History of the International Congresses of the F. M. Alexander Technique
This article on the 7th International Congress was written prior to the Congress. It sets out some of the Director's intentions with the Congress.
The International Congress in Oxford

By Jean M. O. Fischer

England was chosen for the 7th International Congress of the Alexander Technique in order to commemorate the centenary of Alexander’s move to England in 1904. This was a turning point in the history of the Technique: without London, and a handsome income here from his teaching (which paid for the publication of his first book) and without the famous pupils he was able to attract, the Technique may not have been successful - or even have survived. Alexander was able to launch himself in the then capital of the world. In addition, he survived world wars and won the South African Libel Case which threatened the future of the Technique. Today there are some 3,500 teachers world-wide, and the Technique is growing steadily. To celebrate the centenary of Alexander’s arrival in England is also to celebrate the fact that his 1904 gamble paid off - not the simple fact of his coming to England but everything which this symbolises: the advancement of the Technique as a profession and a vocation.

The International Congresses provide the most successful fora for experiencing the many traditions and developments of the Technique. At the Congress in Oxford, significant time will be allowed for exchanging work; for sharing and learning from each other. Words may divide us from time to time, but hands-on work, the experience of "going up" (as Alexander put it) unites us. This is not to suggest that diversity is mere appearance, a matter of words only. But the exchange of work demonstrates the meaning behind the words, and this allows us to transcend linguistic problems and address any real differences in experience and interpretation.

The format of a Congress tends to limit opportunities for individual work. Large classes and big lecture rooms favour those who can command a large group. Alexander Congresses offers individual exchange of work as a balance to traditional lecture-style presentations. The present team of Congress Directors is offering an additional opportunity: Workshop leaders have the option of working with small groups - so practice need not be subordinate to theory. This will mean more workshops and presentations on offer, which should allow all traditions and styles of teaching to be better represented. With some 125 different workshops choosing between them may the most difficult part of the Congress.

"Exploring the Principles" is the theme for this Congress. To teach Alexander’s technique is to teach according to the principles of the Technique. Yet, the principles have not been defined concisely or clearly articulated (or even counted) and only a few teachers have attempted to do either. The Congress Directors hope that this Congress will help to advance the debate as to what the principles are and how best to express them.

The interest in this Congress has been overwhelming; to date, some 550 people have enrolled. There are only a further 200 available places, so please enrol as soon as possible in order to avoid disappointment. We hope you can join us!

We are publishing details of the programme and other arrangements on our website www.atcongress.net as they become available. Please keep looking from time to time.

Jean M. O. Fischer, March 2004


This article was first published in STAT News, Vol. 6, issue 13, May 2004, p. 15. © Jean M. O. Fischer.