Sara Shepherd

After 10 years as a registered nurse, the Alexander Technique helped me delay, then cancel scheduled back surgery. I came early to recognize the benefits of a strong, aligned structure with easeful, fluid movements.
The Technique came with other glorious benefits, including increased energy and a sense of vitality, a deep sense of presence and ability to enter the state of flow, a poised composure and new social ease, enhanced freedom and enjoyment in movement, even my voice changed.
This all invited a change of heart and career. I qualified as a STAT trained teacher (1600 contact hours) in Australia 2001.
It was whilst working with tight jawed athletes in the Alps, that lead me to find a way of applying feather light, energetic touch to the face, first releasing tension in the jaw, and leading me to explore the interconnectivity of the entire face, tongue and throat. I have since taught this work on Alexander teacher training courses, and in acting schools. I remain moved by the aesthetic and resonant beauty of a mobile, expressive face - regardless of age.
With 25 years of teaching the Technique, I continue to collect and develop skills. Comfortably mixing methods from Alexander’s original strengthening alignment work, with the more modern emphasis on freedom and stress relief. There are significant synergistic benefits to this broad, adaptive approach.
Now living in North County Dublin, and having taught students from all walks of life. I have been a guest teacher at Alexander training schools, Melbourne’s National Theatre, The Drama Lab, Bow Street and more recently spent 3 years teaching at The Lir. I have a special interest in teaching voice, through poise, to performers, public speakers and presenters.
Teaching both individual and group sessions, my lessons are adapted to students focus and need. Gently guiding the body, verbally and with light touch, into the alignment of maximin efficiency, minimal effort, inviting spatial awareness and easeful breathing allows us to release tension from harmful habitual patterns of tension. Once embodied, the student can apply the Alexander Technique to any situation in life, any time, independent of a teacher, time or props.
My lessons are largely active and practical. Applying poise to the practicalities of living allows life to expand with ease, allowing us more energy to enjoy it.