HomeClasses and EventsClasses and WorkshopsAlexander Technique
Kari Ostensen teaches a class. Kari faces the students demonstrating a position they attempt to replicate it. They all balance on one leg while the second leg is bent at 90 degrees in front of them. Their arms are bent at the elbows and fingertips touch their shoulders, their elbows reach to their sides. Photo by Didi Zacks.
ID: Kari Ostensen teaches a class. Kari faces the students demonstrating a position they attempt to replicate it. They all balance on one leg while the second leg is bent at 90 degrees in front of them. Their arms are bent at the elbows and fingertips touch their shoulders, their elbows reach to their sides. Photo by Didi Zacks.

This class looks at the mind-body connection through the principles and lens of the Alexander Technique. The Alexander Technique is an awareness building and process oriented practice that offers us a better understanding and awareness of how we are moving and thinking, how our thinking makes a difference, and how to make new and different choices to find better balance, freedom of movement, and agency in our bodies. This class will explore mind-body awareness, anatomy, dynamic balance, inhibition, choice, and how we engage with our environment. We will explore the AT principles as they apply to everyday movements such as sitting, standing, walking, carrying groceries, washing dishes, etc as well as how they apply to movement practices and other art forms.

What to expect:
Students can expect to discuss anatomy, pedagogy and AT Principles through large and small group discussions. Activities will include walking, doing light hands-on work with partners, spatial games, and more with the option to modify from standing to sitting at any point. The class usually concludes with a lie down on the floor with verbal and hands-on guidance.

Accessibility Notes

  • This class includes auditive guidance.
  • This class may include printed materials.
  • For access information about Gibney’s facilities refer to their website.

To request ASL interpretation or Audio Description, please email accessibility@movementresearch.org, subject line “ASL/Audio Description Request, Kari Ostensen” at least three (3) weeks prior to the date you plan to attend.

For access-related questions and requests, please contact accessibility@movementresearch.org, subject line “Kari Ostensen.”

Register for this class

In-Person

    To register visit Gibney´s Class Schedule:

    Location

    Gibney at 280 Broadway
    280 Broadway (Enter at 53A Chambers Street)
    New York, NY 10007

    • Get the Brown - BMT Nassau Street Line numbers: J , Z to Chambers Street
    • Get the Yellow - BMT Broadway Line numbers: N , R to City Hall
    • Get the Red - IRT Broadway – Seventh Avenue Line numbers: 1 , 2 , 3 to Chambers Street
    • Get the Blue - IND Eighth Avenue Line numbers: A , C to Chambers Street
    • Get the Green - IRT Lexington Avenue Line numbers: 4 , 5 , 6 to Brooklyn Bridge - City Hall

    Faculty

    Kari Ostensen

    Kari Ostensen

    Kari (they/them) is a trans and queer mover and independent dance artist based in New York City.

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