November 5, 2009 in Washington Voices

Mapping the body’s flow

Instructor teaches how physical awareness improves a performer’s abilities and talents

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William Conable demonstrates the Alexander Technique to viola player Kelsi Garvin, of Spokane, on Saturday at Holy Names Music Center. The technique improves ease and freedom of movement, balance, flexibility and coordination. It has become a valued tool for for actors, dancers, musicians and athletes.
(Full-size photo)

Imagine you’re looking at a map of Spokane. You note that Division Street is a four-lane, north-south street. You decide to drive north on Division Street from Gonzaga University. To your surprise, you discover it’s not Division – it’s Ruby Street, and it’s one way. Turns out your map is several years out of date.

William Conable, emeritus professor of music at Ohio State University, said human beings have maps of their bodies tucked within their brains. “We use this map to give our bodies instruction for movement,” he explained. And sometimes those maps are faulty. “Almost everyone has something …

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