Lawrence Don Lowe, Building Manager
About seven years ago I lost a disc in my lower back. An MRI showed a thin black line where my disc should be. I worked with a doctor of record and physical therapists. Everybody agreed that my mobility would be impaired for the rest of my life. My left leg would stiffen up and there was lots odd pain feelings. Sometimes I would fall down, out of nowhere, boom to the floor. My condition rates for social security and workman’s comp. In November 2005, I decided to try the Alexander Technique. After my first lesson, I was walking away from Constance’s office with my left leg relaxed and my arms swinging as they should. WOW…. WOW. This is the first thing anybody has showed me since I’ve been in the medical system that worked. Yes, the absolutely first thing that any person treating my condition, showed me that worked. I’ve taken about 6 lessons now and it is getting better all the time. I have been able to change my posture so I can continue to walk. I can sit down normally, instead of launching myself at a chair. I can get up from a chair with no pain or stiffness. I have been able to type for pages. I can stand for a long time with no problems. I am not tired after normal day-to-day activities. Now about Constance. I have seen lots of professionals and Constance Clare-Newman ranks right up there with the best. She is able to isolate an improper movement and show me the correct movement and I learn it. Frankly it is great to be in her presence. I believe if I had started the Alexander Technique with Constance five years ago, I would be very close to running up and down a flight of stairs at full speed with no pain; and I am sure I would be riding my bicycle.
Stephen Colgan, Psychotherapist and Vertabrate
Alexander lessons with Constance have affected my life more profoundly than
I could have imagined when I first began. The mundane experience of moving
through the world- sitting, walking, reaching, lifting- is enlivened and
enriched by the adventure of the Alexander Technique. I did not know that
simple movement and posture could be such a source of joy and fascination.
Constance is an intuitive, kind, patient, insightful and playful guide. I
often marvel at just how much fun a lesson can be.
An Alexander lesson is impossible to describe in words- you gotta be there.
I would unreservedly recommend the experience to anyone who has a body.
Matthew Rahaim, Classical Indian Vocalist
Before I came to Constance, I had to take breaks every thirty minutes or so when practicing intensively. She seemed to enjoy the intellectual challenge of working with an unfamiliar art form, and saw very quickly why my voice was getting tired so quickly. After studying with her for twelve weeks, I found that I could practice almost indefinitely without fatigue if I sang according to the principles she showed me. When I returned to India to study with my teacher, he was very pleased with the improvement in my voice production. I have been studying with Constance for a year and half now. Her insights have not only strengthened and enriched my voice production, but have allowed me to improvise more freely and expressively. She has helped me to see that the free, efficient use of Self includes both muscles and melody.
AMSAT Certified Instructor
