I have studied the Alexander Technique with Dorothy Ward since she first began her practice 7 years ago. Dorothy has the ability to demonstrate with absolute clarity the essence of the Alexander Technique which I have benefited from immensely in both my performing and teaching career. Countless students have benefited from the procedures Dorothy taught me. Dorothy is exceptional in her honesty, discipline and ability to explain a concept through feeling and awareness in the body. Her intuitive ability to listen closely to your own body’s impulses and when needed gently “redirect” the body towards a more effective and expansive place, is an experienceI would want everyone to have.
Glen Alan
Musician
Quietly, and seemingly without effort, Dorothy allows you to see, experience and manifest the intangible aspects of voice and acting. Couple that with the secure and supportive environment she creates and you are allowed to explore and discover for yourself your own true voice. Time stands still when I work with Dorothy. With her help, what opens before me never ceases to be a revelation!
Evelyn Hart, C.C., O.M., Llb, Llb, Lit
I first came to Dorothy's studio to work on voice and accent reduction. She suggested some Alexander work to address physical use as it affected my way of speaking.
I was soon hooked! Then, there was another payoff for me...I have been running for many years and started to feel intense pain in my joints. The Alexander Technique has been very helpful to reduce the inflammation in my articulations. I can now run freely almost every day. After a class I feel at peace with myself. I glow! I feel expanded physically and mentally. When I am tired or overwhelmed, the Alexander work is the only way I can "re-source" myself.
Clarissa Begin
Actress, PhD Candidate
The production of speech sounds appears to be one of the least complicated of human activities...a serious misconception when one explores the complex, interactive factors which impinge on speech production. Bad habits in speech production are extremely difficult to extinguish. Fortunately, I was able to make contact with a highly skilled, Alexander trained speech coach, Dorothy Ward. Dorothy brings an amazing array of technical skills and sensitivity to her coaching.
Through a variety of exercises, I was helped to explore the physiological and psychological dimensions of the variety and origin of bad habits that I had practiced over many years. The experience has given e the opportunity to speculate on many interesting questions regarding learning and behavioural modification in the area of speech production.
Dr. Don Hambleton
I first came to Dorothy because my muscles were seizing up so badly that I couldn't play the piano for more than ten minutes. After working on the Alexander Technique with Dorothy, there's no problem playing for an hour or more. But more importantly, the technique has become an integral part of my everyday routine. That's the only way I can get rid of the tension that inevitably builds in the neck and
shoulders through the stresses of daily living. Best of all, Dorothy's friendship and support, as well as her calm, empathetic aproach to the question of "balanced use," have provided me with a rich resource to draw on in all aspects of my life.
Patrick Donahue
Freelance writer, artist, musician, actor
www.dilettantesdiary.com
