Two practices have stretched the boundaries of what I can do artistically and personally. One is practiced in red nose, with lots of emotion, ruckus and play. The other is practiced with conscious touch and embodied meditation, often quiet and mindful.
So what do Theatrical Clowning and the Alexander Technique have in common?
In the Alexander Technique we're looking to let go of defenses that show up as physical tension. Tension may be protecting us from physical, emotional, or psychological injury, and I would argue, is always working to to keep us 'safe’ and ‘together.’ We may wonder (consciously or subconsciously) “what would hold me together if I didn't have these patterns?”
The clown celebrates who we are when we let them go.
When we enter the world of the clown, we are asked to drop our defenses and “let the little one drive." As my teacher Chris Bayes says, they can't see above the dashboard, but they're following the 🚒 engine of their fun." Weeeee!
Your clown is exactly who you would be if you had never
heard the word “no” or been belittled for your enthusiasm. They live just below the surface of your responsible, “together,” adult and find fun in all sorts messy mistakes.
Letting go of familiar protective patterns with the Alexander Technique supports us in stepping into this wild unknown.
I've also seen many a serious AT student (and been there) working very hard to “free their neck” and failing miserably because they have no connection to their fun.
When we tune into our body's sense of pleasure and fun, our breath drops in, our body relaxes, and our spine eases up. So clowning can help you relieve back pain too!
If something in you ✨ sparkles or flows when you read about this, sign up for a 2 hour online workshop Sunday afternoon through Studio Playground.
This class is for you if you're an AT person who wants to lighten & widen up their practice or a clowny person who wants to re-direct your usual “go to” and head toward the mystery.
It'll be fun.
xo
Tracy
PPS. One scholarship spot is available. People of the global majority are encouraged to apply. Simply shoot me an email with a short note telling me why you'd like to join.