properly. So, while it is true that most Alexander Teachers and experienced students stand upright and have what many would call "good posture", sometimes there are underlying conditions or other factors that are at play.
NYC Alexander Technique: Jeffrey Glazer, Certified Alexander Technique Teacher 9
And like many people, Macdonald's 'structure' began to fail in extreme old age. If you see older images of him, he didn't look so stooped at all. Marjorie Barstow also quite suddenly lost her 'good' posture as osteoporosis come in in her last years.
I'm sure a good stretching and strengthening program would've prevented his stoop.
"Ah yes. I was wondering what would break first. Your spirit or YOUR BODY!"
24
No one knew who I was till I put on the mask
Thank you for this 27 min video of Patrick, Shoshana and pupils. I graduated in 1979 from Ashley Place and would love a copy of this. I would greatly appreciate it. It's wonderful to see Patrick looking so well and it makes a change from the grainy old film clips I have of him. I believe that his having lessons with FM from such a young age and then being his assistant at the training school ensured that he had a good grasp of Alexander's technique. Thanks again.
The first couple of minutes look like a Homer Simpson training school 😁
Very interesting video though
And up it goes = Alexander Technique Glossary
I could listen to shashana all day
I can't find any trace of her anywhere else on the internets unfortunately
Indeed. So soothing
16:41 - 16:47. Her hand on fabric then the breathing.
My neck, my back, fix my posture, and my crack!
"Imperceptible tiny stretch along your spine"😴
Old british people are hilarious in the way that they all just kinda mumble and trail off at the end of a sentence. Like "Hello, today weareheretobushshusherberrrrrrerrr"
Like old Yanks
In their mind they b e like "wtf ever i just wanna finish the bloody sentence"
Let the neck be freeeeeeeeee........
Thanks, Jeffrey, for your historical comments. In the early 1980s, Macdonald had a stroke while in Israel with his trained teacher, Yehuda Kupermann. Yehuda said that Macdonald lay in the back of his car, cursing and "giving massive directions", while Yehuda made the long drive to a hospital. Macdonald was of the opinion that the only reason he survived was his ceaseless giving of directions while on the way in the car.
After this incident, Macdonald stood with a much greater stoop.
there is not so much to see - if you feel it it s amazing !!!!
Any more soshana action on TH-cam?
After the double “ free the neck” scene from the get go… I had to hit the comment section
I see your point and understand. BUT.... he was extremly round when he started AT, when he was young.( thats what I know) and also... it s not abput a posture. Dont forget....the body can develop as much as he can, not more. we are having chances , but no stiff posture. thats my point
Does anyone know what the piano piece is?
What do you mean by "a travesty" ?
1:30 is that Alexsensual?
I think Shoshana is looking a little red in the face. Worst of all she could have sandwich breath.
The Actor at 2:22. Is he not the same “irritating store customer” from Notting Hill? (Bald on top by that year)
they dont get problems with their knees?
He had Osteoarthritis. It has nothing to do with his posture.
With the guy explaining the technique all I can hear is Ozzy.
No he wasnt. Here is an older video /watch?v=FDuKWWo8EnU where he was more straight. In my understanding if someone is more rounded or not isnt a question of posture. There is no thing like posture its all dynamic.
This guy's neck is like 90 degrees forward. Lol
Is this a SNL skit? Should be
This is definitely NOT a cult, so stop thinking it is!
oh no ! just the opposite...
Free the neck and back, by straining the knees and hips.
🤡👍
Its like some weird cult!
??? It's just an old technique given to actors to improve their posture because they often have to stand around for long periods on stage. It was taught in drama schools quite a bit. Nothing cult like in the slightest.
Three years learning this stuff in order to teach it?! Is this the best bullshitistry I've ever seen or is there truth to this way of sitting?
The posture and and goal they practice is definitely correct and beneficial for health. What is cultish is their attitude and strange devotion to the founder of the school.
Wonder what they make
@@asmartremark Yes Sir, great observation
@@thebeasters I am an AT practitioner and earn £32 an hour. Tbh, I'm not interested in people, only in their money. The more I make, the better my posture.
He developed a hunch like Marjorie Barstow. Strange for somebody who is teaching AT!
Marjorie had no congenital defects, nor did she not allow her students to work on her. Patrick did. I worked with both, far preferred Pat MacDonald's work, which did so much more for me. He gave me a clear sense of direction that's lasting a lifetime. Marjory made me feel good. Quite a difference.
I love that you had a shared experience with both.
God.. what nonsense
It's essentially an old technique for actors. There has been some evidence to suggest it can help with back pain and in coping with Parkinson's disease. Essentially though it was designed to help in an actor's stage performance. Its focus on posture and breathing helps control nerves and helps with a more natural performance.
Posture is nonsense?
To waste ones time on such nonsense. Pitiful.
And here we are on TH-cam
It's not nonsense. There's some real benefits to following this stuff. Really sorts your posture out and reduces the occurrence of aches and pains.
It's essentially an old technique for actors. There has been some evidence to suggest it can help with back pain and in coping with Parkinson's disease. Essentially though it was designed to help in an actor's stage performance. Its focus on posture and breathing helps control nerves and helps with a more natural performance.