We attended a group workshop from Marieke last weekend, in which she demonstrated the ideas of the Alexander Technique and Body Mapping. I was looking for a way to help breathe better and get some of my family members to come out of their shells vocally. It was a small group of about nine people, and everyone received personal attention about the issues they brought. I didn't know what to expect, but this was almost "hands-on engineering," complete with models, physical prompts ("where are your hip joints?" probably not where you think, I learned!) and other visual aids, to better understand how each of us, like old buildings, start to lean, twist and compensate with some groups of muscles. These habits make other muscles tense up and create a general problem with all movement, not just vocal. What struck me especially is how my lack of awareness of compression in key areas--like the back of my ribs, where I have some scoliosis/torsion issues--are keeping me from using the entire length of my lungs. So I get winded singing, walking, etc. It was a revelation, and something I never figured out in various attempts at yoga, where differences in anatomy are not usually addressed. She made the atmosphere extremely comfortable so everyone could open up about their habits and stress. The difference in singing volume, tone, and sustained breath, for those who were brave enough to volunteer (no pressure, by the way) was very apparent when Marieke gently showed how to make even tiny adjustments in the neck and other areas. A great bridge between cognitive therapy and muscle therapy for anyone, whether singing is your goal or not. My son and partner also came, and felt equally enlightened. I plan to take more workshops. Marieke is a very patient, engaging, and sensitive teacher. read more
