Get Bodywise - its just a thought
There are many great musicians of our time who speak with compelling authority about the transformative power of music. They know something from their profound studies and awful gifts. It is reassuring because I know that I’m not entirely bonkers and neither am I…
Freda 27 Jan 2018 Freda has just returned from 2 days away for a Christmas visit. When I came in today, she was up in her kitchen…. a short flight of stairs connects her hallway to the kitchen-diner. On her way downstairs we…
Mutual appreciation.
Bruce Fertman (director Alexander Alliance International)
“with her career in Physiotherapy and lifetime of experience in art and music, Jenny does what few Alexander Teachers can do. She seamlessly blends science and art, truth and beauty.
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Robyn Avalon (director, contemporary Alexander Studies)
Jenny infuses her love of life directly into her lively and imaginative teaching of Alexander Technique. She is playful and knowledgable, sensitive and skillful, bringing a wide range of life experiences to her teaching craft.
A joyous teacher not to be missed
Robyn Avalon
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Rachel Stevens (AT teacher)
It was like having a master class over the phone
(Discussing a cellist student for ideas for session)
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Dame Emma Kirkby
Dear Jenny
Thanks for your wonderful contribution to the class today! Already interest is stirring among Summer School regulars.. for myself I’d love a proper lesson from you ….
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Nicholas Clapton
“I have had the good fortune to work with Jenny Quick on a number of occasions. As a singer and teacher of singing I find her use and application of the Alexander Technique remarkably inspiring and extraordinarily effective, both practically and psychologically.
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Carol Fieldhouse (Dartington summer school participant)
This year I experienced Alexander Teacher, Jenny Quick, in Nick Clapton’s workshop and again found the Technique extremely helpful and sought Jenny out for a one to one session during the week. The subtle suggestions/adjustments Jenny makes in a sensitive and respectful way enhanced my experience this year. Her attentive listening and joy of helping people both in performance and finding ease as they sing is instantly apparent. In a week of music making an Alexander Technique teacher is a great asset.
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Justin (private student)
Poetry for the mind body and soul
‘I first approached Jenny looking for help finding ‘ease’ in one thing. Owing to the holistic nature of AT Jenny ended up helping me find ‘ease’ in many things. I am using the term ‘ease’ in the sense of freedom from un-intended tension. Jenny has been brilliant at adapting the lessons to address the issue of my day – we might set off in one direction and then find ourselves facing a completely different one. I invariably leave feeling better, lighter, taller and more at ease than when I arrived. Jenny’s approach to teaching is gentle, encouraging, humorous and wonderfully enlightening. You should try it..
Freda and direction “How are you this week Freda?” “I’m feeling my age”. “How is that affecting you just now?” “I am slow and out of breath” We talk a bit about the necessity of prioritising the things that matter and letting go…
Through the frosted panes of Freda’s front door I can make out her zimmer at the foot of the kitchen step. The hall light is on. All is well. After jostling with the key she opens the door and greets me in her floral apron,…
“I was not sure how to be in this unfamiliar body.
Jenny showed me how to stand tall and how to move more easily.
I would recommend this approach for anyone undergoing breast surgery”
Tash
10 days post op
3 weeks post op and after 6 sessions
Over the years, I have assisted in the recuperation of many women in their preoperative and post-operative experience, in my professional life, formerly as a physiotherapist and now as an Alexander Technique teacher.
I also have my own personal connection.
My earliest encounter with breast surgery was with my mother’s radical mastectomy when I was 5 years old.
I have memories of her buying specially made swim wear.
Of her not being able to beat eggs or cream.
Of the livid scar along her right axilla.
Of helping to do up her bra.
Most recently, practising the principles of the Alexander Technique with Tash.
In all cases there is by necessity a huge reorganisation that has to take place.
A different body. A different identity. A different sense of relationship with oneself and family, friends and community.
There is inevitably a degree of pain…. on multiple levels…. and it can be hard to integrate and make sense of these major changes.
The response to both the physical and emotional disruption can understandably cause protective holding patterns of tension to develop which in turn can restrict both physical and spiritual recovery and contribute to ongoing limited range of movement and pain .
It is the non-judging recognition of these patterns and the immense potential for guidance and progressive release from them which is the essential tool kit of a sensitive Alexander Teacher.
Jenny Quick has a background in physiotherapy and now offers Alexander Technique in Devon. Her unique blend of complimentary healing arts with a life time as musician and artist enables her to “read” and thus support the whole person towards a greater sense of freedom.
The Gift of Spirals and Rotation in Walking Voice recording by Jenny Quick https://drive.google.com/open?id=1895cCEE9ejGw2ps2NLZ9Dl36BBnBF52h
Freda nearly toppled today. It is a fine balance between activities which ensure her safety and those which liberate her from fixity. We talk a little about the risk of disruption versus the persistent and stimulating spice of the unfamiliar. I say to…
