October 2026

“PRIMARY CONTROL” — Alexander’s Systems View of the Self

Come explore Bobby Rosenberg’s simple actions and movements as a means for embodying Alexander Technique principles.

The principles we will be using are all introduced in the first chapter of The Use of the Self, “Evolution of a Technique”. These will be explored through guided sensory-motor activities individually, then as parts of a functional and constructive system (Primary Control). In some cases, I express the Alexandrian principles in a more contemporary and embodiment-oriented language.

  • Primary Control

  • Direction/Inhibition

  • End-gaining

  • Non-doing

  • Other related concepts

    • Position of Mechanical Advantage

    • Gravity/antigravity

    • Weight distribution/balance

    • Intention

    • Joints-not-muscles

My training and research have been enriched by other sources, such as Taiji Quan, the writings of Fritjof Capra, Principles of Somatics through writings of Thomas Hanna, a Developmental Movement Sequence presented to me by Carol Swann (Teacher of the A.T.) and Martha Eddy (expert in the area of contemporary Somatics), and Feldenkrais. Whenever something in my teaching has been influenced by one or more of these areas, I will state it clearly. However, the work presented is strictly based on Alexander’s principles.

Participant preparation recommendations:

  • An open space, with or without mirrors, with plenty of room to explore your kinesphere and movements around the space.

  • Review the first chapter of The Use of the Self and come prepared to move.

About Bobby

Bobby Rosenberg (American Society for the Alexander Technique) was certified in 1989 by Frank Ottiwell as a Teacher of the AT. In 1990 he became the pioneer of the AT in Bogotá, Colombia, where he has lived and worked for 36 years. Since 1995 he has taught at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, co-founding and coordinating the Somatics Area in the Performing Arts Department, teaching Alexander Technique, Taiji Quan, Principles of Somatics I and II, Basic Somatic Techniques and Somatics Laboratory. His certified school for training Alexander Teachers in Colombia (ETAC) graduated its first students in 2012. He is now retired from the University and dedicated to research and writing, with occasional lessons, lectures, or classes. A long-time member of AmSAT, he currently sits on the Professional Conduct Committee.

 

Instructor: Bobby Rosenberg
Date: October 21, 2026
Time: 11am Pacific / 2pm Eastern USA (1 hour)
Where: Online through Zoom
Cost: Donation (There is no donation too small or too large!)

REGISTER HERE THROUGH EVENTBRITE