The Barstow Tradition at Doane 
Every summer for 12 years now, the Barstow Institute holds a special workshop at Doane's Crete campus. The beauty of the woods, ponds, and winding paths are a perfect environment for their students to learn. A young violist and singer. A dancer. A piano teacher recovering from a stroke. A retired professional. Lifelong learners exploring the link between their thinking and their movement. These are just a few examples of the wide range of students, performing artists and teachers who come from all over the country to learn the Alexander Technique.
Named after its founder, F.M. Alexander, the Technique is a simple and practical method for improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, support and coordination. The fundamental of freeing the relationship of the head to the body and initiating movement with a subtle forward and upward direction is applicable to daily activities as well as specialized skills. Students are taught the conscious use of the appropriate amount of effort for a particular activity, thereby leaving more energy for other pursuits. The Technique is learned during the workshop through hands-on guidance, verbal instruction, dialogue, observation and sensory-motor learning. Optional classes in Tai Chi and Awareness through Movement® are also offered.
Many renowned individuals have studied the Technique including Aldous Huxley, Mary Steenbergen, Paul Newman, Kevin Kline, Paul McCartney, William Hurt, and Nikolas Tinbergen, recipient of the Nobel Prize for Physiology/Medicine.
The Barstow Institute continues a long tradition of summer Alexander Technique workshops established by master Alexander teacher, Marjorie Barstow. The first graduate of Alexander's training course in 1934, she taught the technique for over 50 years - 11 of those studying, training and co-teaching with F.M. Alexander and his brother A.R. In 1984, Barstow received an honorary doctorate from Doane College for her work. She was a great supporter of the college, giving over half a million dollars.
Since the early 1970s students have to Nebraska from around the world to experience the unique approach that Barstow brought to teaching the Technique, including pioneering group teaching. Today those traditions are carried on by her students who are now internationally recognized teachers. Barstow made sure that another tradition would continue as well - the beauty of the Doane campus would remain the backdrop for her Nebraska workshops due to a special endowment fund.
The Barstow Institute holds an Alexander Technique workshop on campus each June. In 2008, the dates are June 14-21. For more information, visit their Web site at
www.barstowalexandertechnique.com .