Diana Devitt-Dawson, was born Tasmania. Her background is as a nurse educator and midwife. Diana trained with Patrick Macdonald (1981-1984). Post graduation (1985-1988) Diana taught at the Alexander Institute in Central London under Dr Wilfred Barlow and Marjory Barlow, (Alexander’s niece) while continuing to have private lessons with Marjory Barlow, Margaret Goldie and Elisabeth Walker. In 1990 Diana assisted Patrick Macdonald on his last teacher training school in Lewes, Sussex after which she returned to Australia. In 2002 Diana became Head of Training and set up the, Alexander Technique Institute Teacher Training School in North Sydney, Australia. Today, Diana has a private practice in North Sydney and she enjoys visits UK and Europe annually. Diana also contributes articles, and book reviews to STATnews.
Workshop Description
Talking Hand, Hearts & Minds
“Freedom IN Thought and Action” (F.M. Alexander)
The intention in presenting this practical, hands-on workshop is that it will be educative, supportive and confidence-building for teachers, pupils and students.
A ‘re-fresh,’ in teaching and demonstrating F.M. Alexander’s founding principles of inhibition, non-doing and direction-sending in clear (jargon-free) language. Learning to apply these principles, especially in difficult times, offer psychophysical and emotional, strength and stability.
I welcome an exchange of ideas, of hands and Q&A’s.
As educators, our skilled, (directive) hands-on work is unique and specialised in demonstrating the words of Alexander’s “guiding orders” to NH&B relationship of another. These directions are our ‘tools’ to self-work while teaching and, will be our pupils/students ‘tools’ to self-work – for Life. Hands-on lessons awaken the senses and allow an understanding that words alone cannot give. Lessons allow the pupil/student to experience being free from harmful habits of use and reaction that, too often – bring one down. Alexander’s teaching offers, “freedom IN thought and action.” ( Dewey), And this can lead to a spontaneous, creative, conscious way of living and reacting in the world – going up! “The readiness is all.” (Shakespeare).
The workshop will be a sharing of what I learnt in training and, in having (on-going) lessons with several 1st generation teachers. And, from my 40 years of teaching and presenting at conferences and international congresses.
Post-Script. We do not need to be PhD’s, scientists, psychotherapists, musicians or allied health professionals in order to teach the Alexander technique. However, we do need to present and teach Alexander psychophysical, kinaesthetic re-education as accurately as possible – for FMA’s sake and, for the future of his teaching. History has it, and today, many teaches and pupils report that a course of individual Alexander lessons has been, “life-changing” and “motivational.”
Contacts:
Diana Devitt-Dawson
M.STAT,M.ASPAH, M.AIMA
Head of Training / Health Professional
Alexander Technique Institute
Unit 3 / 188 Pacific H’way
North Sydney
www.alexandertechniqueinstitute.com.au
Email: [email protected]