asin: B0000507QK binding: DVD list price: $14.98 USD amazon price: $14.98

By changing your posture you can look, move, and even breathe better, according to proponents of this century-old technique popular with entertainers. Developed by an actor who lost his voice due to improper posture, the Alexander Technique involves a series of subtle changes in stance and movement that, once learned, are to be incorporated into everyday life. Actor William Hurt introduces viewers to the video and demonstrates the positions and movements. Hurt must truly believe in this method because not only does he allow himself to be an on-screen guinea pig for 74 minutes, but the reclusive actor has also made rare television appearances promoting the video. However much he appears to believe in the technique, though, the Oscar winner displays uncharacteristic awkwardness in introducing and quizzing his teacher, Jane Kosminsky. A former dancer, Kosminsky is well versed in the history and method of the technique as she moves Hurt through head placement, chair work, "the Monkey" (a lifting position), walking, and finally a 22-minute self lesson. At the tape's end Kosminsky warns that a personal teacher may be needed to truly learn the technique, and offers a contact number and Web site information. --Kimberly Heinrichs

Central Focus: Choosing, seeking joy in movement, with the intention of choosing pleasure, the Joy of Movement.
Movement Form Energies: T'ai chi, Tae kwon do, Jazz, Yoga, Feldenkrais, Alexander

Music:
The White Spirit (Uman)
Idje-Idje (Angelique Kidjo)
Let It Go (Prince)
Agolo (Angelique Kidjo)
Adouma (Angelique Kidjo)
Find Your Way (Dionne Farris)
2 Funky (Candy Dulfer)
Jamming (Candy Dulfer)
Houngbati (Angelique Kidjo)
Stillpoint (Gabrielle Roth and the Mirrors)

asin: B000MBCI8O binding: DVD list price: $69.95 USD amazon price: $62.99 USD

FOR DANCERS, THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE is a unique 2-disc set that explains what the Technique is and how dancers can use it to correct alignment, improve dance technique and artistry, and help dancers to dance with great ease, joy and passion. The discs are also useful in helping prevent injury and lengthen careers.

There are 3 complete programs: The Alexander Technique in Core Movement -- an introduction to the Technique through dance movement common to all kinds of dance with a particular focus on alignment , plie, tendu, extension, bending, twisting, arms and jumping.

A Class -- Some Unanswered Questions in which Juilliard dance students ask questions about their real issues.These include, breathing, how to improve turnout and arabesque among others.

A Conversation with Dancers -- Professional dancers dexcribe how they use the Alexander Technique in 3 different styles of -- Martha Graham, Bob Fosse and William Forsythe.

" This is clearly for dance and dancers but, in my opinion, it is much more than that. it is a mastgerly demonstration of how the Alexander Technique can be integrated into the training and workin life of any dancer. Highly recommended for Alexander teachers and all dancers."

Vivian Turner - Statnews

Ms. Turner is a former dancer trained at the Royal Ballet School in London.