2. Fundamental Concepts of the Alexander Technique

Refining Awareness, Transforming Movement

FM Alexander—a pioneering Australian actor of the late Victorian and early Edwardian era—observed patterns of human behaviour in a way no one had before. Was it the fact that he was a colonial outsider, educated beyond convention? The influence of Delsarte and Stanislavski in his theatrical training? Or perhaps a lifelong familiarity with horse physiology, attuned to the subtlest shifts in coordination and balance? Whatever the source of his remarkable insight, Alexander revolutionised how we understand movement, posture, and the mind-body connection.

His meticulous observations earned recognition from John Dewey, the pragmatist philosopher and educational reformer, and Nikolaas Tinbergen, a pioneering ethologist and Nobel laureate. Over a century later, his method remains remarkably forward-thinking—offering profound benefits for movement, performance, and overall wellbeing.

Whether you’re a trainee teacher, an experienced Alexander Technique practitioner, an allied health professional seeking CPD, or simply eager to refine your self-awareness, mastering these fundamental principles is essential. Understanding these ideas—not just conceptually, but in practice—opens a door to more effective movement, heightened perception, and greater ease in every action.

This course presents the nine foundational principles through clear explanations, immersive activities, and self-guided reflection, designed to build confidence in discussing and applying the Alexander Technique. Through research, writing, and applied discussion, you will strengthen your ability to articulate, critically evaluate, and embody each principle in diverse contexts.

Redefining the Core Principles

The Teacher Training Standard outlines the nine core principles in technical terms, but we’ve reimagined them for clarity and engagement:

• Psycho-Physical Unity – The inseparable relationship between mind and body in function and movement.
• The Quality of Functioning – How the way we use ourselves affects efficiency, comfort, and vitality.
• Endgaining & the Means-Whereby – Redirecting focus from outcome-driven action to process-oriented refinement.
• Sensory Perception & Misjudgment – Understanding the limits of habitual sensory awareness and cultivating reliable perception.
• Inhibition: Choosing Differently – Breaking automatic patterns to create new possibilities for movement and thought.
• Direction: Guiding Coordination – Conscious intention as a tool for shaping movement and postural integrity.
• Primary Control: The Central Influence – The dynamic relationship between head, neck, and spine that governs ease and coordination.
• Movement in Activity – Applying principles in everyday actions, from walking to performance.
• Doing & Non-Doing – Exploring effort, action, and the delicate balance between control and spontaneity.

This course equips you with the insights and language to communicate the Alexander Technique with clarity and precision—whether in professional practice or personal exploration. If you’ve ever sensed there’s more to movement than mere mechanics, if you’ve ever wondered what it means to truly transform habitual patterns, this course is your gateway to deeper understanding.